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Assembly election Highlights: PM Modi, Sonia Gandhi face-off in poll-bound Karnataka, target each other

Karnataka Assembly elections 2018 Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi held rallies in the state which goes to polls on May 12.

Congress, Congress Parliamentary Party, CPP meet, Congress Parliamentary Party meet, rahul gandhi, sonia gandhi, india news PM Modi while addressing a public meeting in Bengaluru (BJP Twitter)

The battle for power in poll-bound Karnataka in its final phase has gained momentum as both the Congress and the BJP are leaving no stones unturned to woo the voters ahead of the May 12 polls. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed her first election rally in nearly two years and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies and alleged intolerance while campaigning in the state.
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Catch all the LIVE UPDATES on campaigning for Karnataka assembly elections 2018 here

20:42 (IST)08 May 2018
20:12 (IST)08 May 2018
Karnataka needs a receptive government: PM Modi

Karnataka needs a receptive government to reap the benefits that the entire nation is getting, says PM Modi. He concludes his address with the promise of a 'swachcha, sunder, surakshit Karnataka'. 

20:11 (IST)08 May 2018
20:06 (IST)08 May 2018
K'taka needs a receptive government for its development: PM Modi

For its development, Karnataka needs a receptive government, so go and elect BJP government under the leadership of Yeddyurappa on May 12, says PM Modi. He ends his address urging people of the state to come out in large numbers and vote for the removal of Siddaramaiah led Congress government in the state. 

20:02 (IST)08 May 2018
BJP working hard to make India an economic power on global map: Modi

"The BJP is working hard to bring ease and convenience to the common man through technological innovations. We are striving to make India an economic power on the global map. And I promise you that the previous corrupt government which has looted from the taxpayer's money will have to pay back," says PM Modi. 

19:51 (IST)08 May 2018
For Congress, only ribbon-cutting is working: PM Modi

"There is a fundamental difference between the NDA and the UPA governments. For them, only ribbon-cutting is working, whereas we work hard until the last mile. We have opened bank accounts for the citizens of this country. Lakhs of toilets were made in government schools across the nation. We have provided electricity to 18,000 villages. Imagine those villages hadn't seen electricity in the 21st Century, but the UPA government wasn't concerned about it. The BJP government came in and finished the job," says PM Modi highlighting achievements of his governments. 

19:49 (IST)08 May 2018
BJP doing everything to improve connectivity: PM Modi

'A person wearing a 'hawai chappal' can now afford to travel in a 'hawai jahaz' because of our aviation policy. About 100 new airports are being constructed in tier-II and tier-III cities. It is the biggest growth sector in India. We have made the air travel so cheap that a middle-class citizen and a citizen belonging to economically weaker sections can conveniently travel and save time, money and effort. You will be surprised to know that the number of travelers in ac coaches in Indian railways is less than those who travel by air,' says PM Modi.

19:43 (IST)08 May 2018
BJP govt has accorded top priority to next-generation infrastructure: PM Modi

PM Modi says his government has accorded top priority to next-generation infrastructure and unlike his predecessor, his government was the first to formulate and aviation policy.

19:34 (IST)08 May 2018
Bengaluru will be made a zero-garbage city: PM Modi

Bengaluru will be turned into a zero-garbage city under the Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan of which I am a volunteer, said PM Modi.

19:32 (IST)08 May 2018
India was counted among 'Fragile Five' under UPA regime: PM Modi
19:30 (IST)08 May 2018
BJP promises a safer state for women in Karnataka: PM Modi

'BJP promises greater prosperity for farmers, better education, skill development, better opportunities for youth, more industrial development, a positive eco-system for industrial growth, an end to politics of dividing society and a safer state for women,' says PM Modi.

19:27 (IST)08 May 2018
Modi corners Siddaramaiah govt over Lokayukta, ACB issues

"The Siddaramaiah led Congress government has practically destroyed the Lokayukta and the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has become a namesake institution. Yet, the chief minister roams about with a character certificate in his suitcase, giving clean chits to whoever he feels like," says PM Modi.

19:25 (IST)08 May 2018

Under the Congress government, Bengaluru's infrastructure is crumbling. Women's safety is not a priority for the state government, he adds.

19:24 (IST)08 May 2018
Congress govt has left no stone unturned to bring bad name to Bengaluru: Modi

Congress government has left no stone unturned to being the city of Bengaluru a bad name. Girls are not safe in broad daylight; Bengaluru cannot sustain a few minutes of rainfall; long traffic jams are detrimental to everyday work, says PM Modi.

19:19 (IST)08 May 2018

“The people of Bengaluru must know whose name came up in the unfortunate death of a police officer here. People who should be in jail are sitting in Karnataka government.” “The second leader, involved in land grabbing, we all know who he is. What is his link with Gulf Countries and money laundering? The third leader, he has no ‘Shanti’ is his value systems. His son goes around beating people,” he adds.

