Silvester D’ Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Apr 11: "Congress is keeping its achievements before the people and seeking votes. BJP is asking votes for its PM candidate Narendra Modi. It is fighting this elections wearing Modi's mask. If BJP has guts, let it remove that mask and then seek votes," said S M Krishna, former chief minister of Karnataka and former union minister for foreign affairs.
Addressing a public meet at Nehru Maidan here on Thursday April 10, he said, "Today BJP leaders only talk about Modi, they have nothing else to speak about. They have no guts to remove the Modi mask. They are not asking votes in the name of their candidate here, but in Modi's name. Is Modi contesting from this constituency?" he said.
He further said that it is the Congress party which contributed much to the nation before and after Independence. He listed out some of the major achievements of UPA and Congress government in the state like Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya and so on, and so also the achievements during his tenure as CM.
"The world admires India's democracy. We have to build a strong, united nation. Congress has strived to build harmony and unity. But its condemnable that parties like BJP have played divisive politics and created disharmony. If UPA has to come to power again, people should vote for our candidates and send them to the parliament. Jayaprakash Hegde was an Independent MLA when I was the CM. He is experienced and resourceful. Despite being an MP he responds to people's phone calls. Along with J P Hegde, Janardhan Poojary from Mangalore and Shimoga's Manjunath Bhandary too should be sent to the parliament," he urged.
Jayaprakash Hegde and district incharge minister Vinaykumar Sorake also spoke on the occasion.
Press meet
Addressing a press meet prior to the programme, S M Krishna said, "UPA government has provided stability to the country during the last two terms. Congress is a strong party, which has given security and protection to the country. Congress faces no danger from anyone," said
"BJP remembers Ram Mandir whenever elections approach. It is just an election issue. BJP has no moral right to ask for votes in the name of its PM candidate Modi. If we compare the development in Maharashtra and Gujarat, two neighbouring states, we can see the truth. The handing over of thousands of acres of land to large companies such as Ambanis is the achievement of Gujarat," he said.
"Congress party has its own history. It has responsibility. The party has rectified its mistakes whenever they occurred. It has taken action against those who committed mistakes and handed them over to the courts and the CBI," he added.
"The country has marched towards development under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The government has passed laws such as RTI and implemented other national programmes. The citizens of India have to give them another chance," he said.
“There is no confusion in Mandya. Ambareesh will come for campaign tomorrow. We absolutely have no fear of Modi," he said.
District in charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, Congress district president K Gopala Poojary, Congress leaders M A Gafoor, Vasudev Yadiyala, District Congress Vice President Raju Poojary, Block Congress President Malyadi Shivarama Shetty, Youth Congress President Vikas Hegde and others were present.