"It is not Siddaramaiah government, but 'seedha rupaiyya' that drives the administration in the state. Everything seems to be happening at a price here. Karnataka needs freedom from such corruption," he stated, while addressing the BJP's farmers' rally - "Raitha Bandu Samavesha" - organised to mark the 75th birthday of chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa.
It is Modi's third public rally in a month in poll-bound Karnataka. Draped in a green shawl to project himself as farmer friendly, he launched BJP's Mushti Akki Abhiyana (fist-full rice campaign) that envisages collection of fist-full of rice from every family of farmers in the state.
Modi said people were so angry with the 'corrupt' government that they were eagerly waiting to vote it out in the coming polls. Karnataka was the only state in the country where a "bundle of notes" and "diaries" were found in houses of ministers when raids are conducted. "If this is not a 'seedha rupaiyya' government, what then? Such a government should not be allowed to stay in power even for a minute," he said.
"One family ruled India for 48 years. One tea seller has served for 48 months. They grew up in riches. So they never cared for the poor. I have seen poverty, that is why I am devoting all my time for the welfare of the poor and the farmers," the prime minister said in an indirect attack on the Nehru-Gandhi family.
Whenever people of the country got an opportunity, they removed Congress governments. They have come to understand that the Congress culture is the root cause of all problems in the country, he stated and charged the Congress government with not being able to utilise funds released by the Centre for the welfare of people.
Modi also spoke at length about steps taken by his government to bail out farmers in distress. The Centre has implemented Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana, issued soil health cards and increased minimum support price to benefit farmers. What the Congress failed to do in 48 years of its rule, the BJP-led NDA government has done in just 48 months, he said.
He concluded his speech with the Kannada slogan 'Banni BJP gellisi - ee baari BJP sarkara,' drawing loud cheers and applause from the crowd.
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