Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched another tirade against the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka, claiming that the State government functioned only if a bribe was paid.

“Some people believe there is a Siddaramaiah governance in Karnataka, but in reality, it is ‘seedha rupaiyya’ governance. Har cheez mein seedha rupaiyya hota hai, tabhi kaam hota hai . Ye ‘seedha rupaiyya’ jaana chahiye (Here you have to bribe every time to get the work done. This has to go),” Modi said while addressing a farmers’ rally in Davanagere, in central Karnataka.

The BJP’s local unit had organised a farmers’ rally to mark the 75th birthday of the party’s State President BS Yeddyurappa, who is also its chief ministerial face.

10% govt jibe

Modi reiterated his claim that the Siddaramaiah government would exact a 10 per cent commission to get work done. “Everything seems to be happening at a price here. Karnataka needs freedom from such corruption,” he said.

Hitting out at the Karnataka government, Modi said governance was at its lowest ebb in the State. He said the Congress would pay for misgovernance in the elections. “Every section of society is unhappy with the Congress government in Karnataka.”

He repeated his accusation that the Siddaramaiah dispensation had not been spending funds disbursed by the Centre. “Congress in Karnataka is insensitive towards healthcare facilities for people. Centre sends funds, but why does it not spend on improving health infrastructure.”

Cong-mukt India

Modi said Congress governments were being rejected by people across the country. “Election after election, what are the people doing? They are removing Congress. When Congress goes, the harmful Congress culture also goes,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister claimed his government had taken several steps for the transformation of the agriculture sector. Pointing to the Centre’s agri initiatives, Modi said it was the dream of the NDA government to double farmers’ income by 2022.

“The crop insurance scheme brought by the NDA government is a comprehensive one.”

He highlighted how ‘Operation Greens’, announced in this year’s Union Budget, would have a positive impact on the agriculture sector and how value addition to crops would bring more prosperity to farmers.

Pro-poor pitch

Lashing out at the Congress, Modi questioned their ‘48-year misrule’, and urged people to compare it to the 48 months of the NDA. “One family ruled India for 48 years. One tea seller has served for almost 48 months. They grew up in riches so they never cared for the poor. I have seen poverty, which is why I am devoting all my time for the welfare of the poor and the farmers,” he said.

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