Bengaluru, May 9 (IANS) Referring to the BJP’s political gains in West Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the day was historic for followers of the party’s ideology, asserting that the “saffron flag” had now been hoisted in the land of personalities such as Sri Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

HM Shah was addressing the ‘Abhimanotsava’ event organised in Chitradurga in central Karnataka to felicitate former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa for completing 50 years in public life. He also referred to the coincidence of the felicitation event being held on the same day as the swearing-in of a BJP government in West Bengal.

“For those who revere Bharat Mata and dedicate their lives to our ideology, this is a historic day. In the land where great personalities like Sri Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Syama Prasad Mookerjee were born, the saffron flag has now been hoisted,” Home Minister Shah said.

“When the date for this felicitation was fixed, we did not know it would coincide with the day a BJP Chief Minister would take oath in West Bengal. On the same day, we are celebrating Yediyurappa’s 50 years of political and public service,” HM Shah said.

Praising Yediyurappa’s personality and humility, HM Shah said the veteran BJP leader had always remained grounded despite occupying high office.

“Yediyurappa has always lived with humility. His speech was originally scheduled before mine, but I insisted that today belongs to Yediyurappa. He should speak after me, and I will listen to his speech till the end,” he said.

Sharing personal experiences, Home Minister Shah said he had campaigned alongside Yediyurappa during three general elections and urged young BJP workers to learn from his discipline and dedication.

“Yediyurappa writes down the names of people he meets and their issues in a small pocket diary. There is much for party workers like us to learn from him,” he said.

HM Shah also praised Yediyurappa for supporting religious institutions and memorials dedicated to martyrs.

“Only a person who truly loves society and wants to take it forward can do such work,” he said.

The Union Home Minister further credited Yediyurappa with helping place Bengaluru on the global map and maintaining communal harmony in Karnataka.

“He chose not to become part of the Union government because he wanted to bring the BJP to power in Karnataka and serve as Chief Minister. I have seen people who become Union Ministers and still aspire to become Chief Minister,” HM Shah remarked.

Referring to a controversy surrounding a promised memorial in Chitradurga, HM Shah clarified that the assurance had been made during election campaigning, but the Congress later formed the government in Karnataka.

“However, that does not matter. We have Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the memorial will certainly be built here,” he said.

Paying tribute to Chitradurga’s historical figures, HM Shah praised Madakari Nayaka and Onake Obavva for their bravery and contribution to the region’s history.

“Madakari Nayaka defeated Hyder Ali and protected the independence of this region. I salute him today,” HM Shah said.

He also hailed the courage of Onake Obavva, saying her bravery in fighting Hyder Ali’s soldiers continued to inspire women across the country.

“I thank Obavva from the depths of my heart,” he added.

–IANS

mka/pgh