Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s rabble-rousing election address evoked a moderate response in Bangalore on Tuesday. The focus of his speech was the follies of the UPA government on issues such as terrorism and price rise.
Addressing a rally in Byatarayanapura, Modi said: “Though the people voted for the BJP and helped it emerge the single largest party in 2004, the mandate wasn’t enough to form a government on its own. This time, a decisive vote will enable the party to form government and be a precedent for similar change at the Centre.” He added: “It is regrettable the Congress does not want Karnataka to progress as Gujarat has under the BJP. By playing the communal card and indulging in votebank politics, it is actually doing a disservice to the people of Karnataka.”
He said the Centre’s “soft stand” on terrorists and its “appeasement of minorities” had led to terrorism and Maoism haunting a peaceful state like Karnataka.