'From tech city to tanker city': PM Modi blames Congress for Bengaluru's water crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress government in Karnataka for mismanaging Bengaluru's infrastructure, particularly highlighting the severe water crisis in parts of the city. He highlighted the issue of water rationing and penalties for excessive water usage, accusing the Congress government of turning the tech hub into a city dependent on water tankers controlled by a mafia.

"The Congress government in Karnataka has turned the tech city into a tanker city, and left it to the tanker mafia," he said.

Modi accused the Congress of being against the private sector, taxpayers, and wealth creation. He emphasized his focus on India's development and global reputation, contrasting it with the opposition's focus solely on him.


"The Congress is anti-private sector, anti-taxpayer, and anti-wealth creator... the (Opposition bloc) INDIA's focus is on Modi, but my focus is on India's development, its global image," he said.

Modi mocked the opposition alliance, stating they're stuck on repeat while he and his allies showcase their accomplishments. He highlighted the candidacies of BJP MPs Tejasvi Surya and PC Mohan in Bangalore South and Central, respectively, and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje in Bangalore North. In Bangalore Rural, BJP's candidate is CN Manjunath, the son-in-law of former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, as part of an alliance with the JD(S).

"In these elections, the leaders of the INDIA alliance are roaming around with a worn-out tape recorder. Meanwhile, Modi and his partners are walking around with their track record, and that's why we have come here in Bengaluru to seek your blessings," PM Modi said.

PM Modi had previously held large rallies in Kalaburagi and Shivamogga. He shared the stage with Deve Gowda during a rally in Mysuru on April 14, followed by a roadshow in Mangaluru.

He also mentioned that Karnataka is going to vote in two phases, with the first phase on April 26 and the second phase on May 7.

(With inputs from PTI)