Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accuses the Congress party of calling for the secession of Karnataka from India and working against the country’s interests. The Congress party responds, saying Modi is ignoring the people’s issues.
The political temperature in Karnataka rose to new heights on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of inciting foreign powers and calling for the secession of the state from India. Speaking at an election rally in Nanjangud in Mysuru district, Modi accused the Congress of breaking conventions and crushing the sentiments of the country.
According to Modi, the Congress’ “Shahi Parivar” has been “openly inciting foreign powers to interfere” in Indian politics and “secretly meeting foreign diplomats who do not like India.” He also accused Congress of being infected with the “disease of the tukde tukde gang,” a reference to those accused of wanting to break up India.
Accused Gandhi’s family of working against India’s interests
Modi’s remarks were in response to a statement by the Congress’ Rahul Gandhi, who had called for the protection of Karnataka’s sovereignty. Modi said this meant that the Congress was advocating the secession of Karnataka from India and accused the party of insulting the freedom fighters of the state and the patriotism of Kannadigas.
The Prime Minister also accused the Congress of having a history of dividing brothers and making states fight each other. He claimed that terrorists and criminal elements were emboldened whenever Congress assumed power and that this was dangerous for national security. He added that investment only came to places where there was law and order and that only the BJP could ensure it.
The Congress responded to Modi’s charges by accusing him of forgetting development and inflation and of not understanding the issues that people wanted to discuss. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, speaking at a rally in Bengaluru South, said that Modi’s remarks about an international conspiracy were incomprehensible.
The Karnataka Assembly election is set to take place on May 10, and Modi’s remarks are likely to increase further the already high levels of tension between the BJP and the Congress. The BJP currently holds power in the state and is seeking to retain it by defeating the Congress.
Congress responds, saying Modi ignores people’s issues
The BJP has been campaigning aggressively in the state, with Modi himself visiting the state several times in recent weeks. The party is seeking to capitalise on its success in recent elections, including in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, and is hoping to win the Karnataka election as well.
The Congress, on the other hand, is seeking to revive its fortunes in the state. The party has been out of power in Karnataka for over a decade and is hoping to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction with the BJP.
The election is seen as a crucial test for both parties, and the outcome is likely to have significant implications for Indian politics. The BJP’s victory would further consolidate its position as the dominant political force in the country, while the Congress’ victory would be seen as a significant setback for the BJP.
In the coming days, both parties are likely to step up their campaigning efforts in the state, and the rhetoric is likely to get more heated. The Karnataka election is being closely watched by political observers, and the outcome is likely to have far-reaching consequences for Indian politics.
