Local touch in Modi's speech pulls crowd's attention

In a typical Modi rally marked by the attendance of thousands of people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 27-minute speech included his 'Pranam' to great personalities from this region.

At the BJP's campaigning rally for forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, near Gabbur Cross on the outskirts of the City on Sunday evening, Modi started his speech in Kannada and said, he was thrilled to visit this place known for heritage and achievements.

He also mentioned names of noted personalities from the region like Kittur Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna, Kanakadasa, Kumaravyasa, Da Ra Bendre, Gangubai Hangal, Bhimsen Joshi, and Kumar Gandhrva. He paid respects to Shri Gurusiddheshwar Swamiji of Hubbali and Lord Veeranarayana of Gadag, while he also paid tributes to Shri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mautt.

Modi remembered Jagannathrao Joshi, M G Jartarghar, and others who worked for the growth of the party in the region. He also remembered the qualities of former Union minister Ananth Kumar who passed away recently.

He ended his speech by wishing the people that their life be as sweet as Dharwad Pedha.

Though this rally was the beginning of the BJP's campaign in the State for Lok Sabha elections, Modi did not seek votes directly for individuals, as the party has not yet announced its candidates. But, Modi said, "the country needs a 'Majbut' government model, and not 'Majbur' model which is in Karnataka now. Your vote will decide whether the country needs honesty or dishonesty, development or dynasty, and clarity or confusion in the government."

"Today is Basanth Panchami, which marks the change in weather, and I am seeing a change in political weather in Karnataka also," he noted.

Modi's speech was not without his favourite terms like 'Pradhan Sevak', 'Chowkidar', and 'Namdar'.

'Need 22 seats'

Earlier, State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa stressed the need for the BJP to win 22 seats in the State in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Criticising the State Government, he charged that farm loan waiver scheme is not reaching the needy, while development works have taken a backseat. This government should go, as people are angry with it. This government will not last long," he added.

'Injustice to region'

Before the arrival of Modi, MLA Jagadish Shettar charged that the government is bifurcating the Visvesvaraya Technological University, just to take it to Hassan. This government is doing injustice to North Karnataka region, he charged.

MLA Basavaraj Bommai alleged that Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy did wholesale operation of the Congress Party, and there are several 'tapes' about his misdeeds. He also charged that the government is not showing interest to implement the Mahadayi project.

Union ministers D V Sadananda Gowda, Ramesh Jigajinagi and Anantkumar Hegde, MPs Pralhad Joshi, Shivakumar Udasi, P C Gaddigoudar and Prabhakar Kore, BJP leaders Muralidhar Rao, R Ashoka, and others were present.

Art troupes presented patriotic songs before the rally, while videos promoting the BJP were also screened.