Ankola/Bengaluru(Karnataka): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday again invoked Lord Hanuman in what can he termed as a gesture to counter the Congress which is in the line of fire from the saffron party for its Karnataka polls manifesto which sought a ban on Bajrang Dal.
Modi, who hit the campaign trail in the southern state, chanted "Bajrang Bali ki Jai" to the delight of the crowd which reciprocated his gesture in equal measure at a rally in Dakshina Kannada's Mudbidri. He also urged the people of Karnataka to say 'Jai Bajrangbali' when they cast their vote to "punish" the Congress for its "culture of abuse", as BJP leaders stepped up attack on the opposition party over its election manifesto promise of banning the Bajrang Dal.
Addressing a public meeting in Uttara Kannada district, Modi said the Congress and its leaders hate and abuse him because he has crashed their "corrupt system". "In this election, Congress is seeking votes in the name of its leader who is retiring...the other way in which they are seeking votes is by abusing Modi..."Will anyone in Karnataka accept this culture of abuse? What will you (people) do this time? Will you punish them? Will you punish the abusers?... When you press the button in the polling booth, punish them by saying 'Jai Bajrangbali'," he added.
The prime minister's comment came a day after Congress promised to ban Bajrang Dal if it comes to power in Karnataka after assembly elections. The Congress manifesto said the party is committed to taking firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred among communities on grounds of caste and religion.
After ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ slogan, PM Modi said, "Bajrang Bali Ki" and the crowd responded with “jai". The Congress on Tuesday promised a ban on Bajrang Dal in its Karnataka election manifesto, a move denounced by the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who alleged that the opposition party which had “locked up" Lord Ram now wanted to target Lord Hanuman’s devotees.
The Prime Minister said the whole politics of Congress is based on a “divide and rule" policy. “We want to make Karnataka number one. BJP wants to create modern infrastructure in Karnataka and make Karnataka a manufacturing powerhouse. Congress is asking for your votes because one of its leaders is going to retire. Congress want to reverse the decisions of the BJP government’s good works for Karnataka," the PM said.
“If there prevails peace in society, Congress can not sit with peace. If there is happening progress and development in the country, Congress can not tolerate this… The whole politics of Congress is based on the ‘Divide and Rule’ Policy. Karnataka itself has been a witness to this dangerous face of Congress," he said.
PM Modi accused Congress of protecting those behind terrorism. “Congress saves bosses of terror. In Rajasthan, more than 50 people were killed in the bomb blast. But their police did such work that all the blast accused get free from jail,” he said. “People who were arrested in terrorism conspiracy in Karnataka. Congress comes to their rescue. Congress also withdraws cases registered against anti-nationals and releases them," he added. The PM also said Congress insults Indian Army and defame the country in the world.
