'Extremely courageous, thought-provoking': Shatrughan heaps praises on PM Modi I-day speech

PATNA: Famous for frequently criticizing PM Narendra Modi, former BJP MP and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha on Sunday sung a different tune and heaped praises on PM for his Independence Day speech.
Sinha termed Modi’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort as “extremely courageous” and “thought-provoking.”
Sinha, who left the BJP after denial of party symbol to contest 2019 general elections from Patna Sahib seat, also lauded Modi for his announcement to create the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

“Since I'm famous or infamous for calling a spade a spade, I must admit here, Hon'ble PM @narendermodi @PMOIndia that your speech from the #RedFort on 15th Aug’19 was extremely courageous, well researched & thought provoking. Superb delivery of the key problems facing the country,” the actor-turned-politician said in a Tweet, which has now became viral in political circles in Bihar.
Sinha said, in another Tweet, that Modi certainly deserved to be “applauded and appreciated” as he “hit the nail right on the head, by speaking out on vital issues with a plan for a forward-looking India”.
“#Water crisis looming large - soon in a couple of years many prominent cities would go dry. Next, the #PopulationExplosion is gigantic - it needs to be handled very carefully soon, sooner the better. Say goodbye to plastic - #noplasticuse, Enhancing #domestictourism, & several other key issues. Many before have spoken, but didn't go further with any solid actions or proper road map. Bravo! Kudos! You, certainly deserve to be applauded & appreciated as you have hit the nail right on the head, by speaking out on vital issues with a plan for a forward looking India,” the two-term Lok Sabha member from Patna Sahib said.
“You (Modi) definitely touched an emotional chord with the big move, of #CDS to be appointed (one leader on top of Army, Navy & Air Force). This powerful command can make a difference. You being a friend & guide of the nation, have chosen the right day, time & platform but we are waiting for the escalated, wider, detailed planing & appropriate road map. I humbly suggest - act now, before it is too late, as the nation stands firmly with you,” Sinha said in a series of tweets posted on his official Twitter handle.
Sinha, who always remained critical of Modi, further expressed a wish to speak to the PM over the issue of interlinking of rivers which he said was a dream of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “I could also talk to you if you have the time and inclination on connecting the rivers, a dream of our beloved former PM #AtalBihariVajpayee, like the 'Sagar Mala' project. This would be tremendously beneficial in controlling the floods and drought situation of the country,” the shotgun said in yet another tweet.
In the last of the eight tweets, Shatrughan made a “polite request” to Modi, saying “if the river interlinking project could be announced next year on Independence Day, it would be like 'Sone Pe Suhaga'. I would also be happy to contribute to this constructive and positive approach. Jai Hind."
Sinha’s tweets have become talk of the town in the state capital here as he was well-known for making sarcastic remarks on Modi for different issues.