Large turnout at BJP rally in Chikkamagaluru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally received an impressive response in Chikkamagaluru, a strong bastion of the BJP, on Wednesday.

People started gathering at the Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium as early as 10.30 a.m., though the PM’s speech was scheduled at 1.30 p.m. Earlier in the day, BJP workers took out a roadshow in the city. Hundreds of people from Hassan and Chikkamagaluru districts participated in the roadshow that covered main streets of the city. The rally was organised by the party to seek votes for party’s candidates in five seats of Chikkamagaluru district and Hassan, Sakleshpur and Belur Assembly seats of Hassan district.

D.N. Jeevaraj, BJP district president and Sringeri MLA, alleged that the Congress government cheated the district by not granting a medical college. The Congress also shifted milk union, sanctioned for Chikkamagaluru earlier, to another district. “We have to teach the Congress a lesson this time,” he said.

C.T. Ravi, Chikkamagaluru MLA, sought votes for the BJP citing the Bababudangiri controversy. “Congress cannot provide us justice in the Datta issue. If you want justice, vote for the BJP,” he said.

Referring to comments that the BJP has no respect for the Constitution, Mudigere candidate M.P. Kumaraswamy said Mr. Modi has the highest respect for the Indian Constitution. “He has called the Constitution as the holy text. No PM in the history has shown so much respect for the Constitution. People should vote for the BJP,” he said.

Kadur candidate Belli Prakash said the BJP is committed to spending ₹1.5 lakh crore for irrigation projects in the State. “Mr. Yeddyurappa has made the commitment to complete irrigation projects. I have requested him to allocate ₹ 1,000 crore for Kadur,” he said.