Ahead of Modi’s visit, leaders set the mood in B'luru

Hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his address in Hubballi, a string of senior BJP leaders led by Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani set the mood in Bengaluru by targeting the Congress and ‘Mahagatabandhan’.

At an event in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on Sunday, Smriti said the coming together of the Opposition parties was not only to replace Modi but also loot the common man. “Three lakh poor have got homes because of Modi. Women entrepreneurs are getting help through Mudra scheme, thanks to Modi,” she said.

The minister said the Congress was insulting the nation in its effort to abuse Modi. “They hold press conferences in London to discredit elections and voting machines. Modi has said they are free to criticise, but those who looted the country must go. The pradhan sevak’s aim is to send them (looters) back,” she said.

Smriti said Congress chief and “gentleman” Rahul Gandhi has failed to develop his own constituency but has been busy criticising Modi.

Bangalore Central MP P C Mohan said Modi has done in four years what Congress could not do in 70 years. “Bengaluru is known for its traffic problems. Modi stepped in by sanctioning Rs 17,000 crore suburban rail project, but the state government has placed 19 preconditions to come on board,” he said.

Stating that 60% to 70% of the state’s revenue comes from Bengaluru, he said and added that the city requires more investment. “No organisation, businessman and the common man is trusting this (coalition) government,” he said.