In Karnataka, PM Modi says countdown for exit of Congress govt has begun, farmers his 'TOP' priority

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a Parivartan rally in poll-bound Karnataka and launched a scathing attack on Congress party saying, the world is talking about ease of doing business, but the ease of doing murder is discussed in the state.

Attacking Congress, the Prime Minister alleged that the Karnataka government is setting new records in corruption, and said that the countdown for the exit of Congress government in the state has begun.

Modi also referred to the spate of killings of BJP and Hindu activists, an issue the party has brought to the focal point of its discourse, saying, "ease of doing murders" was being discussed in the state while his government talked about ease of doing business.

Slamming the government on the law and order front, Modi said, "instead of the rule of law, the criminals are ruling the roost."

The rally at the sprawling Palace Grounds marked the culmination of the state BJP's 85-day "Parivarthana Yatra" that crisscrossed all the 224 assembly constituencies and virtually sounded the bugle for the coming Assembly polls in the state, due early this year.

Here is what PM Modi said in his address

► Your enthusiasm shows that the countdown of Congress to make an exit has begun. Congress is standing at the exit gate in Karnataka. It has caused destruction here and Karnataka doesn't need a Congress culture.

► The world is discussing ease of doing business but here ease of murdering is being discussed. The one who opposes ends up losing a life. This is dangerous for democracy & shameful for state government.

► There are serious allegations of corruption against Congress leaders. Reports are coming about them demanding commission in several projects. I have been told that Karnataka government is being recognised as 10% government as no work is possible without 10% commission.

► Have seen the correct use and impact of extra money provided by the Center to the state government.

► Criminals are ruling the roost in Karnataka

► There will be chaos in Bengaluru if it doesn't get electricity for a day. However, there are 7 lakhs homes in Karnataka and 4 crores homes in the nation which lives in dark even after so many years of independence

► My dream is that a person should be able to travel by air

► The government has set a goal to build more than 9,000 kms long National Highway across the nation this year. Under Bharatmala Pariyojana, 35,000 km of roads will be constructed. 

► With an investment of 17,000 crores, construction work of 160 km long sub-urban railway network will be started in Bengaluru. 15 lakhs commuters of the city will be benefited by it. You can estimate how fast our government can work.

► In this budget, the government has made a significant decision so that correct price of crops is given to farmers.

► Farmers' producing fruits and vegetables are our 'TOP' priority. 'TOP' means 'Tomato, Onion & Potato'. We have launched 'Operation green' in the interest of these farmers. 'Operation green' would be beneficial for farmers just like the Amul model was successful in dairy.

► If Yeddyurappa, son of a farmer, becomes CM of Karnataka, the projects for farmers will work at its best, because Yeddurappa has farmer's best interest at heart.

► Congress is trying to stall Triple Talaq. They are trying to do the same with OBC Bill.

The BJP had ruled the state from 2008 to 2013, marked by internal squabbles that saw three Chief Ministers, including B S Yeddyurappa, who quit on graft charge.

The BJP has set a target to win 150-plus seats for the coming polls.

The legislative assembly election in Karnataka will be held in April-May this year to elect members of the 224 constituencies in the state.