Addressing massive rallies at Gulbarga and Hubli in Karnataka, on the afternoon of 28th February, Shri Narendra Modi gave the clarion call of making the Nation Congress-Mukt.
Questioning the lack of accountability on the part of the Congress, Shri Modi said that the sky-high arrogance of the party made them indifferent to people’ needs and unaccountable for their behaviour. He urged the people not to support the Congress since they had broken the trust of the citizens by not fulfilling their promises. “In a democracy it is the duty of the candidates, parties to be accountable for their work. People have the right to know. A few days ago Madam came to Gulbarga, but did she tell you about their work or did she answer why the Nation has been ruined. See the promises they made in 2004, what they wrote in their manifesto and what they did about the promises. I urge people never to believe the Congress. Never trust those who stab people in the back,” said Shri Modi.
Attacking the Karnataka government, Shri Modi said that the State had faced major setbacks under the current government since they were least bothered about doing development work.
Coming down heavily on the misgovernance of the Congress, Shri Modi said that the people had understood the cause of India’s debacle. He stated that the reason why the Congress was in a bad shape was because of their doings that had ruined the Nation.
Stating that corruption and votebank politics were identities of the Congress party, Shri Modi said that under them the Nation had only moved backward. “Shri Fali Nariman resigned from a committee and expressed displeasure. Congress hasn't changed its tricks. We could have reached so many places but due to sins of the Congress we are only going backward. The Nation has been ruined due to corruption. Can Congress do good for you? Can they do good for farmers? Does the youth of this nation want jobs, skill development and opportunities? Do you think Congress can give you these? Mai desh ko pai ka hisaab dunga, ye vaada karta hu mai,” said Shri Modi.
Urging the people to show their support for the BJP in 2014 elections, Shri Modi said, “Karnataka can give a new strength to India. From this land I have come to seek blessings of the people and for a Congress Mukt Bharat. Without freedom from Congress you won't get freedom from corruption, price rise, misgovernance, unemployment. For the poor, youth and farmer the most important things is to uproot the Congress.”
Remembering the contribution of Shri Jagannath Rao Joshi and Shri Bhaurao Deshpande towards the economy of Hubli, Shri Modi addressed various issues including women empowerment and their safety and security, provision of basic facilities to the people like gas pipelines, ensuring empowerment of farmers through value-addition of their produce, and tackling the threats of inflation, corruption and unemployment.
Hailing the democratic system, Shri Modi said that it was because of the strong and effective democratic set up that he - the son of a tea-seller – could come forward and work towards making the Nation progressive.
Shri Modi also emphasized on giving due importance towards making agriculture technology-oriented and ensure availability of good infrastructure for the same. He spoke of how the 3 important aspects of agriculture including traditional agriculture, animal husbandry and planting trees on the borders will ensure improved living conditions for the farmers.
Speaking on the recent separation of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Modi mentioned that while the BJP was in support of creating Telangana, they did not want it at the cost of ruining the peace and progress of Andhra. “See what happened in Andhra Pradesh. We wanted Telangana and we wanted the development of Seemandhra, but the Congress killed the Mother so as to ensure the birth of the child. It is due to the Congress that Telangana was not made all this while. So many people gave their lives for it and I bow to them,” said Shri Modi.
He further expressed deep concern over the Congress’ behaviour of leaving Seemandhara without any tangible initiatives for the region, and said that this was because the Congress knew that they did not stand to gain anything from Seemandhara. Affirming that the development of both regions, Telangana and Seemandhara, was on the agenda of the BJP, Shri Modi said, “I will try to go to Seemandhara as soon as possible and share the pain of the people. No stone will be left unturned to mitigate their pain.”
Shri Modi also spoke of the pioneering Statue of Unity initiative that would be a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s monumental contribution in the Nation’s freedom struggle, and reflected upon the Sardar Patel’s significant efforts at freeing Gulbarga and Karnataka from the reigns of the Nizam. “Sardar Patel was with a Congress that believed in integration, but the Gandhis today walk on a different path,” said Shri Modi.
Applauding the people of Gulbarga for having shown their support by being present in large numbers during the rally, Shri Modi stated that they had created history and thereby proved that Karnataka could do the same in the 2014 elections. He said that this wave of support had the power to become a tsunami in 2014, and wash away the Congress.
Addressing massive rallies at Hubli in Karnataka :
