Karnataka Assembly elections 2018: As campaigning for the elections intensifies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are addressing public rallies in the state on Thursday. The Prime Minister, addressing a rally in Kalaburagi, said only a handful of people benefit when the Congress wins elections. He added that when BJP is elected, the Lotus blooms and people prosper. The Prime Minister will also travel to Ballari and Bengaluru today.
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Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, addressing a rally in Aurad, said the PM resorts to personal attacks. “He is my Prime Minister and I will never disrespect him,” he added.
PM Modi kickstarted BJP’s Karnataka election campaign on May 1 by addressing three rallies in Chamarajanagara, Udupi and Belagavi, in which he targeted Gandhi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. On Wednesday, he interacted with BJP’s Kisan Morcha workers via the Narendra Modi app and said the party needs to convince farmers to vote for a government that is sensitive to their issues. While the final programme of his Karnataka tour is still being finalised, PM Modi is scheduled to be in the poll-bound state on May 3, 5, 7 and 8. He will be addressing a total of 21 rallies — three per day.
Polling for the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 12 and results will be declared on May 15.
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As part of its ongoing coverage of the Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018, Indianexpress.com today travels to Kankumbi village in Khanapur, where construction on the Kalsa canal, now temporarily stopped, has had an impact on its village. Follow LIVE Updates here
The Congress is drunk in power. A senior Congress leader threw a divyang of the lift. Such a govt will never be able to provide justice to the people, says PM Modi. This was Modi's last rally of the day. On Friday, PM will interact with BJP Mahila Morcha of Karnataka via a video bridge at 9 am.
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Claiming that the Congress is trying to fool the people of Karnataka with its manifesto, PM Modi says, 'Cong in 2013 had promised to build one super speciality hospital in every district. But in 2018, this got changed to one super speciality hospital for every three districts.' The Congress manifesto for the Karnataka Assembly polls has promised to create one crore jobs and spend Rs 1.25 lakh crore on irrigation over the next five years if re-elected to power.
Saying that Bengaluru has the potential to become a smart city, PM Modi wondered why central funds allocated to Karnataka for developing smart cities went unspent. The PM then went on to pose a couple of questions to the Congress government. 'Why is it that Congress government in Karnataka is not sensitive towards women's issues? Why are they not even spending funds for construction of toilets,' PM asked. Modi also asked the government to list out what they have done for the people of the state in the last five years.
In Humnabad, Rahul Gandhi says the hate mongering launched by BJP is a systematic attack on Karnataka's people. "The hate-mongering BJP has launched a systematic attack upon Karnataka's people, its history, language and Basavanna's ideology. But it won't win," he says. Rahul further targeted Modi over privatisation of education in Gujarat. "While Karnataka worked to offer free education to the girl child, in PM Modi's Gujarat, people have to struggle to afford education for their children because of blatant privatisation," the Congress chief says.
Training his guns on the Siddaramaiah government over crime against women, Modi says, "Women safety is one of the biggest concerns in Karnataka. Crimes against women are on the rise under the Congress government." He further said while his government was working towards promoting "Ease of Doing Business", the Congress was ensuring "Ease of Doing Murder".
Dubbing Congress as the gold medallist in corruption, PM Modi says, "There was a concept of a 'steel bridge' in Bengaluru. Congress government turned it into 'steal bridge'. They did nothing to check and put an end to corruption in the state."
Meanwhile, addressing a rally in Humnabad, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi says the entire country looks up to Karnataka's progress and draws inspiration from it. "When the BJP was opposed to computers, the people of Karnataka gave computer to the entire country," says Gandhi. In an outreach to the youth, Gandhi says, "PM Modi has failed to fulfil his promise of creating 2 crore jobs per year and has thus betrayed the trust of the youth."
Modi says from a "computer capital", Bengaluru is turning into a crime capital under the Congress. "The state government is incapable of controlling the situation. Bengaluru is a cosmopolitan city. The Congress is trying to bring a culture of chaos here. The talented youth of Karnataka transformed the state into Startup capital but Congress government turned it into a pot-hole capital," says PM.
