In a veiled attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that after Independence, new construction took place only for a “few families from Delhi”, but his government brought the country out of this “narrow thinking” and is building new monuments of national importance. Speaking after virtually inaugurating a newly-built circuit house near the famous Somnath temple in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, he said that earlier there used to be hesitation in talking about our religious and cultural heritage.

“Our ancestors have left many things for us, but there was hesitation in talking about our rich religious and cultural heritage,” Modi, who is also the chairman of Somnath Temple Trust, said.

“After Independence, new construction took place only for a few families from Delhi. We have brought the country out of this narrow thinking and are building new national monuments and adding glory to the existing ones,” he added.

For the development of tourism sector, four things are required – cleanliness, facilities, respect for tourists’ time and a modern mindset – the prime minister said.

He also said that development of religious or heritage places will give a boost to the economy of the areas they are located in.