Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (DV)

Bengaluru, Dec 25: "Atal Bihari Vajpayee is the only politician who dedicated and sacrificed his entire life to the country and is respected by everyone beyond party lines in the country," said BJP state president and Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.

He was addressing the gathering at 'Sushasan Diwas' marking the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and 'Kisan Samman Diwas' organised by the district unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in collaboration with Raitha Morcha Karnataka at P V Ramana Pai convention hall here on Friday December 25.

Emphasizing the importance of 'Sushasan Diwas' (Good Governance Day), Nalin Kumar said, "Atal Bihar Vajpayee during his administration ruled without any controversy or blemish. The nuclear test conducted in Pokhran under the guidance of Vajpayee changed India's image globally. He is still revered and respected because of his love for the citizens of the country. Thus, his birthday on December 25 is observed as 'Sushasan Diwas'.

"Vajpayee was the first Prime Minister to provide Kisan cards to the farmers, thereby giving importance to the culture of the land. His thinking was that the country can become stronger only if the Rishi-Krishi wiped the tears of the farmers. Vajpayee dedicated his entire life for the country. His concept of Fasal Bhima Yojana was later introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several others ruled this country for votes and power, but PM Modi is the first person to directly transfer cash into the accounts of the farmers," he said.

On the new agricultural laws and the controversial amendments to APMC Act, he said, "The government has taken this decision to liberate the farmers from the shackles of middlemen and enable farmers to sell their products directly in the open market."

District in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary said, "Atal Bihari Vajpayee is a symbol of sacrifice, dedication, sincerity and patriotism. He is the person who spent his entire life in parliament as a 9-time Lok Sabha member and two-time Rajya Sabha member. Without any corruption or any taint he ruled the country. Hence, he is seen as a role model in politics."

District BJP president Sudarshan Moodbidri and progressive farmer Subash Rai Kademajal also spoke during the occasion.

MLC Pratap Simha Nayak, MLAs Vedvyas Kamath, Rajesh Naik, Umanath Kotian and others were present.

In a virtual address, PM Narendra Modi released Rs 19,000 crore, the first installment of the year directly into the bank accounts of 9.5 crore farmers in the country under the Pradhan Mantri Kissan Samman Nidhi Yojana.