Narendra Modi in Karnataka updates: PM assails Congress on first day of campaigning; Siddaramaiah has 5 questions to ask

PM slams Congress for criticising welfare measures for women 

“The Congress government and the present chief minister (Siddaramaiah) is insensitive towards the plight of sugarcane farmers in the Karnataka. They did nothing for their welfare,” Modi said at a public meeting in Jamakhandi. 

Modi also questioned the state government for failing to deliver on the promise of building textile parks. “I urge the people of Bagalkot to ask a question to the Karnataka chief minister. Ask him about his promise of textile parks. Ask him what happened to that promise. Is there a single textile park here? He did not fulfil his promises,” he said. He also spoke of the Centre’s SAATHI scheme for the weaver community.

Modi also slammed the Opposition for criticising welfare measures for women. “I do not understand why the Congress mocks noble initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, building toilets and other welfare measures being undertaken for women,” Modi said in Jamakhandi according to Hindustan Times.

Congress has always disliked and humiliated Dr Ambedkar, tweets Modi

“Inspired by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, NDA government has undertaken many efforts to positively transform the lives of the SC and ST communities. On the contrary, Congress has always disliked and humiliated Dr Ambedkar,” Modi said in a tweet.

The tweet also had a video which displayed Modi slamming the Congress for ignoring the interests of Dalits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier said that the party had also insulted the architect of India’s Constitution BR Ambedkar.

“The Congress has insulted Ambedkar. They have never accepted him. The Congress never had any time for him,” Modi said at a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally in Chitradurga, about 200 km northwest of Bengaluru. 

Narendra Modi tweets about Chitradurga, Raichur and Bagalkot rallies

Narendra Modi posted a tweet about his rallies in Chitradurga, Raichur and Bagalkot distrcits, saying he spoke of issues such as rural development, better irrigation networks for farmers, housing, enhanced connectivity and invigorating Karnataka’s agriculture sector.

Siddaramaiah slams Narendra Modi for speaking at ’low level’, says PM’s language does not befit the office he holds 

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to hurl barbs such as “seedha rupaiah sarkar” to target him, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday lashed out at him for making “personal attacks” and speaking at a “low level”.

The prime minister was using a language that did not befit the office he held, the Congress leader said, taking exception to Modi calling his dispensation a “10 percent government” and “seedha rupaiah sarkar” while attacking him over alleged corruption.

Siddaramaiah also mocked the Karnataka BJP, saying it solely depended on the prime minister as regards the 12 May state Assembly polls as it had no leader with a “face value”.

“We expected a dignified language from him (Modi). But what he spoke was the BJP’s language and not the one of a civilised person. He spoke at a very low level…this is not the language of the prime minister,” he told reporters in Bengaluru. —PTI

BJP invoking Pakistan for electoral gains, says Pakistan’s foreign affairs spokesperson 

Pakistani foreign affairs spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal took to his personal Twitter account to say that the saffron party is invoking Pakistan for electoral gains.

“BJP’s concoctions continue unabated. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka, Pakistan is sadly invoked to try to get electoral gains within India. People see through these desperate games. Contest elections on your own issues and on your own strength; don’t drag Pakistan into it,” he tweeted. 

 In ’terror-tainted’ Bhatkal, Hindu-Muslim divide polarises voters as well as decides candidates

Bhatkal is no ordinary constituency. Call Bhatkal a “terror town” in front of a Bhatkali and you are more than likely to see a frown, a serious look of disapproval on his face. Unfortunately, for this coastal town in Karnataka, the involvement of terror masterminds Yasin and Riyaz Bhatkal, whose family name of Siddibappa got replaced with the town’s name, meant Bhatkal and terror became synonymous with each other. Just about every Bhatkali resents it and having to put up with an extra layer of security check at the airport the moment the officer sees the name ‘Bhatkal’ on the passport.

Meanwhile, BJP president Amit Shah holds a roadshow in South Belagavi

Modi calls out ‘divisive politics’ of Congress

“I urge people of Karnataka to remain vigilant of the divisive politics of the Congress. We will not accept any division of Karnataka on the basis of caste,” Narendra Modi said during a public meeting in Jamakhandi.

Modi slams Opposition for questioning surgical strikes
 

“Shamelessly, the Congress questions the valour of the army when they conducted the surgical strikes,”  Narendra Modi said in Jamakhandi.

Modi also accused the grand old party of supporting antinational elements. “Congress leaders are standing on the stage with the antinational people who chant slogans like ‘Bharat tere tukde honge,’ they give such people their ashiravaad,” Modi said at the public meeting.

