By BD Narayankar
Bengaluru, April 20 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has voiced 'serious concern' over the deteriorating security situation in Bengaluru and Karnataka, citing a series of alarming incidents, including the gruesome murder of Neha Hiremath in Hubbali and Rameshwaram Cafe blast.
Addressing an election rally in Bengaluru on Saturday, Modi sharply criticised the Congress government for promoting what he described as a dangerous mindset, leading to a rise in violence and unrest in the state.
"The kind of thoughts and mentality that the Congress government is promoting here is also very dangerous. Here our daughters are being attacked, bombs are being dropped on the market. On reciting bhajans and kirtans, attacks are taking place," the PM said.
Pointing to the recent attacks on women, bombings in markets, and assaults during religious gatherings as evidence of the escalating turmoil under the Congress-led administration, he expressed grave concern over the situation.
Urging the residents of Bengaluru and Karnataka to remain vigilant, Modi appealed, "And that is why I will appeal to the brothers of Bengaluru and Karnataka to remain very alert from Congress."
He accused the Congress party and the INDI Alliance of targeting him and his family with false allegations. He asserted that these political groups are spreading misinformation to tarnish his reputation.
Contrary to these allegations, the Prime Minister emphasised his focus on the development of the country, aiming to propel India into the 21st century with advancements and improvements.
Modi aimed at the opposition's election campaign tactics, accusing them of recycling old strategies. He remarked, "In this election, the INDI alliance and its partners are playing an old 'record'."
The PM further emphasised the importance of track records, suggesting that his party and allies seek the people's blessings based on their proven performance and achievements.
He also launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of neglecting Bengaluru's development and focusing solely on corruption. Modi emphasised the developmental strides made under the central government's leadership, particularly highlighting the expansion of the Namma Metro network.
He said, "Congress has turned Bengaluru from a tax city into a tanker city. The budget is being diverted from agriculture to urban infrastructure, with Congress seemingly more concerned about corruption than addressing the city's issues."
Highlighting the progress made in Bengaluru's infrastructure, the Prime Minister pointed out the significant growth of the Namma Metro network. "In 2014, the Namma Metro network spanned only 17 km. Today, it has expanded to over 70 km, showcasing the rapid advancements in urban transportation under the central government's initiatives," he added.
Modi lauded Bengaluru as a "powerhouse of Yuva Shakti and Yuva talent". However, he criticised the Congress party and the INDI alliance, accusing them of being "anti-tech."
He stressed the global recognition of India's digital advancements and fintech sector. The PM highlighted the widespread praise for the Digital India initiative but took a swipe at the Congress party's historical opposition to key technological initiatives.
"Today, the entire world is praising digital India and fintech. However, forget not that Congress was against Aadhaar. Congress was against Jan Dhan accounts. They mocked Digital payments," Modi said.
The Prime Minister expressed a strong commitment to the people of India, highlighting the collaboration between the JDS and BJP parties in fulfilling the dreams of the citizens.
"To fulfill your dreams, JDS and BJP have come together. Therefore, I guarantee that your dreams are my resolve," Modi said, underscoring the unity and shared goals of the two political parties.
Emphasising his unwavering dedication to the nation and its people, he said, "My life is dedicated to you and the country." This declaration reinforces his commitment to serving the interests of the Indian populace and advancing the nation's development.
Furthermore, he made a promise of round-the-clock service, pledging to work continuously for the nation's progress. "I promise 24/7 for 2047," he affirmed, indicating his commitment to providing relentless service until the year 2047.
He also highlighted the benefits of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), emphasising the reduction in indirect taxes and subsequent savings for consumers. Modi said, "Before 2014, there were a slew of indirect taxes. However, after the introduction of the GST, indirect taxes have been reduced. This has helped you save thousands of rupees."
One of the examples cited by the Prime Minister to illustrate the impact of GST was the significant reduction in the price of LED bulbs. He noted, "An LED bulb which used to cost around Rs 400, now costs only Rs 40."
The GST, implemented in July 2017, replaced multiple indirect taxes levied by both the central and state governments, streamlining the taxation system and reducing the overall tax burden on consumers and businesses.
The introduction of GST aimed to create a unified tax structure, simplifying compliance for taxpayers and promoting economic growth.
Since its implementation, GST has been credited with reducing prices for many goods and services by eliminating the cascading effect of taxes and improving efficiency in the tax collection system.
The Prime Minister attributed India's remarkable economic transformation over the past decade to the support of the Indian electorate.
He recalled the pivotal role played by voters in 2014 and 2019 in helping form a strong government, resulting in a robust leadership that has significantly contributed to India's growth trajectory.
"In 2014 and 2019, you helped form a strong government by making us win by record votes. This, in turn, made India strong," Modi said.
Highlighting the economic challenges faced by India in 2014, the Prime Minister noted that the country was among the 'Fragile Five' economies, with banks in crisis and foreign investors wary due to various scams.
However, he emphasised that today, India has emerged as one of the top five economies globally, with a thriving export and manufacturing sector.
"Today, all the countries of the world want to associate with India and invest in India. India is exporting and manufacturing in record numbers," he stated.
Further underscoring India's improved global standing, the PM highlighted that India now takes the lead as a 'first mover' on the world stage, signifying its growing autonomy and influence. "Today, India does not follow any country. It has become a first mover, instead. You have witnessed this transformation in the last 10 years," he added.
Modi attributed this transformative journey directly to the power of the individual vote, and urged citizens to recognise the impact of their voting choices on the nation's future, emphasising the significance of democratic participation. "This transformation can be attributed to your one vote!" he concluded.
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