Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the JD(S)-Congress coalition government in Karnataka, alleging the allies had "shed tears" when Indian armed forces attacked terrorists in Pakistan.
Modi, who started his election campaign in Karnataka from Chitradurga on Tuesday, said, "When we attacked terror camps in Pakistan, some people in India felt the pain. But the chief minister of Karnataka went a step further and said talking about the bravery of our soldiers would damage his vote bank. Now, I want to ask him, is your vote bank in India or Pakistan?," said Modi.
Claiming that the country has emerged powerful and decisive in the last five years due to the support given to 'chowkidar', the prime minster said, "In the past, Pakistan terrorists used to attack us and Pakistan issued threats. When our soldiers sought permission to retaliate, they were let down by the government. But today, the situation has drastically changed under chowkidar. Today, fear is on the other side of the border. The Balakot strike has shaken the enemy, but the Milavati alliance ridiculed Modi instead of Pakistan."
Modi alleged that the Congress government did not have the courage to give a 'go-ahead' for the air strikes and accused the grand old party of not having any respect for the Indian Army or the scientists.
"This time, don't elect only a party or prime minister ,but elect a strong government which can take the country forward,” he said.
Taking a dig at the coalition government in Karnataka, Modi said no one knows who runs the state government. "Two losing parties formed the government due to greed for power. So, every day, they are worried that the other will pull out and each is trying to appease the other. Now, do you want a government whose remote control will rest in the hands of a few people in Delhi, or a party which has crores of Indians as its high command,” Modi said.
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Dubbing the Congress party "divisive", Modi reminded the people that the grand old party divides the communities, be it Lingayat or Vokkaliga. "Dividing the society has been their only strategy since Independence," said Modi, invoking local legendary heroes Madakari Nayaka and Onake Obavva, while exhorting people to unitedly fight 'divisive forces'. "You have to choose between a divisive party and the BJP whose policy is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," he added.
Taking a dig at the state government again, Modi said the chowkidar delivers what he promises. "The farm loan waiver has not been implemented even after one year. It is not waiver but warrant in the name of farmers. The JD(S) and the Congress can do no good to anyone. If they wanted to, Karnataka's Manchester Davanagere would have prospered and Upper Bhadra project would have been completed. But it was the BJP which implemented the connectivity and solar power projects in this region. Do we deserve the government run by the Congress party, which has done injustice to four generations of Indians? Our education system was destroyed. Foreign policy and Army were weakened," said Modi.
Modi said his second stint will see all wrongdoers being brought to justice. "After digging out hidden files and after bringing back fraudsters, we have to do justice to all the people wronged by the Congress party. All scamsters—National Herald, helicopter, CWG and 2G—among other cases will be brought to justice," said the PM, and called upon the first-time voters to think hard before casting their votes.
"Congress thrust its corruption on people of 20th century. The youth of 21st century, who are the first- time voters, will punish the Congress for its crimes. You will be voting for the first time, so think hard and vote as it should help build a strong nation. It (vote) should be dedicated to martyrs, to uplift the poor, to provide free healthcare to the poor, to help farmers. The moment you press the Lotus symbol, your vote will directly get deposited in my account," said Modi, who got the crowds to chant chowkidar, even as he called upon people from all walks of life to be a chowkidar to safeguard the nation.