MYSURU: PM Narendra Modi tore into Congress, calling it the voice of divisive forces and labelling it the sultan of the tukde-tukde gang. Presenting his progress card and the vision for the country at the first-ever Vijay Sankalp Yatra, organised jointly by BJP and its ally JDS here, he said Congress leaders have to seek permission from their bosses to chant patriotic slogans.
He was addressing a mega public meeting at Maharaja's College ground here aimed at drumming up support for BJP and JD(S) candidates from Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha constituencies.
He accused Congress of hindering progress, engaging in divisive politics and pursuing appeasement policies and denting the image of the country abroad.
“You have seen the nation’s progress. But the Congress’ language is different and it supports controversial forces. It is working with the political wing of divisive forces. Will you give the baton of power into such hands,” he asked the voters.
Congress supports controversial forces, says Modi
Hitting out at Congress for not participating in the inauguration of Ram temple that fulfilled the 500-year-old aspiration of the people, he said the opposition party is against Sanatan Dharma.
He accused Congress and its allies of insulting and hurting the sentiments of people and indulging in appeasement politics. He targeted Congress president Mallikarajun Kharge for raking up the abrogation of Article 370.
On the Sankalp Patra -- BJP’s manifesto, he said it is a roadmap filled with promises aimed at transforming the life of every Indian. He said he is committed to building three crore new homes for the underprivileged, supply free ration to the needy, provide free medical treatment to senior citizens under the Ayushman scheme and empowering three crore women to become ‘lakhpatis’.
He emphasised the BJP’s commitment to promoting local languages, preserving heritage sites and putting Mysuru, Hampi and Badami on the world heritage map that would not only boost tourism but also create employment opportunities.
Presenting his 10-year progress card, he highlighted the expansion of national highways, success of Mysuru-Bengaluru Expressway, Jal Jeevan Mission benefiting thousands of villages with access to clean water, free ration to four crore people and a housing scheme aiding 4.50 lakh families.
“The Congress government in Karnataka is looting and has become an ATM for the party. The government treasury is empty. Development and welfare schemes are being discontinued. Farmers were promised free power, but there is no power supply to irrigation pumpsets. The government has withdrawn Kissan Samman. Bengaluru is facing a water scarcity, leading to a black market of water tankers. Hundreds of crores of black money is being distributed to fight elections,” he said.
JD(S) patriarch and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was among those who shared the dais with Modi in a show of strength by the NDA.
The JD(S) joined the NDA in September last year.
Of the total 28 seats in Karnataka, BJP is contesting in 25 and the JD(S) in three, including neighbouring Mandya.
"In Karnataka, NDA has the guidance of senior leaders like H D Deve Gowda and (BJP leader B S) Yediyurappa and cooperation of (JD(S) leader) H D Kumaraswamy," Modi said.
Questioning whether one requires permission to say 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', he asked, "Will the country, Karnataka, Mysuru forgive such a Congress? First opposed 'Vande Mataram' and now hesitated to say 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'. This is the height of Congress's downfall."
Scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar is the BJP candidate in the coming Lok Sabha elections here.
Deve Gowda's son, former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy is contesting from Mandya.
Karnataka is very important for the BJP as it's the only state in South India where the party has held power.
In the 2019 general elections, BJP bagged 25 seats, while an independent backed by the party also emerged victorious.
The Congress and JD(S) which fought the polls in an alliance back then secured just one seat each.
Accusing the Congress of playing with fire for the sake of power, the PM said that at the time when India's stature is increasing globally, Congress leaders going abroad are not leaving any opportunity to project India in poor light.
"The country gives a befitting reply to its enemies, but Congress seeks evidence for 'surgical strikes' from the army. Congress is working with a political wing of a banned organisation which is involved in terror activities," he alleged.
Claiming that an "open game" of appeasement is on in the country, Modi alleged that efforts are on to put a stop to fairs and festivals.
Alleging that the INDIA alliance people want to "end Sanatan", and "destroy Hindu Dharma's Shakti", the PM said, "Until there is Modi, and he has your blessings, these forces of hate will never be successful. This is Modi's guarantee."
Karnataka is going to the polls in two phases. While polling for 14 Lok Sabha segments in the southern part of the state will be held on April 26, the second phase of voting in northern districts will be held on May 7.
Stating that the 2024 Lok Sabha polls will decide the future of 'Viksit Bharat' (developed Bharat) for 2047, Modi claimed that for the progress of the country he is putting in his every minute, and said, "24/7 for 2047."
Congress never gave its account of 60 years of rule, because it only knows to create problems and betray, he alleged.
Karnataka has become an "ATM state" for the Congress party's loot, he alleged.
Highlighting the guarantees in the BJP's manifesto, Modi called it the picture of 'New India'.
Earlier addressing the rally, Deve Gowda heaped praise on Modi and said he has brought a lot of respect for India globally, in the last 10 years.
"To save the state I asked Kumaraswamy to go with Modi," he said, as he also targeted the Congress and INDIA bloc.
The veteran leader also attacked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar over their "misrule" and for speaking in poor light about Modi.
(With inputs from PTI)