Karnataka elections LIVE: Modi says ‘Sidda-rupaiah’ sarkar has made state debt-ridden

Prime minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi are in Karnataka on Thursday as a part of their election campaigns in the state ahead of the May 12 assembly election.

Modi began his second round of campaigning in poll-bound Karnataka on Thursday with a rally in Kalaburagi. Later on Thursday, Modi will also address a rally in Bengaluru. The BJP has also lined up a galaxy of leaders, including Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, to address public meetings in the next few days.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi will hold corner meetings in Aurad, Bhalki and Humnabad in Bidar district on Thursday.

Polling for the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12, and results will be declared on the 15th of the month.

Here are the live updates:

3.28pm: We (BJP govt) wanted OBC Commission to get Constitutional status but the Congress did not let it happen: PM Modi.

3.24pm: PM Modi on central policies: Ours is a sensitive government which looks after the aspirations of people and then formulate policies. Through the Fasal Bima Yojana we have been able to ensure welfare of farmers.

3.19pm: When we had got the opportunity to serve people of Karnataka earlier, so many development initiatives were undertaken. But sadly, the Congress could not even ensure proper water supply despite the state being rich in water resources, alleges Narendra Modi.

3.14pm: Not even a single work is possible without corruption and bribery. Look at rising illegal mining in the state. Congress government in Karnataka could not even frame a strong mining policy, says PM Modi.

3.11pm: Karnataka has a ‘Sidda-Rupaiah Sarkar’. It has created a debt-burden for the state. People can no longer tolerate them. They will give a strong reply on 12th May: PM Modi.

3.10pm: Free press makes for a stronger democracy, says PM Modi.

3.05pm: Congress has ruined the rich history and legacy of Ballari. By defaming Ballari, they have disrespected the people of this district: PM Modi.

3pm: PM Modi begins his address in Bellary.

1.40pm: Rahul Gandhi on Narendra Modi: He has to have something to say...can’t talk about roads, education, farmers, development etc...

So let’s talk about Rahul Gandhi...but you are the PM of India, this kind of speech doesn’t behove your position

1.33pm: Rahul Gandhi’s advice to Modi: Talk about what you will do for the youth of India, for Karnataka. Tell small businessmen how you will save them from Gabbar Singh Tax. Tell the people what you will do to save them from the effectes of demonetisation

1:28pm: Whenever Narendra Modi is afraid, he makes a personal attack. The difference between me and him is that no matter what he says about me, I won’t be affected. He is the prime minister of India and I won’t make a personal attack on him. However, I can question my prime minister on the promises that he had made: Rahul Gandhi in Aurad.

1:26pm: This election is not about Modi or Rahul Gandhi, it is about the future of people of Karnataka, says Congress president

1:24pm: GST or Gabbar Singh Tax has put an end to all businesses. In the movie Sholay,there was Gabbar Singh, you brought the Gabbar Singh Tax but now you gone even further...Now you are trying to put the entire Gabbar Singh team in the Karnataka assembly...Gabbar is there, Samba is there Kalia is also there...the entire gang of Reddy brothers, who were in jail, you are trying to place them in the assembly: Rahul Gandhi

1:23pm: The amount Congress put into MNREGA (Rs 30,000 crore) is the amount Nirav Modi ran away with. When I asked PM Modi it, he made fun of me, says Rahul Gandhi

1:22pm: You come to Karnataka, you talk about corruption yet BS Yedyurappa is your CM candidate, says Rahul Gandhi

1.20pm: Instead of waiving your loans, he (PM Modi) gave the money to his corporate friends. Whenever Modi is anxious, he makes personal attacks.

I will never make personal attack on Modi, simple because he is the PM,doesn’t matter how much he attacks me, says Congress president

1:18pm: Congress president Rahul Gandhi is addressing a rally in Bidar in Karnataka.

1.10pm: My job is to worry for the farmers, says PM Modi.

1.05pm: Last time Congress promised to make Kharge CM, but did not keep their word. Did they not let down the Dalits of the state, says Narendra Modi at Kalaburagi rally.

1pm: You may not be able to speak the truth, but at least you can keep quiet: Modi to Congress on Swaminathan report.

For several years, Congress government tried to hide the Swaminathan Comission report in the cupboard, claims Modi.

12.56pm: Congress doesn’t respect the sacrifices of our soldiers. When our soldiers carried out surgical strikes, the Congress party questioned them. They kept on asking proof of the strikes from me, says PM Modi

Karnataka is synonymous with valour. But, how did the Congress Govts treat Field Marshall Cariappa and General Thimayya? History is proof of that. In 1948 after defeating Pakistan, General Thimayya was insulted by PM Nehru and Defence Minister Krishna Menon, adds Modi.

12.51pm: The enthusiasm in Kalaburagi shows - the people of Karnataka will even bear the May heat, but they can no longer stand Congress government: PM Modi. 

12.50pm: This election will decide the future of Karnataka. It is about security of women, the development of farmers. Do not assume this is only about electing MLAs, it is much more than that: PM Narendra Modi in Kalaburagi.

12.45pm: Congress is on its way out in Karnataka, says PM Modi.

12.42pm: Narendra Modi begins his address in Kalaburagi.

10.40am: The Prime Minister began his second leg of campaign for Karnataka in May 1, addressing three rallies in Chamrajanagar, Udupi and Belagavi district that covered 48 assembly constituencies. He launched a blistering attack on the Congress and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, as he floated “2+1” theory to target the “dynasty Congress”.

Siddaramiah is contesting from two assembly seats, Chamundeshwari and Badami, while his son is a Congress candidate from Varuna.