Sonia accuses BJP of insulting mandate

Sonia Gandhi addressed two rallies, one in Gulbarga, in the northern part of the state, and another in Bengaluru. At both places, she harped on the lost glory of the state, the “dubious” reputation of the BJP government for “unparalleled loot” and the urgent need for change.

With just a day of campaigning left for the May 5 assembly polls in Karnataka, canvassing assumed a feverish pitch on Thursday.

Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed two rallies, one in Gulbarga, in the northern part of the state, and another in Bengaluru.

At both places, she harped on the lost glory of the state, the “dubious” reputation of the BJP government for “unparalleled loot” and the urgent need for change.

“You have seen how the BJP government let you down by squandering the mandate you gave it five years ago,” Gandhi told the 20,000-strong crowd in Bengaluru that had gathered in the sweltering heat to hear her speak.

She spoke of the “rich history” of Bengaluru, praised it for its “cosmopolitan” and “development oriented” character and lashed out at the BJP for neglecting it.

Earlier in the day, addressing a huge gathering at Gulbarga, Gandhi had demanded that the BJP government give an account of how it spent R88,000 crore allotted by the UPA government for various schemes.

Gandhi argued that unlike the rival party, the Congress did not make false promises, implemented all policies and programmes in its manifesto and its inclusive approach was good for the new generation as it encouraged a “productive and healthier life”.