BJP attacks 'Ahinda leader' image of Siddaramaiah

When BJP National President Amit Shah started his campaigning in Mumbai-Karnataka region from Kaginele, known for saint poet Kanakadasa's association with this place, his attack was clearly on the Ahinda leader image of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Throughout his speech, which was translated into Kannada by Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi, Mr Shah repeatedly took the name of Mr Siddaramaiah, charging that he showed concern about minorities and not OBCs. The BJP's State-level backward classes convention held on Tuesday was also used by Mr Shah to explain the benefits of Union Government's schemes for the OBCs.

"OBC members should choose between Siddaramaiah who tells lies and divides people, and B S Yeddyurappa who worked for the welfare of all, in the forthcoming Assembly elections," Mr Shah said.

State BJP President B S Yeddyurapa explained the measures taken for the welfare of backward classes, when the BJP was in power.

"We gave funds for the development of Kaginele, but Mr Siddaramaiah did nothing. I will not criticise the chief minister who would go home shortly. If we come to power, we will get more funds from the Centre also. Rs one lakh crore would be earmarked for irrigation also," Mr Yeddyurapa said.

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council K S Eshwarappa charged that Siddaramaiah used the names of Sangolli Rayanna, Kanakadasa, and Dr B R Ambedkar before the elections, but forgot them later. He is a fake and self-proclaimed leader of backward classes, and he did not help the poor, backward and dalits, he said.

Ballari MP B Sriramulu, and State BJP Backward Classes Morcha President B J Puttaswamy also spoke. BJP National General Secretary Muralidhar Rao, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar, MPs Shivakumar Udasi and G M Siddheshwara, former ministers C M Udasi, Basavaraj Bommai, and others were present.

Heat, empty chairs

Scorching sun caused inconvenience for the people who attended the convention. As a pandal was not erected for the audience, reportedly due to the election code of conduct, extreme heat was experienced. The BJP workers also distributed water sachets.

Pandal was arranged only for the leaders on the main stage, and for other leaders on another stage. Many chairs for the audience in the back rows on one side were empty. BJP leaders had to repeatedly ask people to occupy chairs.

Visit to mutt

Before the convention, Amit Shah visited Kanaka Gurupeetha at Kaginele. Sri Niranjananandapuri Swamiji was not there, and Mr Shah met other seers there. It is said that the seer was at Belavadi Shakhamutt where Congress Party chied Rahul Gandhi's visit was scheduled.

At the convention, Mr Shah was honoured with Kambali and statue of Kanakadasa.

After the convention, heavy traffic jam was experienced on the road from Kaginele to Haveri, as a large number of vehicles carrying people moved in a hurry.