Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Highlights
- PM Modi made indirect remarks over the Agnipath scheme
- The Prime Minister was speaking in Bengaluru during a launch event of developmental initiatives
- His remarks have come amid widespread protests taking place in the country over new scheme
Agnipath Scheme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that many decisions and reforms may seem unpleasant initially, but over time, the country feels the benefits of those reforms.
The Prime Minister's remarks appear to be indirectly centered on the recently launched Centre's new Army recruitment policy which has been criticized mainly by many job aspirants, ex-servicemen, and the opposition, with widespread protests continuing in the country.
PM Modi made these remarks during a launch event of several developmental schemes in Karnataka's Bengaluru.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi observed that the 21st century India belongs to wealth and job creators and innovators, who are the country's true strength. The government has been promoting them for the last eight years.
"The path of startup and innovation is not the one with ease, and taking the country on this path for the last eight years was also not easy. Several decisions and reforms may be unpleasant temporarily, but with time their benefits can be experienced by the country," Modi said.
Addressing after inaugurating or laying the foundation for various developmental works, he said, "The path of reforms can alone take us towards new targets and new resolve… we have opened up the space and Defence sector which for decades were under government control."
Noting that Bengaluru has shown what Indian youth can achieve if the government gives facilities and interferes less in the lives of citizens, Modi said Bengaluru is the city of dreams for the youth of India, and entrepreneurship; innovation and right use of public and private sectors are the main reasons behind it.
"Bengaluru teaches those people to change their mindset, who even today degrade India's private sector and private enterprise. These power-minded people weigh the strength of the country and the capacity of crores of Indians low,” he said.
Averring that the promise that the "double-engine" government had given, can be seen getting realised today, Modi said the projects launched today will support ease of living and ease of doing business.
Bengaluru is the true reflection of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', and the city's progress is linked to progress of lakhs of dreams, he said, adding that the double-engine government is committed for the all-round development of the city, both in terms of livelihood and infrastructure.
He further said there was a 40-year delay in implementation of the Suburban Railway project for Bengaluru. If they were completed on time they wouldn't have put pressure on the city's infrastructure and have strengthened it further.
"I don't want to waste time and will work every minute..." he added.
BJP lambasts Congress over hateful comments against Prime Minister
Meanwhile, the BJP on Monday slammed the Congress for "hateful" comments of its leaders against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asserted that people's love for him has been increasing as is the opposition party's "hatred" for him.
BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi cited several instances of Congress leaders' objectionable comments against Modi over the years and asked the opposition party if it has expelled or taken any disciplinary action against anyone.
There are more than 80 such instances, he said.
His comments came hours after Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Subodh Kant Sahai alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is behaving like Adolf Hitler and "will die like Hitler" if he follows the path of the German dictator. | READ MORE
The Congress, however, distanced itself from the statement made at the party's 'Satyagraha' protest at Jantar Mantar here against the Centre's Agnipath scheme, saying it does not endorse any indecent remarks against the prime minister.
Addressing a press conference, Trivedi also said that BJP members, including its top leaders like Modi and party president J P Nadda, will observe International Yoga Day at over 75,000 places on Tuesday.
PM Modi will take part in a yoga session in Karnataka while Nadda will be in Noida.
Over 500 trains cancelled, other disruptions during Bandh call today
Road and rail traffic was partially affected in some regions on Monday during a 'Bharat bandh' called against the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, while protests appeared to taper off in many states, with authorities stepping up security and imposing curbs after days of unrest.
The Army issued a notification for compulsory online registration of all Agnipath job aspirants from July, as the Centre appeared firm on implementing the scheme despite the Congress and other opposition parties upping the ante against the Modi government and the BJP.
The Railways cancelled 529 trains as operations remained disrupted due to the protests. These included 181 mail/express trains and 348 passengers trains, the Railways said in a statement.
Authorities said that the bandh call was given on social media and did not name the organisations behind it.
Massive traffic jams were witnessed on Delhi roads as restrictions were in place due to the bandh and the Satyagraha protest by Congress over the Centre's Agnipath scheme and the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate.
The country is witnessing widespread protests against the new recruitment policy for the armed forces. Ever since the scheme was announced on June 14, several states saw violent protests with Bihar, and Jharkhand among the worst-hit.
Unruly mob charred trains, damaged railway stations, public property, politicians' homes while cops struggled to control the protesters.
(With inputs from PTI)
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