PM Modi says Bengaluru, known as India's Silicon Valley, has become a valley of sin under Congress. "Bengaluru is admired as a ‘Garden City.’ But the Karnataka government is wanting to turn this into a garbage city. They are showing no concern for the city’s needs," says Modi.
Expressing confidence that BJP will come to power in Karnataka under the leadership of BS Yeddyurappa, Modi says, "Whenever the Congress realises that they are not going to win, they start claiming for a hung assembly but I want to assure you that BJP is winning under the leadership of Yeddyurappa ji and we are forming the government in Karnataka." The PM further said JD(S) had joined hands with communal forces of different states who support Naxalites. The JD(S) has tied up with BSP for the upcoming elections.
Two days after praising JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda, Modi says a sensible voter will never vote for the party. "You ask any political pundit. Everyone is of the opinion that JD(S) will finish at number 3. A sensible voter would never vote for them," Modi said. On May 1, the PM showered praise on Gowda at a rally in Udupi, calling him one of the most respected and tallest leaders for whom he had great respect.
Meanwhile, ANI reported that Congress has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Karnataka BJP for violation of model code of conduct and representation of people Act. 1951.
PM Modi starts addressing his final rally of the day in Bengaluru. "The enthusiasm of people in Karnataka towards the BJP is a clear indication that they would dethrone the Congress," says Modi. Saying that the Congress was woried about losing the upcoming elections, Modi says, "That is why they are spreading lies about hung assembly."
As part of its ongoing coverage of the Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018, Indianexpress.com today travels to Kankumbi village in Khanapur, where construction on the Kalsa canal, now temporarily stopped, has had an impact on its villagers. Follow LIVE Updates here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's next and final stop for the day will be in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will speak at a rally in Humnabad at 5.15 pm. His last engagement of the day will be at KRE Pharmacy College Ground in Bidar, where he will address a public meeting at 5.30 pm.
It seems Rahul Gandhi cannot get out of his love for the film Sholay. After naming GST 'Gabbar Singh Tax', Gandhi said the BJP had fielded the entire gang of Gabbar Singh, referring to controversial mining barons the Reddy brothers. "In film Sholay, there was Gabbar Singh. You brought Gabbar Singh Tax (an allusion to GST) but this time you have gone even further. You have fielded the entire gang of Gabbar Singh. There is Gabbar, Sambha, Kalia, and all of them.... Reddy brothers gang, which was in jail....You are trying to get them inducted into Assembly, and you tell to the country that you are fighting against corruption," Gandhi said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday met Raghaveshwara Bharathi, the Pontif of Ramachandrapura Math in Shimoga. Adityanath, who addressed a huge gathering in a public meeting at Sirisi Assembly in Uttar Kannada earlier in the day, came under criticism from Congress for campaigning in poll-bound Karnataka even when people of his state were reeling under the impact of the severe dust storm that has left many dead.
Saying the government's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' initiative should be renamed to "Beti Bachao BJP ke MLA se", Gandhi said the PM always skirts domestic issues. "Don't give only bhashan, say something that has weight, " Gandhi said.
Addressing a corner meeting at Bheemanna Khandre Institute of Technology grounds in Bhalki, Rahul Gandhi targeted PM Modi for remaining mum on the Unnao case, where BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar has been arrested for raping a 17-year-old girl.
The PM also hit out at the Congress for ignoring the state's textile sector. "Congress never promoted the textile sector and cloth industry in Karnataka. We have formulated a new Textile Policy which will significantly benefit the sector as well as generate employment opportunities for people," Modi said.
PM Modi says the Siddaramaiah government has been in 'sleep mode' and did not spend the funds Centre allocated for the state for development. "Congress government in Karnataka is in 'sleep mode.' They did not spend the funds Centre allocated for development of the state," says Modi. Further, he said, "During the last election, Congress promised to make Kharge Ji (Mallikarjun Kharge) the CM. They misled the Dalit community and sidelined him."
