Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram on Saturday. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan used the occasion to defend the Prime Minister against recent criticism and likened him to Lord Rama. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut had earlier expressed similar views, noting that many people regard Modi with deep respect. Pawan Kalyan stated that no other leader in India matches the Prime Minister and described national leadership as a divine task similar to Lord Rama’s mission. He urged supporters to consider their role as Hanuman in aiding that effort. Kangana Ranaut, in an Instagram video, highlighted how students and others view the Prime Minister affectionately as an exam buddy, friend or even family member, and warned against disrespecting such sentiments. These remarks came during protests at Jantar Mantar that concluded on July 25 after the government accepted several demands, including the resignation of the Union Education Minister. Modi later responded to abusive language directed at him and his late mother during the demonstrations, calling the protesters misguided youth and advocating guidance over punishment. He stressed the need for strict action against those involved in paper leaks and said reforms in education remain vital.
