People of Karnataka fighting poll for BJP: PM Modi after roadshow

BENGALURU/BADAMI/HAVERI: "It is clear Bengaluru wants BJP. This city believes that our party will continue delivering on good governance and development," PM Modi tweeted Saturday, soon after a roadshow on the first day of his visit, apparently overwhelmed by the response he received in the run-up to the May 10 assembly polls.

During the 26km roadshow, which covered 13 assembly segments, chants of "Bajrangbali ki Jai" and "Jai Bajrangi" were heard. Many BJP supporters, including women and children, came either dressed as Hanuman or wearing masks depicting the deity. This was in response to the Congress manifesto proposal to ban Bajrang Dal in Karnataka if voted to office.

The roadshow, slated for 8 hours, was split into one each Saturday and Sunday, to avoid inconveniencing people, especially NEET and CA students.

BJP said PM Modi's 26km roadshow in Bengaluru took 178 minutes and more than eight lakh people were on the road.

"What I saw in Bengaluru, I say with confidence that this election is neither Modi contesting nor BJP leaders or our candidates contesting; it is the election the people of Karnataka are fighting on behalf of BJP. I see the total control of the election in the hands of the people," Modi said at a rally in Badami later in the day.

Modi said that be it healthcare, housing or sanitation, there have been significant gains in Bengaluru, which has led to improved living standards. "A vital aspect of 'Ease of Living' is proper transport infrastructure. Our government has delivered on futuristic projects which provide for improved connectivity and greater prosperity," the PM said, adding, "Be it technology or transportation, we shall work on pioneering solutions that are in line with people's expectations and those which reaffirm Bengaluru's position as a global hub for tech and innovation."

Addressing another rally in Haveri, he said development works done by central and state governments under BJP are there for all to see and enjoy. "This needs to be continued, and it is possible when a stable government is in place. BJP alone has the capacity to provide a pro-people, stable government and implement schemes and programmes to make Karnataka no. 1 state in India," he said.

Cautioning the people of Karnataka against Congress's guarantees, Modi said the promise of "Garibi Hatao" announced by the party 50 years ago was the "biggest fraud in its history" and was still carrying on.

Taking a jab at CLP leader Siddaramaiah, PM Modi sought to know why the former CM, who contested the 2018 election from Badami, had deserted the constituency and moved to Varuna.

With inputs

from Anil Gejji,

Gururaj Jamkhandi,

Basavaraj Maralihalli &

Akhilesh Singh