From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Koppal, May 3: JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked why he did not visit Karnataka when the people were suffering due to floods and droughts and also sought to know Modi’s contribution to the State.
“Modi did not visit Karnataka when the people were suffering due to heavy floods and drought conditions. But he dutifully visits the State during election time, holds roadshows and goes back after waving to the people. In what way the people have benefitted under Modi rule,’’ he asked while speaking to media persons at Koppal during his electioneering.
The JD(S) leader assailed the Prime Minister for criticizing his party for not having any ideology. “How did they form a government with our help? Did he find our ideology acceptable when BJP shared power with JD(S),’’ he asked.
Kumaraswamy said the entire BJP leadership starting with Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other ministers are travelling in the State during election time but are absent when the people were suffering.
The JD(S) leader sought to know the contribution of BJP to the entire Kalyana Karnataka region. The Krishna water disputes tribunal had given its final report a decade ago but the irrigation projects in the region are languishing. Both the national parties of BJP and Congress have failed to serve the people of the region, he said.
Kumaraswamy ridiculed Modi’s claims on Jal Jeevan Mission and promise of supplying piped drinking water and asked the Prime Minister to reveal which village has benefited under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The JD(S) leader did not spare the Congress party and wondered what it will achieve by banning Bajrang Dal and wanted to know if it will help in ushering peace in the State. “Why they didn’t ban Bajrang Dal when they were in power,’’ he asked.
The JD(S) leader said the Modi magic has waned and people are fed up with the BJP rule in the State, the 40% corruption and various other scams. “Nine years have elapsed after Modi came to power. His popularity has diminished. Modi’s campaign will not help BJP. In fact, JD(S) is enthused by Modi’s campaign and it has given new fillip to us,’’ he said.
He also criticized Congress leader Siddaramaiah and dubbed him an opportunist.