Modi says the Congress used to term BJP as 'Mahila Virodhi', but the govenment has appointed a woman as defence minister and she is an MP from Karnataka, referring to Nirmala Sitharaman. "Congress used to term us as 'Mahila Virodhi'. But see, now we have a Defence Minister who is a woman and she is a member in the Parliament from Karnataka itself," says Modi. The PM also alleged that the state govt woke up just before the elections. "The state govt woke up from the slumber just before the elections. It reflects how serious they are towards the problems of people," Modi says.
The PM is now targeting the Congress on caste lines, saying the party did not let the government grant constitutional status to the OBC Commission. "We wanted OBC Commission to get Constitutional status but the Congress did not let it happen," says PM. Modi further says the Congress divides people on the lines of Dalits and Muslims. "See the way they treated S Nijalingappa ji," says PM. Siddavanahalli Nijalingappa was a senior Congress politician and the Chief Minister of Karnataka between 1956 and 1958 and once again, between 1962 and 1968. "When we got the opportunity, we elected a Muslim - Dr Kalam as the President; we elected a Dalit - Shri Kovind as the President," Modi says.
Alleging that the Congress carried out vote-bank politics, PM Modi says the BJP government was sensitive that looks after aspirations of people. "The Congress does vote-bank politics. They divide people on the grounds of caste. They are insensitive towards the tribal communities and the OBCs," Modi says. Speaking on welfare of farmers, the PM says, "Ours is a sensitive government which looks after the aspirations of people and then formulate policies. Through the Fasal Bima Yojana we have been able to ensure welfare of farmers."
PM Modi further says Sonia Gandhi, who had once contested from Bellary and promised a Rs 3,000 crore package, has failed to fulfill her vows. "Sonia Madam promised Rs 3000 crore package when she fought election from Ballari. However, after winning election she failed to fulfill her promise," Modi says. Modi also said the "rupaiyya government" was giving tickets to such people who have charges of corruption. "People are not being benefited from the money being spent in Karnataka. The state is benefiting middlemen, contractor and the aides of ruling party," PM says.
Saying that Bellary was being targeted like thieves and thugs, PM asked the people of the region to teach the Congress a lesson. "People of Ballari should teach a lesson who are destroying the image of Ballari. Ballari is being targeted like thieves and thugs which is insult of people of Ballari. Due to its political selfishness congress party has disrespected the Ballari Empire," says Modi.
With reports estimating that the IT hub of Bengaluru will run dry by 2020, PM Modi targeted the Congress government over the issue. "When we had got the opportunity to serve people of Karnataka earlier, so many development initiatives were undertaken. But sadly, the Congress could not even ensure proper water supply despite the state being rich in water resources," the PM said.
PM Modi alleges that not even a single work is possible without corruption and bribery. "Look at rising illegal mining in the state. Congress government in Karnataka could not even frame a strong mining policy," says Modi. PM's comment comes on the backdrop of its decision to bring back the Reddy brothers, who are mining barons, in mainstream politics by giving them prime positions in these polls.
PM Modi alleges that not even a single work is possible without corruption and bribery. "Look at rising illegal mining in the state. Congress government in Karnataka could not even frame a strong mining policy," says Modi. PM's comment comes on the backdrop of its decision to bring back the Reddy brothers, who are mining barons, in mainstream politics by giving them prime positions in these polls.
Your enthusiasm and zeal shows that the Congress is going to lose the last castle of Karnataka, says Modi. The PM, who had earlier called the Siddaramaiah government a 10 per cent government, further said the state had created a 'Sidda-Rupaiah Sarkar'. "It has created a debt-burden for the state. People can no longer tolerate them. They will give a strong reply on 12th May," Modi says.
Taking a dig at Karnataka CM, Modi says the government has become Sidda-rupaiya. "Congress has ruined the rich history and legacy of Ballari. By defaming Ballari, they have disrespected the people of this district," Modi says.
