Don’t fall prey to Gowda’s game plan, says CM Siddaramaiah

Bidar: Upping his tirade while launching an election campaign for the Congress candidate of Bidar Lok Sabha constituency, the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, on Thursday slammed former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and the BJP's PM candidate, Narendra Modi.

He picked up Mr Gowda for special treatment, saying the latter had opposed the reports of all commissions on backward classes, including the Havanur Commission. "While shedding crocodile tears for the BCs, Mr Gowda had clandestinely joined hands with the BJP and formed 20:20 month government," he remarked.

Observing that the existence of the JD(S) in the Lok Sabha election was name sake (naamaka vaasthe) in many constituencies, Mr Siddaramaiah said in Bidar, the JD(S) supremo has fielded Mr Bandeppa Kashempur with a view to divide the Kuruba and other backward classes. "Don't fall prey to this game plan of Mr Gowda.''

Turning to Mr Modi, the Chief Minister professed that there would be a chaotic situation in the country if the latter came to power at the Centre.

Discounting media reports of development in Gujarat under Mr Modi, Mr Siddaramaiah pointed out that in contrary the rate of school dropout children was on the rise in that state. "Moreover, over 55.5 per cent women in the state were suffering with anemia. When such is the case, how the Gujarat model can be emulated as a model in the country?" he argued. Listing out the Anna-Bhagya, Kshira-Bhagya and other schemes launched by his government, Mr Siddaramaih patted his back saying no scandal had surfaced so far. "This is a clear indication of transparency in governance,'' he opined. Referring to the losses suffered by the farmers due to the untimely hail-storm rains, Mr Siddaramaiah said his government was ruminating over granting compensation to the affected farmers. "As the poll code of conduct is in vogue, I cannot make the announcement. We'll seek the opinion of the Election Commission on the issue before making an announcement," he added.

Taking pot shots at Mr Modi terming him as RSS hardcore, Mr Siddaramiah alleged it was the RSS which called the real shots in BJP. "So people should realise this conspiracy of communal forces and should not allow a person like Mr Modi to become prime minister of this country." Recalling the efforts of Congress for getting special status for H-K region, he said on the contrary except for holding Cabinet meetings in Gulbarga, the saffron party did nothing.

"Even then home minister and BJP leader LK Advani staunchly opposed the move. Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi, however, kept their promises."