Addressing a massive gathering in Mysuru’s Maharaja Grounds, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress government in Karnataka led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of hampering the growth of the state. He also spoke at length about the schemes, projects and policies undertaken by his government.

A sea of supporters waved BJP flags and chanted “Modi-Modi” as the PM announced two major projects for the people of Mysuru – the Karnataka CM’s home turf.

The PM said that the 117 kilometre Bengaluru-Mysuru national highway will be converted into a six-lane highway at a cost of over Rs 6400 crore.

The project will be completed in two phases. The first phase will involve the expansion of the highway from Bengaluru to Nidaghatta while the second phase, which will mark the completion of the project, will start from Nidaghatta and end at Mysuru.

Besides roadways, the PM also announced a major railway project.

“A world class satellite railway station will be built at Naganahalli at a cost of more than Rs 800 crore,” the PM said pointing out that it will help ease the pressure off the Mysuru railway station where more platforms can’t be constructed.

“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to inaugurate several programmes for the people of Karnataka,” the PM said.

Underlining the need to strengthen the railway network for the benefit of the poorest of the poor, Modi said that his government has been working at it since 2014.

The PM, who addressed the rally after flagging off the Humsafar Express train from Mysuru to Udaipur in Rajasthan, said that tourism is one of the sectors which can generate maximum employment from minimum investment.

“Mysuru is like a tourist destination. Today, it (the Humsafar Express) is not just a train between Mysuru and Udaipur but a backbone of tourism. Tourism requires least capital investment and provides the most employment,” the PM said adding that the train connects four dynamic states in western India.

The PM also spoke about the various policies undertaken by his government such as the government’s commitment to housing and the Mudra Yojana, under which more than 10 crore loans have been sanctioned to the people.

Laying out his plans for the growth of Karnataka and exhorting the people to vote out Congress, the PM said that the ruling government in the state is acting like a “speed-breaker” on the road.

Earlier today, the PM also attended the Bahubali Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav at Shravanabelagola, where he inaugurated a general hospital.