<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a swipe at former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah saying that the Congress leader was seeking votes in the name of his retirement from active politics.</p>.<p>He said the people of Karnataka will not choose a "tired and defeated" Congress but a BJP teeming with enthusiasm.</p>.<p>"A Congress leader is seeking votes in the name of their retirement. His biggest poll plank is: 'This is my last election. Give me a chance. What a pathetic state they have reached!" Modi said in an election rally in the district headquarters town of Vijayapura.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/election/karnataka/karnataka-elections-will-open-the-door-for-congress-in-2024-ls-polls-kpcc-chief-shivakumar-1214071.html" target="_top">Karnataka elections will open the door for Congress in 2024 LS polls: KPCC chief Shivakumar</a></strong></p>.<p>The Prime Minister's jibe was aimed at 75-year-old Siddaramaiah who recently announced that this will be his last election and he would not contest polls anymore.</p>.<p>"I know that the people of Karnataka will not choose a tired and defeated Congress but the BJP which is bubbling with enthusiasm," Modi added.</p>.<p>He said there is one slogan of 'Ee Baariya Nirdhara, Bahumatada BJPiya Sarkara' (This time the decision, a BJP government with majority) echoing from every corner of Karnataka.</p>.<p>In an attempt to strike a chord and connect with the dominant Lingayat community of Karnataka who are followers of 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara who was born in Vijayapura, Modi said his party follows the teachings of the poet-saint in toto.</p>.<p>The Prime Minister said the 2023 Assembly election in Karnataka, which will take place on May 10, is about building the state in the next 25 years.</p>.<p>"The BJP has a definite roadmap for the development of Karnataka. Congress has neither the roadmap nor any enthusiasm," Modi told the crowd.</p>.<p>The ruling BJP is pulling out all stops to return to power in this year's state election. The party is facing a tough challenge from the opposition Congress.</p>.<p>Voting will take place on May 10 and the counting of votes is on May 13.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a swipe at former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah saying that the Congress leader was seeking votes in the name of his retirement from active politics.</p>.<p>He said the people of Karnataka will not choose a "tired and defeated" Congress but a BJP teeming with enthusiasm.</p>.<p>"A Congress leader is seeking votes in the name of their retirement. His biggest poll plank is: 'This is my last election. Give me a chance. What a pathetic state they have reached!" Modi said in an election rally in the district headquarters town of Vijayapura.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/election/karnataka/karnataka-elections-will-open-the-door-for-congress-in-2024-ls-polls-kpcc-chief-shivakumar-1214071.html" target="_top">Karnataka elections will open the door for Congress in 2024 LS polls: KPCC chief Shivakumar</a></strong></p>.<p>The Prime Minister's jibe was aimed at 75-year-old Siddaramaiah who recently announced that this will be his last election and he would not contest polls anymore.</p>.<p>"I know that the people of Karnataka will not choose a tired and defeated Congress but the BJP which is bubbling with enthusiasm," Modi added.</p>.<p>He said there is one slogan of 'Ee Baariya Nirdhara, Bahumatada BJPiya Sarkara' (This time the decision, a BJP government with majority) echoing from every corner of Karnataka.</p>.<p>In an attempt to strike a chord and connect with the dominant Lingayat community of Karnataka who are followers of 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara who was born in Vijayapura, Modi said his party follows the teachings of the poet-saint in toto.</p>.<p>The Prime Minister said the 2023 Assembly election in Karnataka, which will take place on May 10, is about building the state in the next 25 years.</p>.<p>"The BJP has a definite roadmap for the development of Karnataka. Congress has neither the roadmap nor any enthusiasm," Modi told the crowd.</p>.<p>The ruling BJP is pulling out all stops to return to power in this year's state election. The party is facing a tough challenge from the opposition Congress.</p>.<p>Voting will take place on May 10 and the counting of votes is on May 13.</p>