19:10 (IST)08 May 2018
Don't know why Siddaramaiah dislikes Bengaluru: Modi

'I do not understand why CM Siddaramaiah dislikes Bengaluru. He has handed over Bengaluru to an infamous trio- and we all know this trio- we also know they have been given charge of this city due to vote bank politics. This trio excels in all the wrong things,' says PM Modi.

19:09 (IST)08 May 2018
Karnataka has given me love and blessings beyond my dreams, says PM Modi.

“Karnataka has given me love and blessings beyond my dreams. Even language could not become a barrier between us,” PM Modi says.

19:06 (IST)08 May 2018
PM Modi begins address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his address in Bengaluru. 'I have been travelling across Karnataka and the affection is tremendous. I thank the people of Karnataka,' says PM Modi.

He also offers his condolences to late B.N. Vijay Kumar and prays for his sadgati.

18:32 (IST)08 May 2018
PM Modi to shortly address public gathering in Bengaluru

PM Modi will shortly address his third and final public meeting of the day in Bengaluru.

18:27 (IST)08 May 2018

Meanwhile, cash worth Rs 76,70,41,503 has been seized by the Income Tax Department and  Police in poll-bound Karnataka, reports ANI. The agency further reports that liquor worth Rs 24,12,96,068.02 has been seized by Static Surveillance teams and excise department. Gold and silver worth Rs 43,74,21,717 were seized by the IT dept. Rs. 165,28,82,445.02 crore has been seized till now.

18:24 (IST)08 May 2018

A new legislation for a New Bengaluru - called Bangalore Metropolitan Regional Governance Act (BMRGA) will be enacted. We will constitute a new Metropolitan Planning Committee and ensure right to service for all citizens, says BJP.

18:17 (IST)08 May 2018
Visuals from Amit Shah's roadshow in Mangalore City
17:56 (IST)08 May 2018
How can people trust Rahul Gandhi, asks Smriti Irani

Meanwhile, Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani takes a dig at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, saying how people of the nation can trust a person who doesn't trust his own leadership and ability. "Modi Ji and Amit Shah are worried about future of people of this country while Rahul ji thinks about himself. He said if his party comes to power he'll be the PM in 2019. A person who doesn't trust his own leadership & ability, how can he expect people to trust him?" ANI quotes Irani as saying. 

17:36 (IST)08 May 2018
Amit Shah holds roadshow in South Mangaluru

BJP chief Amit Shah is currently holding a roadshow in South Mangaluru constituency in Karnataka.

17:23 (IST)08 May 2018
Sure people of Karnataka will re-elect Congress for inclusive governance: Sonia Gandhi

"What happened to PM Modi's promise of non-corruption? Where's Lok Pal? What is your model of anti-corruption, PM Modi- the model adopted by your candidates in Karnataka, or by the son of your closest aide?" Sonia Gandhi had said. "I'm confident that the people of Karnataka would see through the lies of the BJP and will re-elect Congress for inclusive governance," she added.

17:00 (IST)08 May 2018
Sonia Gandhi ends her speech in Vijayapura

Sonia Gandhi ends her speech with chants of ‘Jai hind, Jai Karnataka’.

16:50 (IST)08 May 2018
PM Modi uses names of heroes from our history for his political motives: Sonia Gandhi

"Wherever Modi Ji goes, he says wrong things and distorts historical facts. He uses the names of heroes from our history for his political motives," says Sonia Gandhi.

16:46 (IST)08 May 2018
PM Modi speaks like actor, says Sonia Gandhi

"Modi ji is proud of the fact that he is a very good orator, I agree with this. He speaks like an actor. I'll be happy is his speeches can end hunger of the country but speeches cannot fill empty stomachs, food is needed for that," says Sonia Gandhi.

16:43 (IST)08 May 2018
Sonia Gandhi highlights schemes introduced by Siddaramaiah govt in Karnataka
16:42 (IST)08 May 2018

All states that suffered drought were given compensation (by Centre), Karnataka was provided with the least, this was like rubbing salting into the wounds of farmers. I ask Modi ji, is this your 'sabka-saath, sabka-vikas?' asks Sonia Gandhi.

16:41 (IST)08 May 2018
PM Modi insulted Karnataka, its farmers: Sonia Gandhi

"We have worked tirelessly for the poor. We started Mahatma Gandhi NREGA scheme which was objected by the BJP and by Modi Ji," says Sonia Gandhi in Vijayapura.

16:38 (IST)08 May 2018
16:38 (IST)08 May 2018
Modi govt working in biased manner when it comes to Karnataka: Sonia Gandhi

"Congress has worked for the development of Karnataka and you must know that the central government is working in a biased manner when it comes to Karnataka. Congress made Karnataka country's number 1 state and started numerous scheme for people," says Sonia Gandhi. 