Congress only recalling Bhagwan Basaveshwara’s name as elections are nearing, says PM

“People of Karnataka are well aware of Congress’ thinking towards Bhagwan Basaveshwara. They are only recalling His name as elections are nearing,” Narendra Modi said in Jamakhandi. “It was during Atal ji’s (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) leadership, that a statue of Bhagwaan Basaveshwara was put up in the Parliament,” he added.

PM says ‘arrogant’ Congress did not have the ‘courtesy’ to call the president after his election 

“In a democracy, to win or to lose is a part of elections. One must accept their defeat. But the Congress are ‘naamdaars’. They did not congratulate us, the ‘kaamdaars’. Such is their arrogance that they even did not pay a courtesy call to the president upon his win,” Narendra Modi said at a rally in Jamakhandi. 

“A Dalit was chosen as president. Even after a year, Sonia Gandhi has not given a courtesy call,” he added at the rally.

Raichur man gets Narendra Modi’s face tattooed on his back 

Basvaraj, who attended Narendra Modi’s Raichur rally, said to ANI that it took him 15 hours to get a massive tattoo of Narendra Modi’s face on his back. He said that he will never forget the day he attended the rally and said the prime minister has “done good work in four years.”

Narendra Modi addresses public meeting at Jamakhandi in Karnataka. Watch it live here: 

As Congress and BJP spar while campaigning in Karnataka, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut says  Congress will emerge as ’number one party’ in state

The Congress would emerge as the “number one party” in the Karnataka Assembly elections, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said on Sunday, taking a swipe at the BJP for mobilising the “entire central machinery” for state campaigns.

Slamming Yogi Adityanath, the Sena’s Rajya Sabha MP said the seriousness with which the Uttar Pradesh chief minister took his duties became evident when he was seen campaigning in Karnataka while his own state reeled under a dust storm.

**Siddaramaiah reacts to Modi’s jab at Congress for celebrating ‘**jayantis of Sultans’, says PM polarising society by highlighting just one event 

Accusing the Congress of distorting history as part of a conspiracy to divide society, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flayed the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka for celebrating the “jayantis of Sultans” for the sake of “vote bank politics”.

In retaliation, the Karnataka chief minister tweeted that the state celebrates over 30 such birth anniversaries, “We celebrate birth anniversaries of about 30 leader, saints and builders of Karnataka. PM, with eyes on the votes, is trying to polarise our society by highlighting one of them: Tipu Sultan. Now who is doing ‘vote bank politics?’” Siddaramaiah asked.  

BJP, Congress turn Karnataka polls into auction with lollipops; saffron party bets big on cows

It’s not that Hindus in Karnataka revere the cow less than those in other parts of India, but cow protection and even Ram temple have less emotive and electoral appeal in the south in general, than in the north. Any fresh laws on cattle slaughter, even with the pious intention of protecting a pious animal, four years after Modi came to power, can only stir up in people’s minds images of so-called vigilantes slaughtering cattle transporters, and it’s not a good thing for the BJP as far as Karnataka is concerned. If the BJP lost power in 2013, it can count its obsession with Hindutva-related issues and moral policing among the many reasons for it.

But the BJP can rest assured about one thing: at least the Congress won’t copy its promise on cow protection.

Meanwhile, home minister Rajnath Singh holds a bike rally during a campaign for Chickpet candidate Uday B Garudachar

RECAP: Modi slams Karnataka government’s decision to celebrate the birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan

During a rally in Chitradurga, Narendra Modi recalled Onake Obavva, a woman from the 18th century Chitradurga kingdom who fought against then Sultan of Kingdom of Mysore Hyder Ali. Modi added: “Sadly, the Congress forgets these brave men and women and instead celebrates the Jayantis of Sultans.” 

“It is time for Karnataka to bid farewell to the Congress, which is unconcerned about people’s welfare,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister  Siddaramaiah fired a salvo against BJP chief Amit Shah on the same issue, “Poor Amit Shah you are so desperate. Nothing is working. Tippu, Pakistan etc. do not help you. Tell us about how you betrayed people of North Karnataka after promising to resolve Mahadayi. Basavanna has said “don’t tell lies.” But the “Shah of lies” cant help himself!” he tweeted.

When the Lok Sabha elections arrive, the Congress party with 400 MPs will get stuck at 40 MPs, Modi says in Raichur

‘India being hailed all around the world because of the people’

Narendra Modi on Congress’ ‘dynasty politics’

Narendra Modi concludes rally in Raichur

Narendra Modi concluded his Raichur rally with chants of “Change the government, let BJP emerge victorious”.

Modi hits out at JD(S)

“People are spreading rumours about a hung Assembly. JD(S) is far behind,” said Modi.

Modi talks about women safety laws

“The crimes against women are always in news. The issue is that with such vicious mindsets, some people assault our daughters. Our govt has brought in a law to hang rapists,” said Modi.

