Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 7: Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday April 7 took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the PM has a 'make-up man' to ensure he always looks 'fresh and glowing' in front of the media.

Speaking to reporters at Congress Bhavan after paying a visit to the Sri Krishna Math, the CM said, "Modi seems to have a make-up man to make his face look fresh and glowing. Modi’s policies have made thousands of people come to streets. Modi did not work for the people, instead he manipulated them only through this oratory skills.

"BJP leaders and the media are not allowing me to run the government peacefully. There are lots of hurdles and problems that I have been facing from the beginning of the coalition government. Media are also creating insecure feelings in the minds of the public about the government. Our party is working in favour of farmers and the deprived classes. A fund of Rs 46 crore was sanctioned to the different departments under agriculture.

"Thousands of farmer families have benefited from our debt waiver. A part of the debt waiver of Rs 6,500 crore announced in the budget has been directly credited to farmers’ accounts. The Election Commissioner has stopped the transactions as the model code of conduct in in place. However, the EC did not stop the functioning of central government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. The state government is protesting against this dual policy of the EC," he said.

"There are disturbances around the country and innocents are being killed ever since NDA government came to power. But after our coalition government came to power in the state, there has not been any problem of law and order.

"Our government has implemented many pro-people programmes. The government has sanctioned Rs 1,075 for the development of Udupi, and Rs 58 crore to Karkala. There are 1,500 foot bridges in the district and we have sanctioned grants to safeguard the lives of children and the villagers," he said.

"The BJP is portraying Modi as if he is the only Prime Minister and people have never seen such leaders in the history of India. India has seen many Prime Ministers. Modi is taking all the credit for our military achievements. Modi is highlighting as if it was done because of his effort.

The CM referring to India’s air strikes in Pakistan’s Balakot said that it was all 'pre-planned', as the elections were near. "Modi has created all those sequences of battle-like situation to get sympathy of the citizens. There is a need to find the truth."

CM Kumaraswamy further said, “Modi is using Hindu youth in the name of protecting country for electoral gains and he is misleading them in the name of religion. Undoubtedly, we will win more than 20 seats, in the Lok Sabha election and we are working towards achieving that target,” CM said.

Answering a media query regarding Madegowda’s behaviour, he said, "It is very common for party workers to ask money from their leaders during elections. He agreed to contribute to the election expenses. Is it a big issue? Is it an offence?"

Regarding the coalition's chances of winning the elections, he said, "All are giving their statements. But ultimately only the people's verdict is final and we need to wait for it till May 23. If we win the Lok Sabha election, it will be a victory of our alliance."

"Our government will complete five years in administration and we have hopes of winning majority of seats," he added.

Kumaraswamy later addressing the party workers' meeting at Congress Bhavan said, "This election is crucial because it may bring changes in the country’s politics. There is no JD(S) power in coastal districts. There are more chances of winning three seats - Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Udupi. In 2014 election, Modi won because of his leadership, people had voted for his charm, but today the situation has changed. He was making fun of our party. I do not know what his achievements are, which he is highlighting everywhere."

Appreciating former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake’s work, the CM said, "Today people are feeling guilty about his defeat. He undertook many developmental works for Kaup constituency during his term. He is a people-friendly man. People should vote for good leaders and one who undertakes developmental works."

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha candidate Pramod Madhwaraj, Dr Jayamala, Rakesh Malli, Vinay Kumar Sorake, U R Sabhapathi, Gopal Bhandary, Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, M A Gafoor, SL Bojegowda, B M Farook, Yogish Shetty and others were present.