Karnataka Assembly elections: Siddaramaiah government is in sleep mode, says Modi in Ballari
He accused the Congress government of burdening the state with debts, and not spending the funds that the Centre had allocated for the state’s development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka was in sleep mode and had not spent the funds that the Centre had allocated for the state’s development.
Not a single project could be undertaken in Karnataka without corruption and bribery, The Indian Express quoted Modi as saying. “Look at rising illegal mining in the state,” the prime minister said at an election rally in Ballari. “Congress government in Karnataka could not even frame a strong mining policy.”
In a jibe at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the prime minister said the state had a “Sidda-rupaiah” government that has burdened the state with debts.
Look at the rising illegal mining in state. Congress govt here couldn't even frame a strong mining policy. Karnataka has a 'Sidda-Rupaiah Sarkar'. It has created a debt-burden for the state: PM Modi in Ballari #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/bGi0paXYrx
— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2018
“When we had got the opportunity to serve people of Karnataka earlier, so many development initiatives were undertaken,” ANI quoted Modi as saying. “But sadly, Congress could not even ensure proper water supply despite the state being rich in water resources.”
The prime minister accused the Congress of targeting Ballari like thieves and thugs, and destroying its rich history and legacy. The prime minister did not mention the Reddy brothers, who have featured prominently in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s campaign. The Congress continued to target the party and the prime minister over the matter.
Dear PM Modi,
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 3, 2018
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 & still not out.
With star players like Yeddy-Reddy, your score in Karnataka will be well short of 60.#ModiHitWicket
Earlier in the day, the prime minister addressed another rally in Kalaburagi district where he accused the Congress of not respecting the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. “When our soldiers carried out surgical strikes, the Congress party questioned them,” the prime minister said. “They kept on asking proof of the strikes from me.”
After the strikes, one Congress leader had called Army chief General Bipin Rawat a “gunda [thug]”, Modi alleged. He pointed out that Field Marshall KC Cariappa and General KS Thimayya were born in the state, and alleged that both were mistreated by the Congress governments. “History is proof of that,” Modi said. “In 1948, after defeating Pakistan, General Thimayya was insulted by PM Nehru and Defence Minister Krishna Menon.”
After surgical strikes, one of Congress's senior leaders called our current Army Chief a 'Gunda': PM Narendra Modi in Kalaburagi #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/8bHkLrI8xI
— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2018
Modi accused the state government of misleading Dalit communities, and alleged that the party did not make Mallikarjun Kharge the chief minister despite promising him the post. “This is typically how Congress plays politics,” the prime minister said.