Congress buried Swaminathan Commisison report, says Modi

“The Swaminathan Commission report, during Sonia’s rule, was never opened. When we came to power, we ensured the farmers get 1.5 times of MSP to cover their costs. I want to congratulate farmer-friend Yeddyurappa and Karnataka BJP. In the manifesto, they said they will launch a Raithabandhu fund,” said Modi

“In Maharashtra too, we have droughts. But after BJP came to power there, a de-silting process was launched. Congress govt here promised to complete the process here in 5 years for the Tungabhadra dam,” said Modi.

Will continue fighting Congress’ corrupt system: Modi

“Look at this corrupt Congress system. In Sonia Gandhi’s time, LED bulb was sold at Rs 350 and now with BJP in power, it is just Rs30-40. Who received the Rs 300? Shouldn’t we fight this? I promise you that I will continue fighting against this corrupt system,” said Modi.

‘Sleeping Karnataka CM is not bothered about Raichur’s electricity problem’: Modi

“Raichur is known as the rice bowl. It cries for water. But this Congress govt knows how to milk cream from water too. Will such people do anything for the state?” said Modi. 

“Our Raichur is Karnataka’s main switch in terms of electricity. In Bengaluru, the chief minister gets 24 hours of electricity, but in Raichur, where electricity is generated, people sit in the dark,” said Modi.

Anti-OBC Congress should be punished in Karnataka, says Modi

“Anti-OBC Congress must be punished in Karnataka, or not?” asked Modi, to which people replied a resounding “Yes”. “My government is committed to the upliftment of the poor. Today, the Centre, provides free food for the poor form the taxpayer’s money. But the Karnataka government never tells you that Central funds are used as well,” said Modi. 

“Congress has an excellent system of looting. Those who should have ration card, they don’t have it. Middlemen fleeced them. Ration cards with fake names were given ration cards. That was the Congress ecosystem. 

But we introduced the Jan Dhan, Aadhar to fight all this. More than 1.5 crore fake ration cards were unearthed. We stopped all of it, and deposited all that money’s in the poor man’s account,” claimed Modi.

Karnataka govt must give account of what they’ve done for state: Modi

Congress’ mantra is to spread lies, says Narendra Modi

“Congress newest mantra is: speak lies, lie as many times as possible, lie loudly, lie again, the Congress has launched a campaign to spread lies. The ecosystem is such people around them spread all these rumours. So till the polls, be careful and understand what Congress is trying to do,” said Modi in Raichur. 

“Congress doesn’t let the Parliament function. They are afraid Modi is actually doing some work and so they disrupt the functioning. But BJP is committed to people’s development and nobody can stop us as much as others try to,” said the prime minister.

Congress is being rooted out from every corner of India: Modi

“Congress is being rooted out from every corner of the country. The same will happen in Karnataka,” Modi said to loud chants. “Now, nobody can save the Congress. For 70 years, Congress has deceived the poor, made the fools,” said Modi before being interrupted by a supporter who took off his shirt. Modi asked him to put on his shirt.

WATCH: Narendra Modi addressing a rally in Raichur, Karnataka

‘Congress protects the corrupt, makes false promises,’ says Modi

“Who will change people’s future here? The election is here to decide that. The polls are a way to express people’s aspirations. BJP is committed to development while Congress is opposed to it at every step. The Congress protects the corrupt,” Modi said. 

“Congress only makes false promises and never fulfilled any when they were in power. Have they ever given you a account of what they have done for the state? Apart from levelling charges against me, do they have done any other work here? It is time to bid them farewell,” said Modi.

Many sitting in AC rooms and saying there will be a hung Assembly, says Modi

Congress has only divided Karnataka, says Modi in Raichur

“Friends of Raichur, your region is steeped in history and cultural heritage. It is the land of Haridas. Here, lot of traditions have traditions, but it is unfortunate that Congress has learnt nothing from here. If they had learnt something, they would never have committed the sin of diving Karnataka.

Raichur inspires me and BJP, our bond is unbreakable. When people were protesting for a separate statehood here, only Bharatiya Jan Sangh supported you while Congress opposed it,” said Modi.

Narendra Modi recalls his Raichur visit in 1990

The prime minister recalled his fist visit to Raichur and said he attended a sabha at 3 am in the morning. “It seems as though your love is so much that you language is no barrier here. I feel the united India in your love. When you have said that you don’t need translation, I will try to speak slowly so that you all can understand. In a democracy, the people are the top most priority,” Modi said, as the crowds chanted ‘Modi, Modi’.

Visuals from Modi’s rally in Raichur

Modi begins addressing Raichur rally in Kannada

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a rousing welcome in Raichur, Karnataka when he began his speech in Kannada. He also invoked Purandaradasa and Raghavendra swamy in the speech, before shifting to Hindi.