16:33 (IST)08 May 2018
Sonia Gandhi begins address in Vijayapura

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi begins her address in Vijayapura. She is addressing a public meeting fter a gap of two years. 

16:28 (IST)08 May 2018
PM Modi has no intention of helping farmers: Rahul Gandhi

The farmers have been requesting PM Modi to help them for over four years now, but he has no intention of helping them, says Rahul Gandhi.

16:26 (IST)08 May 2018
Congress has delivered what it had promised, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress has delivered what it had promised, says Congress president Rahul Gandhi while addressing a public gathering in Tiptur, Karnataka.

"We built the world’s largest solar park and will continue to put Pavagada on the world map. I also promise to fight to get the groundnut farmers the right MSP for their produce," he adds

16:12 (IST)08 May 2018
Amit Shah holds road show in Mangaluru

BJP chief Amit Shah is currently holding a roadshow in Mangaluru constituency of the poll-bound state of Karnataka.  

16:10 (IST)08 May 2018
Karnataka BJP rakes up Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin ahead of visit

Ahead of Sonia Gandhi's visit to poll-bound Karnataka today, the BJP raked up the issue of her Italian origin by referring to her maiden name Antonio Maino.

"Today, Ms. Antonio Maino is here in K'taka to save her last citadel from falling! Madam Maino, K'taka needs no lessons from the person who was solely responsible for wastingIndia's 10 precious years. "And to Congress, need to remind you of your 'import' jibe?" Karnataka BJP said in a tweet.

This tweet from the BJP came in response to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recent remarks calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his own Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath "North Indian imports". "@BJP4Karnataka by waiting for North Indian imports like PM Modi, UPCM Adityanath is admitting they have no leaders in the state. They have reduced their CM face @BSYBJP to a dummy," Siddaramaiah had tweeted.

Hitting back, BJP had then said in a tweet, "Imports? How much low can you stoop Mr. CM? Your attempt at North-South divide is disgusting."

-PTI

16:01 (IST)08 May 2018
PM Modi ends his address at Koppal

We have brought the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Farmers in Karnataka have hugely benefited from the scheme, says PM Modi. The government will set up Gramin Haats so that farmers don’t have to go far away to sell their produces, says PM Modi as he concludes his address in Koppal. He will now be addressing his third and final meeting of the day, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru at 6:30 pm. 

15:57 (IST)08 May 2018

Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi is addressing  a public gathering in Tiptur, Karnataka.

15:49 (IST)08 May 2018
Congress did nothing for women protection: PM Modi

"These (Congress) people have done nothing for the protection of women, whereas our government has brought in a strict to law to give death sentence to those who do such devilish deeds with our daughter," says PM Modi.

15:48 (IST)08 May 2018
Congress ruined the farmers of Karnataka in last five years: Modi

Why is it that farmers of Karnataka face a shortage of water? Congress government, being in 'sleep mode', is doing nothing to address their problems. In five years, they ruined the farmers of Karnataka, says PM Modi. "I urge the people of Karnataka to ask a question to the present Karnataka CM. What happened to the irrigation project they promised? Where did the money for the project go?" he adds.

15:36 (IST)08 May 2018
Those born with golden spoon never understand the difficulties of poor: Modi

"When I had spoken about Swachh Bharat and building toilets from the Red Fort, the 'Naamdaars' mocked me. Those who are born with a golden spoon, never understand the difficulties of poor. We are committed to serve the poor and would continue to do so," says PM Modi.

15:30 (IST)08 May 2018
Several women are leading the cleanliness drive across the country: Modi in Karnataka
15:28 (IST)08 May 2018
Cong did nothing to promote tourism and rich history of Karnataka: Modi

Congress did nothing to promote tourism and rich history of Karnataka. We are promoting tourism in Karnataka. We are connecting distant places through airways, says Modi.

15:27 (IST)08 May 2018
Cong did nothing to promote tourism, rich history of K'taka: Modi

'Congress did nothing to promote tourism and rich history of Karnataka. We are promoting tourism in Karnataka. We are connecting distant places through airways,' says Modi in Karnataka.

15:24 (IST)08 May 2018
Congress govt in Karnataka promoted casteism: Modi

"After coming to power in Karnataka, the shameful Congress even did not spare schoolchildren. They selected students on the grounds of caste for trips and excursions," says PM Modi.

15:15 (IST)08 May 2018
BJP believes in 'Rashtra Bhakti' while for Congress, only one family means everything: Modi

'BJP believes in 'Rashtra Bhakti' and serving the society. Our only mantra is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas'. But for the Congress party, only one family means everything,' says PM Modi.</

15:05 (IST)08 May 2018
PM Modi begins his address at Koppal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently addressing his second public meeting of the day at Koppal. 

