Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Bengaluru amidst a rousing welcome by party workers, inaugurated the new campus of Dr B R Ambedkar School of Economics (BASE) University and unveiled a statue of Ambedkar on Monday.

In a state that is heading for elections in 2023, Modi will attend several events in Bengaluru and Mysuru, which includes a visit to BASE, IISc, Chamundi hills among others.

The BASE University’s academic activities commenced in 2017 and was established in recognition of the contributions made by Ambedkar and commenced functioning on his 125th birth anniversary. BASE was envisioned to operate on the lines of the London School of Economics.

The campus is sited on 43.35 acres of land at Jnana Bharati campus off Bangalore University premises. The 13 blocks were set up here at an approximate cost of Rs 250 crore.

What started off with an intake of 50 students was given a Unitary University status in the year 2019. Currently, BASE offers admission to 250 students. In alignment with the National Education Policy guidelines, five-year integrated M.Sc. in Economics, two-year M.Sc. in Economics and two-year M.Sc. in Financial Economics are being offered here. The University will also offer Ph.D. programmes.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, besides state cabinet ministers accompanied him.

Earlier in the day, Modi made his first stop at the Indian Institute of Science where a Centre for Brain Research was inaugurated. The foundation stone of the Bagchi-Parthasarathy Multispecialty Hospital, which has been established by a contribution of Rs 350 crore from donors, aimed at treating cancer patients was laid.

Meanwhile, social media users also questioned the government over the need to inaugurate an already functional institute. “For your information BASE is semi functional and already 3 batches graduated. Another stunt by our great actor,” a Twitter user wrote.

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