New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday visited the Veerabhadra temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, just six days before the grandeur Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Addressing a gathering in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, PM Modi said the expanse of Lord Ram's life, his inspiration is much beyond devotion, and that he is a symbol of good governance in social life, reported ANI.
He made several references to Lord Ram during his speech by saying that the entire country is "Rammay".
"The entire country is Rammay, is filled with devotion to Lord Ram but Lord Ram's life expanse, his inspiration, faith...is much beyond devotion. Lord Ram is a symbol of governance, good govrernance in social life, which can be a big inspiration for your institution," he said.
He further stated that the BJP government's priority is to fight against corruption and take appropriate action against corruptors.
"Fight against corruption and action against corruptors were our govt's priority...you all must have got information on the Niti Aayog report that was released yesterday. When a govt is sensitive about poor people and when a govt works with a clear motive to eliminate the sufferings of poor, there will be results. Niti Aayog has said that, in our 9 years govt, around 25 crore people have escaped poverty. In the country where for years there were slogans of 'Garibi hatao', 25 crore people escaped poverty in 9 years, it is historic," he added.
"In the past 10 years, we made several reforms to the tax system, the tax system which existed earlier was not easily understandable to the common people. Due to a lack of guidance, honest taxpayers and businessmen were affected. In the form of GST, we introduced a modern tax system. Govt made the Income Tax system also easy. We started a faceless tax assessment system in the country. Because of all these reforms, record tax collection happening in the country now."
PM Modi offered prayers at the Veerabhadra temple and listened to verses from the Ranganatha Ramayan, a rendition of the epic in Telugu. The PM said people believe that Lord Ram had interacted with Jatayu near this place, reported ANI.
PM Modi also inaugurated the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) institute in Palasamudram, Andhra Pradesh.
Modi expressed confidence that NACIN will create new dimensions for good governance, and will propel trade and commerce in India. NACIN should provide India with a modern ecosystem for trade and commerce, PM said, reported ANI.