Prime MinisterNarendra Modion Tuesday held the Congressgovernment in Karnatakaresponsible for "political violence that led to the death of several BJP cadres" in the state.
"It is extremely shameful that the Congressgovernment allowed violence in the state and several BJP workers were murdered. The Congressmust provide an answer to the rising crime," Modi told a Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) rally at M.G.M. College Groundsin this coastal district city.
Through his 40-minute speech in Hindi, the Prime Ministeraddressed hundreds of people, including party cadres, gathered on a sunny afternoon.
This was Modi's second rally after the one in Chamarajanagardistrict earlier in the day, kick-starting BJP's poll campaign for the May 12 Assembly elections.
The opposition BJP has been holding the Congressresponsible for the murders of party workers in the state's coastal region in the last five years.
"While on the one hand, the BJP is talking about the 'ease of doing business' in our country, the Congressbelieves in 'ease of doing murder'. This is the kind of culture they have developed," Modi said.
Accusing the government led by Chief MinisterSiddaramaiahof allowing the "sand mafia" to operate in the state, Modi appealed to the people to vote for change and development.
"Those who loot cannot remain in power and must be ousted," Modi said, adding that the Congresshad promoted intolerance and violence.
"When the state's Lokayukta is not safe, how can the common man be?"
Karnataka's anti-graft ombudsman Justice P. Vishwanatha Shettywas stabbed at his office by a man in the state capital on March 7. Shetty returned to work a few days ago.
Hailing the Udupidistrict's residents for starting for several national banks, Modi said that his government had been working towards making these banks accessible to the poorest of the poor.
Canara Bank, Syndicate Bank, Corporation Bank, and Vijaya Bankare some of the oldest banks in the country that were set up in what are now the Udupiand Dakshina Kannada districts.
Over 31 Crore Bank Accountsfor the poor have been opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Modi said.
Modi will address another party rally at Chikodi in Belagavidistrict.
The BJP is contesting all 224 Assembly seats to return to power.
--IANS
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