Unlike previous governments, current one believes in speed and scale, says PM

BENGALURU/CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said, unlike previous governments that thought of speed as a luxury and scale as risk, his government considered them as “India’s aspiration” and “strength”.

Addressing a public meeting after unveiling a 108-feet tall statue of the “founder of Bengaluru” Nadaprabhu Kempegowda and inaugurating Terminal 2 of the international airport in the city, the Prime

Minister said that along with physical infrastructure, social infrastructure of the country needs to be strengthened, for India’s growth.

“Previous governments believed speed is a luxury and scale a risk, but we changed this and believe speed is India’s aspiration and scale is India’s strength,” said Modi, who also held a roadshow in the city. “Gone are the days when the country dithered. Now, it is moving ahead full speed.”

The Prime Minister also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Mysuru and Chennai and Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan Train at KSR Railway Station.

“Whether it is governance or developing a physical and digital infrastructure, India is working on a different level,” Modi said. “The world is admiring the strides India has made in the digital payments system, was it thinkable eight years ago?”

With crucial assembly elections scheduled in Karnataka next year, Modi also made a strong pitch for the “double engine” government — a reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government both at the Centre and in the state.

He said Bengaluru had a huge role to play in the global perception that India is the place for startups.

“Bengaluru represents start-up

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils the 108-feet-tall bronze statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in Bengaluru on Friday. spirit, which puts India in a separate league… the state is progressing with the strength of the double-engine government of BJP,” he said.

After inaugurating the new airport terminal, spread over 255,645 square metres, the Prime Minister emphasised that connectivity between cities was key for a truly developed India and stressed on the expansion of India’s air travel capabilities.

Later in the day, the PM visited

Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul to attend the 36th convocation of the Gandhigram Rural Institute. In his address, the PM said the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi have answers for modern day challenges, including climate crisis. He added that his government was inspired by Gandhi to work towards its self-reliance goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

“Whether it is about ending conflicts or the climate crisis, Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas have the answers to many of today’s challenges. As students of the Gandhian way of life, you have a great opportunity to make a big impact,” he said.