Prime Minister Narendra Modi after inaugurating Shivamogga airport, which was developed at a cost of Rs 450 crores, greeted senior BJP leader and former Karnataka CM BS Yeddiyurappa on his 80th birthday.
While addressing people at Shivamogga after inaugurating the airport and laying foundation stones for several development projects, PM Modi urged people to flash their mobile phone lights in honour of the former Chief Minister. He heaped praises on the senior BJP leader for putting in efforts for the development of Karnataka.
"Today is special for one more reason. It's the birthday of Karnataka's popular leader BS Yediyurappa. I pray for his long life. He dedicated his life to the poor & farmers' welfare. His speech in the Karnataka Assembly last week is an inspiration for everyone leading a public life," PM Modi said as quoted by news agency ANI.
"Even after reaching the heights of success, how there should be humility in one's behaviour - this speech of BS Yediyurappa and his life has always been inspiring for people like us and even for generations to come," he added.
Ahead of the public rally in Shivamogga, the Prime Minister was seen walking together with former CM Yeddiyurappa.
Yeddiyurappa in 2022, passed on the baton to his son BY Vijayendra as he announced that he wouldn't be contesting from the Shikaripura constituency in Shivamogga district and sought people's support for his son. However, Yeddiyurappa's son said that his father has passed on the baton to him but it's for the high command to decide, Vijayendra told NDTV.