The Congress has stolen a march over the BJP and taken itself a step closer to the National Food Security Bill in its Karnataka election manifesto, apart from addressing the requirements of agriculture, industry and infrastructure.
While releasing the party manifesto, defence minister AK Antony, who is in charge of Karnataka affairs, said: "Karnataka once was the model state in all ways and other states used to follow the development model of Karnataka. The JD(S) and BJP governments have given a bad image to Karnataka and we will bring back the old charisma to the state."
"If we come to power, we will give priority to the improvement of SC/STs, minorities, backward communities, women and all other downtrodden sections of society."
Apart from promising 30 kg of rice (the BJP has promised 25 kg) a month at R1 a kg, the party has offered lollipops to farmers such as interest-free loans and eight hours' quality power supply, and for the infrastructure sector it has announced an eight-lane road from Bidar to Chamarajnagar, connecting the northernmost tip of the state with down south, industrial parks, waste management, developing towns of northern Karnataka and implementing schemes for the development of cities, etc.
Advani on campaign trail in Bijapur
BJP senior leader LK Advani said on Wednesday while it was possible for India and China to emerge as world leaders, the UPA government had spoiled the country's image.
Advani on campaign trail in Bijapur
BJP senior leader LK Advani said on Wednesday while it was possible for India and China to emerge as world leaders, the UPA government had spoiled the country's image.
He was addressing an election rally in Bijapur, around 530 km from Bengaluru. He also said the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee as prime minister was the golden era in Indian history.