Modi holds roadshow in Tumakuru, attacks Congress on NEP issue

TUMAKURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a roadshow in Tumakuru district, which he later said was unplanned. The PM greeted and waved at the crowd standing on the running board of the vehicle.

Later, addressing a rally at the Junior College grounds here, with 12 candidates on the stage including incumbent ministers B C Nagesh and J C Madhuswamy, the PM said he did not have any plan to hold a roadshow, but seeing the crowds gathered, he decided to go ahead with it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a rally in Tumakuru on Friday.

Attacking the Congress for announcing in its manifesto that it will reject the National Education Policy (NEP) if it comes to power, the PM said it was implemented based on the recommendations of former ISRO chairman Dr K Kasturirangan committee.

“The NEP allows children to study in regional languages up to whatever level they choose, but the Congress is opposed to it as its love for English is more. Shouldn’t children of poor people become doctors and engineers? But the Congress doesn’t want this and the upcoming election is an opportunity to teach the party a lesson”, he said.

Pointing out that competitive exams were now being conducted in Kannada too, the Prime Minister said the Congress had cheated the youths and warned against giving the reins of power to that party. “The BJP government is working to improve the field of education and has brought in the NEP”, he added.

Pointing out that several major industries had set up plants in Tumakuru district, the PM said the youths had benefitted with employment opportunities. The HAL also set up new helicopter plant here, he noted and added that more stress has been given to improving the security of the country.

He also reiterated that the BJP is committed to making Karnataka the No. 1 state and listed out the various welfare and development schemes taken up by the double engine government.