PM Modi arrives in Bellary to address his second rally of the day. CM Siddaramaiah took a dig at the PM, saying, "As you arrive in Bellary, we look forward to hear your commentary on corruption. Don’t forget to mention Reddy’s record scam score of 35,000 cr and still not out."
In unrelated news, Congress on Thursday, celebrated as World Press Freedom Day, lashed out at the BJP, saying the fourth pillar of democracy was crumbling under pressure of the saffron party. "We must all stand firmly behind journalists who are still doing their difficult jobs in this stifling atmosphere of fear, threat, and intimidation," the party tweeted. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a free press made a stronger democracy. "Today on #WorldPressFreedomDay, let us reaffirm our commitment towards steadfastly supporting a free press. It is the multiplicity of ideas and human expression that makes us more vibrant as a society," he said in a series of tweets.
Similar to its ploy in Gujarat and Tripura, the BJP has fielded all its A-listers as campaigning for Karnataka elections reaches its slog overs. While Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will address rallies today and Friday, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari today did a roadshow at KR Pate region.
Meanwhile, in a retort to Congress, BJP has released a report card of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and said the Karnataka government had the blood of innocent farmers on its hand. "What grade would you (Rahul Gandhi) give him for overseeing these macabre suicides?," BJP asked.
Rahul Gandhi is campaigning in Karnataka's Bidar district today. He has three more rallies coming up. At 3 pm, he will address a corner meeting at Bheemanna Khandre Institute of Technology in Bhalki. Next, the Gandhi scion will speak at a rally in Humnabad at 4.45 pm. His last engagement of the day will be at KRE Pharmacy College Ground in Bidar, where he will address a public meeting at 5.30 pm.
"If Karnataka has seen successful, if the people here have reached Silicon City and achieved name and fame, it is because they act on their words. People of Karnataka are true to their words, they have proven this to the whole country with their work in the field of IT industry, space industry, science and technology. And this is what Congress believes in. Congress party fulfilled 90% of what we promised in the manifesto we gave five years ago," Rahul Gandhi said.
Rahul Gandhi appeals to PM Modi to act on his words. He says, PM Modi garlands the statue of Basavana and says he revers him but he should also follow Basavana's teachings, one of them is being true to yours words.
'The fight in Karnataka is between two ideologies. On one side is the Congress which follows the ideology of spreading unity, brotherhood, love and of helping and empowering the poor. On the other side are the RSS and BJP, with its leaders like Yeddyurappa and PM Narendra Modi, who want to impose the ideology of RSS on the state. They are not concerned with the people, language, history and culture of Karnataka. They just want to promote the ideology of the RSS all over the country. Their office in Nagpur,' Rahul Gandhi said.
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is addressing a rally in Aurad. (Photo: Twitter/@INCIndia)
The Prime Minister says that when the Congress wins elections, only a handful of families shine. But, when the BJP is elected, the Lotus blooms and the people prosper.
PM Modi targets the Congress on going back on its decision to make Mallikarjun Kharge the CM. "During the last election, Congress promised they will make Kharge Ji CM. They misled the Dalit community. They sidelined Kharge Ji. This is typically how Congress does their politics," he says.
Meanwhile, in unrelated news, over 70 people have been killed in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh since last night due to dust storms and thunder showers. The Prime Minister, earlier today, said he was saddened by the loss of life and directed officials to coordinate with state governments to assist those affected. Follow our LIVE blog for the latest news.
Hours after Rahul Gandhi targeted the Prime Minister for failing with regard to the agriculture sector of the state, Modi says the Congress is least bothered about farmers. "We are devoting all our energy towards farmer welfare. The Government of India is devoting significant resources towards improving the irrigation network," he says.
PM Modi says B S Yeddyurappa is a leader who is devoted to the welfare of farmers. he adds that farmer welfare is a top priority. Yeddyurappa is the CM candidate for the party. "This area of Kalaburagi is known for 'Dal' cultivation. Our farmers are working hard here and availing of the benefits of the Central Government schemes. However, the Karnataka government is insensitive towards the condition of farmers," the PM says.
