Karnataka elections 2018: Narendra Modi blasts Congress & JD(S), praises Deve Gowda

Claiming that the Congress and the JD(S) have entered into a “secret” pact for the Karnataka assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday HD Deve Gowda’s party was “protecting” the Congress.

Addressing an election rally here, Modi alleged that the Congress spoke about poverty eradication for years only to garner votes, while neglecting farmers and the poor. “Poll surveys, political pundits ... everyone is saying the JD(S) cannot defeat Congress.

They cannot form a government. If anyone can change the government in Karnataka, it is the BJP. If anyone is protecting the Congress, it is the JD(S). The Congress and JD(S) have a secret understanding, an understanding behind the curtains,” said Modi, who lavished praise on JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda a few days ago.


Modi said it was with the support of Deve Gowda’s party that the Congress had a mayor in Bengaluru. “Why are you hiding this? Congress should have the courage to speak out the truth to people.”

Modi, however, insisted he still has respect for Deve Gowda. The prime minister said Deve Gowda should live for a 100 years and serve society.

Taking a jibe at the Congress’ losing streak in assembly elections, Modi said the grand old party will become a regional one called PPP Congress — Punjab, Puducherry and Parivar Congress.