The Karnataka Assembly polls are nearing and the BJP versus Congress war of words just got uglier.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge in the Lok Sabha. He accused Kharge of forgetting the teachings of 12th-century reformer Basavanna.
Mallikarjun Kharge, in his motion of thanks to President Ramnath Kovind’s speech on Tuesday, had attacked the Modi government blaming it for rise in communal forces, suppressing the weaker sections of society and letting industrialists benefit from policies. He also accused the Central Government of snatching away the rights of women and children.
"Kharge ji, you are from Karnataka right? At least remember the teachings of Basava. You must know him. He started the Anubhav Mandap in the 12th century. Everything he did was for a democratic society and the upliftment of women – this was his top priority. This was democracy in India in the 12th century. Have you forgotten that, Kharge ji?” Modi said.
On Tuesday, Kharge had also accused the BJP of not carrying out developmental works in Karnataka, Modi retaliated saying, “The BJP government being responsible for the Bidar-Kalaburgi railway line”.
"Kharge ji spoke about railways and development in Karnataka, let me reveal the truth about the Bidar-Kalburgi rail line. The project was approved by the Vajpayee government. Between 2004 and 2013, nothing was done. It was when a government under BSY/BJP gave approvals that work could begin," Modi added.
He also said that the speech given on Tuesday could be Kharge’s final one in the Parliament.
“I don’t know if Kharge will be in the same place after the Karnataka elections, and hence, this could have been his final speech,” Modi added.
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s speech, Priyank Kharge, Mallikarjun Kharge’s son, took to Twitter to lash out against Modi.
“In a democracy PM’s fate is also decided by people. People of Kalburgi and Karnataka will decide Mr Kharge’s fate. Till then, let’s discuss Gujarat model of development v/s Karnataka model. Great oratory skills can’t mask lies for long,” Priyank Kharge tweeted.
In a democracy PM’s fate also is decided by people. People of Kalburgi & Karnataka will decide Mr. Kharge’s fate. Till then let us discuss Gujarat Model of development v/s Karnataka Model. Great oratory skills can’t mask lies for long. https://t.co/LxHRHQyxJu
— Priyank Kharge (@PriyankKharge) February 7, 2018