Congress locked Lord Ram, now vowed to lock those who chant ‘Jai Bajrang Bali’: PM Modi at Hospet

Hospet: Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at a rally here, took a swipe at the Congress, saying, the party had first locked Lord Ram, and now has vowed to lock those who chant ‘Jai Bajrang Bali’ (Hail Hanuman), slamming the grand old party’s attempt to try to lock up those who worship Hanuman.

The remark comes just hours after the grand old party launched its poll manifesto in which it committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations such as Bajrang Dal and the Popular Front of India (PFI) that “spread hatred” among communities on grounds of caste and religion. The action may include a ‘ban’ on such organisations, the manifesto said.

"We believe that law and constitution is sacrosanct and cannot be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities. We will take decisive action as per law including imposing a ban on such organisations”, the Congress manifesto said.

Addressing an election rally here in Vijayanagara district, Modi said: "I have come to the land of Hanuman. I am fortunate that I got the opportunity to pay obeisance to the land of Hanuman but see the misfortune that when I have come to pay my respect to Hanuman's land, at the same time Congress in its manifesto has decided to lock up Lord Hanuman."

PM Modi said the Congress has a history of appeasing terrorists. “When Batla House encounter took place in Delhi, the tallest Congress leader had tears hearing of the terrorists’ death. When surgical strike took place, Congress raised questions on the ability of our armed forces. In Karnataka, Congress has promoted terror in the state. BJP has broken the back of terror and ended the game of appeasement… Congress and JD(S), which promotes terror, can never benefit the state,” he said.

The Prime Minister told the crowd that the BJP was committed to making Karnataka the number one state. "I pray for the accomplishment of this vow by bowing my head at the feet of Lord Hanuman", he said. "BJP will never let anyone damage the honour and culture of Karnataka," Modi vowed.

He said the Vijayanagara dynasty and its history were the pride of India. Invoking the name of the glorious ruler of Vijayanagara dynasty, he said Sri Krishnadevaraya with his resources had immortalised this region. He had strengthened business ties with various countries and had made the culture of Karnataka famous worldwide.

A day after BJP promised the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in its manifesto, the Congress party vowed to increase the ceiling of reservation from 50% to 75% in order to accommodate the hopes and aspirations of SC/ST/OBC/minority and other communities such as Lingayats and Vokkaligas.

In its manifesto, the party also promised to eradicate corruption in public works and bring in a whistleblower protection act.

Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar, who headed the BJP’s campaign manifesto, said the ruling party is not going to introduce UCC and NRC immediately after returning to power but will set up an expert committee to study it.

With the May 10 Assembly Elections in Karnataka right around the corner, senior political leaders from across parties are currently thronging the southern state, campaigning for their respective candidates.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the star campaigners for the BJP. Since January, the prime minister has visited Karnataka nine times (as of April 30), the highest ever in a single year since he became prime minister in 2014.

Over the next 11 days, PM Modi is expected to hold as many as 22 rallies across the state till May.