Mangaluru: Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram today alleged that BJP and RSS are trying to impose autocratic rule in the nation, with the aim of destroying the federal system and building a Hindu nation.
The BJP-led central government wants to impose 'one history, one language and one living style', was a dangerous threat to Indian culture and our hallmark of unity in diversity, he said.
Chidambaram told media that the previous BJP rule in Karnataka was the worst in the state's history. "They changed Chief Ministers thrice. They have no achievements to boast of, so they attack CM. Siddaramaiah. Why are they not campaigning based on their achievements?”
"BJP wants to enter South India through Karnataka and we should stop them. It is a danger signal for the diversity here," he added.
Sharply criticising PM Modi, Chidambaram said he should maintain the dignity of his post.
Every statement he made regarding Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya in a campaign speech was wrong. "He should not do this. He can’t say whatever is on his mind like aBJP spokesperson," he said. The former Union Finance Minister said petrol and diesel should be brought under the GST and alleged that the Modi government isn’t doing this because it wants to loot people.
The Indian Oil Corporation Chairman said people were panicking over hike in fuel prices. so they stalled hikes for a time. "Why won’t he admit to be being ordered by Modi to hold the daily price hike on petroleum products for the election?"
The Congress leader asked people to vote for a stable government led by the Congress to sustain developmental works initiated under the Siddaramaiah rule.
In the last five years, state GDP rose from Rs 6,43,292 crore to Rs 9,49,111 crore, at 8% growth. Per capita income increased by 1.25% during Congress rule, and revenue surplus was 0.8%, "a record across India."
Karnataka has the lowest unemployment rate 2.6&. Infant mortality rate has reduced and electricity has reached villages. Development was spurred by stable Congress-led government, he said.
Development and welfare programmes went hand-in-hand, "Siddaramaiah is the first Karnataka CM to have completed a full five-year term after Devaraj Urs.”
