During an election rally on Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party, claiming that they were “scared” and had resorted to bringing in veteran leader Sonia Gandhi after their “lies did not work” in the Karnataka election campaign. Although he did not mention her by name, his comments at the rally in Shivamogga in central Karnataka seemed to allude to her recent return to the campaign trail.
Gandhi, 76, who had been largely absent from public rallies and campaigning since the 2019 Lok Sabha polls due to health concerns, addressed her first election meeting in Karnataka on Saturday, ahead of the state’s voting day on May 10.
During her rally in Hubballi, in northern Karnataka, she accused PM Modi and the BJP of spreading “falsehoods” and “dividing” the country. However, the Prime Minister declared that the Congress’ “balloon of lies” was no longer effective, as the people had “burst it.” He also criticized the Congress for “dumping the responsibility of defeat on each other” and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response he received during his roadshow in Bengaluru earlier that day. The rally was cut short due to the NEET exam.
As PM Modi was presented with a Hanuman idol and a saffron-colored ‘Shivaji’ turban, the crowd erupted with chants of ‘Jai Sri Ram’ (Hail Lord Ram) and ‘Bajrang Bali Ki Jai’ (Hail Hanuman). The Prime Minister pledged to repay the people of Karnataka for their faith in him, saying, “I want to give you an original guarantee for your love and blessings, I will develop Karnataka and refund your love with interest.”
The Karnataka state election has become crucial for both parties as it is seen as a prelude to the national elections scheduled for 2024. While the BJP is hoping to expand its base in southern India, the Congress is looking to reclaim its lost ground. The results of the election are expected to be announced on May 12.
