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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated his charges against Karnataka’s Congress government, accusing it of corruption, non-performance and of creating road-blocks for development.
Addressing a BJP public rally in Mysuru, Modi attempted to connect with the gathering, kicking off his 45-minute speech in Kannada, praising the city for its “ jagada prasiddha ” (world famous) reshme (silk), srigandha (sandalwood) and pak (sweet).
‘10% government’
He then took on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s style of governance, repeating his allegation that the Congress dispensation sought a 10 per cent cut on every project sanctioned.
“What do you need? A government seeking commission? Or a government working with a mission?” Modi asked. “A government which asks for 10 per cent commission to work or a government which works with a mission for development?”
“As long as there is Congress government in Karnataka, the State cannot progress,” Modi stated.
On the Congress demanding proof for his “10 per cent” allegation, which Modi made during his previous visit to the State, the Prime Minister said: “When I called the present government in Karnataka a 10 per cent government, people vented their anger. They even sent me messages and told me that I was absolutely wrong. Actually, the level of corruption is much higher that what I had said,” Modi said.
He also accused the Congress of provoking people and dividing the society. Without referring to the Lingayat issue, Modi said: “The issue has disturbed the social fabric of the State by hurting the sentiments of people and has misled the populace. If the current government continues in the State, its downfall is guaranteed.”
A dig at the CM
Taking a dig at Siddaramaiah, Modi said: “Mysuru is known for its social integrity and mannerism and anybody who has grown up here cannot do anything wrong. However, a person who grew up here forgot these etiquettes once he reached Bengaluru and is now driving Karnataka towards disaster. There is a scam we are witnessing every day.”
The Prime Minister said it was a matter of shame that there were still four crore people in the State who did not have homes of their own. The BJP has set a target of achieving housing for all by 2022.
“The Congress is like a bump on a highway meant for a speed of 120 km per hour. Bumps minimise speed or lead to accidents, whereas we [BJP] are committed to the development of the nation.”
The Prime Minister attacked the Congress government for its inability to complete projects. “Over the years, several schemes were discussed and debated in Parliament, but never implemented on the ground. When we came to power, we identified them and initiated work on such projects.”
Boost for connectivity
Modi flagged off ‘Palace Queen’ Humsafar Express train which connects Mysuru to Udaipur. Modi said this would boost tourism and connect four States. He also announced the six-laning of the Bengaluru-Mysuru National Highway, at an estimated ₹6,400 crore, and laid the foundation stone for a satellite railway station at Naganahalli near Mysuru with a budget of ₹800 crore.
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