'Congress has no respect for the sacrifices of our soldiers. When our soldiers did surgical strikes, the shameless Congress party questioned the strikes. All they kept asking was for proof. The Congress would rather prefer our soldiers go with cameras and not guns!' says PM Modi.
This election decides the future of Karnataka. Don't assume it's about electing MLAs. It's about the safety of women and the well-being of farmers, the PM says.
"I am here in the land of Kalaburagi, which has a special place in the life of Sardar Patel. Who can forget the role of Iron Man Sardar Patel who forced the Nizam of Hyderabad and ensured this land is a part of India," asks PM Modi, as the people at the rally cheer loudly.
The Prime Minister says that it is now clear in Karnataka that the state has been ruined for five years by the Congress-led government. "We will no longer allow the state to be ruined further. People are seeing that in all corners of India the Congress is being rejected," he says. "This election is going to decide the future of Karnataka."
The Prime Minister begins his speech in Kannada!
The Prime Minister's rally in Kalaburagi has begun. He will address the people shortly. This is one of the three places he will visit today. The Prime Minister, who kicked off the BJP's campaign in the state on Tuesday, is scheduled to hold at least 15 rallies in the state ahead of the polls.
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modilavished praise on him at an election rally in Karnataka, JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda today sought to play it down, saying it did not mean both parties were cosying up to each other. Gowda also slammed chief minister Siddaramaiah for suggesting that his party would back BJP. He claimed that it was Siddaramaiah who wanted to become Chief Minister in 2004 with the saffron party support when he was in the JDS.
Siddaramaiah further tweeted: Now about PM’s insensitivity towards farmers--
1. I asked for farm loan waiver. PM refused
2. I asked for intervention to solve Mahadayi issue. PM refused.
3. I asked for an increase in Disaster Relief Fund as Karnataka gets 1750 Crore and Maharashtra gets 8000 Crore. No reply from PM
Reacting to PM Modi's remark that the Congress completely ignored Karnataka's agriculture sector, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted: "Really! This is rich coming from you Mr. Prime Minister. I have spoken a lot about what we have done for the farmers. But I will repeat it in this thread. I will also talk about your insensitivity to farmers.
1. We are the only state that gives farm loans at zero % interest rate
2. We have waived Rs 8165 Cr. farm loans taken from cooperative societies. 22.50 lakh farmers benefited
3. We spend Rs 8000 Cr every year to give free assured power (7Hrs) to farmers
4. We have launched Direct Income Support program for 70 lakh dryland farmers. They get Rs 5000 to 10000 in their Bank account for growing crops
5. We have financed construction of two lakh farm ponds.
6. We have allocated 50,000 Cr in 5 years & spent 45,000 crores on irrigation.
7. We have given a bonus over MSP & procured lakhs of tons of Tur when prices fell
8. We have contributed 50% to the Fasal Beema Yojana & are the only state to have an IT system for direct cash transfer of insurance payment
9. We pioneered eMandi system & it is a model for GoI.
10. We do free (cashless) surgeries for farmers who are cooperative members.
11. We have set up Agri Machinery Hiring centres throughout the state.
12. We have built an excellent network of roads in the state. 13. We have added 5000 MW of power capacity in 5 years.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said, "Our agenda is only development but Congress is polarising Karnataka, in a rally senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad openly asked Muslims to vote for Congress en masse."
The PM also said Congress president Rahul Gandhi was disrespectful towards former prime minister and leader of the Janata Dal (Secular) party H D Devegowda.
Referring to Congress president Rahul Gandhi as “naamdaar” (dynast) and himself a “kaamdaar” (worker) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday accused the Congress of being anti-worker and pro-dynasty in its policies.
“For 15 minutes, without taking a paper in your hand, can you please talk about the achievements of your government in Karnataka?” PM Modi said, addressing an election rally in Chamarajanagar district, from where he kicked off the BJP’s campaign in the poll-bound state today. “You can speak in any language as you please — English, Hindi or your mother’s mother tongue,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday challenged Congress president Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes and list down the party’s achievements in Karnataka without referring to a paper.