14:56 (IST)08 May 2018
Does the ‘S’ in the JD(S) stand for ‘secular’ or ‘Sangh Parivar’? asks Rahul Gandhi

'One hand, you have Siddaramaiah who has served the people of Karnataka honestly, while on the other, you have corruption tainted Yeddyurappa. Do you want an honest government working for you, or a corrupt government?' Rahul Gandhi asks people.

Does the ‘S’ in the JD(S) stand for ‘secular’ or ‘Sangh Parivar’? asks Gandhi.

14:54 (IST)08 May 2018
Our govt in K'taka has done what Modi government couldn't in the entire nation: Rahul Gandhi

Even PM Modi has acknowledged that Karnataka's employment record is better. Our government in Karnataka has done what Modi government couldn't, says Rahul Gandhi. "We'll continue to work towards the inclusive development of Karnataka. We'll continue to strive to ensure that our farmers are given what's their due," he adds.

14:52 (IST)08 May 2018
Our govt in Karnataka has worked tirelessly for the people, says Rahul Gandhi in Pavagada

I can proudly say that in the last five years, Siddaramaiah-led Congress government has done immense work for the welfare of the people of Karnataka, says Congress president Rahul Gandhi while addressing a rally in Pavagada. "I'm happy that our government in Karnataka has worked tirelessly for the people," he stressed.

13:58 (IST)08 May 2018
PM in 2019 if Congress wins majority? Yes, why not, says Rahul Gandhi

“Yes, why not,” was Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s response on Tuesday when asked if he will become the Prime Minister in 2019 if the Congress emerges as the single largest party after the Lok Sabha elections, reported news agency PTI

Gandhi expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be re-elected to the post next year. “It is highly unlikely that BJP will form the next government, and the second part is that it is close to impossible that Modi will be the next prime minister,” Gandhi reportedly said. Read more

13:56 (IST)08 May 2018
Rahul Gandhi offers floral tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
13:52 (IST)08 May 2018
Go on May 12 and vote for Yeddyurappa govt: PM Modi

"Once BJP comes to power, farmers in the state will benefit. They will be provided insurance among other facilities," PM Modi said while appealing voters to come out and vote Yeddyurappa government to power on May 12 

13:44 (IST)08 May 2018
Congress believes in divide and rule: PM Modi

"The BJP is asking votes for Vikaas. The Congress party, however, does not trust its own leaders. Congress believes in dividing society in the name of caste and community; divide and rule is their policy' PM Modi said. "It is our government that brought the death penalty for rape of minors. The Congress party is creating a fake campaign over women safety. The same party opposed Triple Talaq Bill in the Parliament. Women safety should not be dragged in vote bank politics," PM Modi

13:41 (IST)08 May 2018

The Karnataka government only talks highly. 6 lakh houses did not have electricity in the state. BJP govt, however, brought lights to many of these houses in the past few months. In 2014, it is only after our government came in that LPG connections are now available easily. The central government has brought social security schemes that are benefitting the poor: PM Modi

13:38 (IST)08 May 2018
PM Modi does only Mann ki Baat, doesn't listen to the country: Rahul Gandhi
13:35 (IST)08 May 2018

"It is the Saints, Seers and Mutts who have played a key role in making the society of Karnataka progressive and harmonious. They have worked to remove human suffering," Modi said

13:32 (IST)08 May 2018
People will punish Congress: Modi

'What has the Congress done for the farmers of Karnataka? When the state was suffering due to droughts, Ministers handling key portfolios were busy in Delhi doing politics. In the past few days when I visited the various parts of the state, I realised that not only will the people remove Congress, but is planning to give them a strict punishment for the next five years," PM Modi said, while listing out the various schemes of the NDA government including the MUDRA scheme, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, loan for education among others. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also attacked the Centre over the increasing fuel prices. He also targeted Modi for sharing the stage with ‘tainted’ mining baron Gali Somashekhara Reddy in Bellary last week. He said, “The stage from which PM Modi speaks of anti-corruption also has people who’ve spent a time in jails for corruption.”

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday sent legal notices to PM Modi and Amit Shah, warning them of a possible defamation case over their remarks on alleged corruption. The notice asked them to tender an unconditional apology or face a defamation suit for Rs 100 crore. Earlier in the day, he also dared the former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and PM Modi to participate in an open debate with him. "I have asked @BSYBJP to join me in an open debate. @narendramodi is welcome to join. I will speak extempore. They can bring paper. Come on BSY avare let people see who they are voting for beyond the smokescreen created by hot air from Modi-Shah-Yogi team," he wrote on Twitter.

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  • Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018
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