Karnataka polls: PM asks voters to press EVM button with 'Jai Bajrang Bali' slogan to punish Congress

During his three-day tour, PM Modi will hold two road shows in Bengaluru and a host of public meetings in Bellary, Tumakur rural, Badami, Haveli, Shivamogga and Nanjangud.

Bengaluru:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a dig at the Congress, saying the party was so nervous about getting defeated that it has problem even with his 'Jai Bajrang Bali' slogan. Modi, who arrived Karnataka this afternoon for a three-day visit, addressed two public meetings in Bellary and Tumakur today.

During his election rally in Bellary, Modi raised the slogan six times. Prior to his address, he chanted the slogan thrice and before concluding got the people to join him. He asked voters to press the button of the EVM and punish the Congress by saying 'Jai Bajrang Bali'.

Releasing its election manifesto on Tuesday, the Congress had announced of banning Bajrang Dal if it came to power. Addressing the rally, Modi said that the condition of Congress is so miserable that it has objection to 'Jai Bajrang Bali slogan. "The party is well aware of its defeat. Their condition is such that they now have problem even with my 'Jai Bajrang Bali' slogan," he said.

Modi alleged that the Congress has lost public trust and faith due to misrule, false allegations and false guarantees. "In order to win elections, Congress is creating false narratives and false surveys on the basis of money. But, the people of Karnataka have come forward supporting the BJP. The enthusiasm of the public gives a clear message as to who would win the elections," he said.

Drawing a comparison between the manifestos of the Congress and the BJP, Modi said the BJP's manifesto has laid down the roadmap to make Karnataka number one state in the country while the Congress has only appeasement and false assurances.

Modi said Congress has always prioritized corruption over development. "Even former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had himself said that if 100 paisa is sold in Delhi then the poor get only 15 paisa. He had accepted that Congress is 85 per cent 'commission party' and the party's culture has remained the same till today," he added.

He further alleged that Congress appeases terrorism for ensuring its vote bank. "Congress has always supported and surrendered before terrorism for the sake of their vote bank. Can such a party give security to Karnataka?" he he asked.

Modi left for Tumakur where he is scheduled to campaign on behalf of the candidates of 11 constituencies of the district. He will participate in a huge convention of party activists at the city's Government Pre-Graduation College premises. Around one lakh people are expected to attend the convention.