Bengaluru, Jul 26 (DHNS): Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the “loudmouth,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi with zero achievements has mastery over marketing.

Speaking at the inauguration of various welfare schemes of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for weaker sections, Siddaramaiah said, “I am accused of not marketing the state government’s welfare scheme. We believe in work and not tom-tomming our good deeds. The Central government does the reverse. It does not work because it believes in false propaganda.”

Calling ‘Achche Din’ an empty slogan, Siddaramaiah sought to know, “Former prime minister A B Vajpayee had coined the slogan ‘India Shining’ but did that illuminate the houses of Dalits, minorities and economically weaker sections?”

On former chief minister and state BJP?president B S Yeddyurappa, he said: “People have seen how Yeddyurappa brought hotel-made idli and sambar to have meals at a Dalit’s house. Even the banana was brought from the hotel. If they are really concerned about uplifting Dalits, then let them break the barriers of casteism and encourage inter-caste marriages,” said Siddaramaiah.

Comparing the BJP with scissors and the Congress with needle, he said the BJP believes in dividing society while the Congress believes in uniting it.

Siddaramaiah called the JD(S), which is the Congress’ ally in the BBMP, a party of opportunists.

“These opportunists, who are supporters of hung Assembly, can align with any party. The JD(S) has no belief in social justice and secularism. Minorities must refrain from giving space to such hypocrites, else it will indirectly support the BJP,” warned the chief minister.

At the programme, 892 unemployed people were given cars to start their business whereas under the Sarathi Scheme, 665 people were given autorickshaws.

In all, 285 differently abled persons were given motorised tricycles while 23 mentally challenged people were provided financial aid.

Fees of 584 students studying in government schools were refunded.