Emulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Saturday vowed to not only present a report card on his performance to the people of his constituency after five years, but also work 24x7 just like train services that operate round the clock.
“Train is the symbol of reliable service as it operates day and night throughout the year. I want to be like this,” Mr. Gowda said after being felicitated by BJP workers here.
Mr. Gowda, who was offered flowers and garlands, sought to put an end to the felicitation spree. “I’m not comfortable with being felicitated repeatedly for becoming the Railway Minister though it has been quite a while since I took over this post. This is the last programme where I’m receiving flowers. From today, I will not accept garlands and bouquets. Give me your love, and not garlands and bouquets,” he said.
Mr. Gowda, who shifted his political base from Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency to Bangalore North, said that while he was awaiting his turn to take oath as Minister in Delhi, he was thinking about how so many party workers and leaders had struggled to ensure his success in the election.
“I remembered an incident where a woman vegetable vendor greeted me warmly during the campaign and predicted that I will win. Such incidents have given me strength and confidence and also encouraged me to work hard,” he said.
Earlier, the former Deputy Chief Minister R. Ashok announced that Mr. Gowda was planning to give the green signal for the circular railway project for Bangalore city.
The party’s prominent leaders and legislators from all the eight Assembly constituencies of Bangalore North attended the felicitation programme.
