Karnataka minister advocates slapping those who support PM Modi, BJP petitions Election Commission

Bengaluru: In yet another personal attack by the Congress party, Karnataka Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi advocated slapping youths who support Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to fulfill BJP's promise of providing 20 crore jobs in 10 years.

He also criticised various other aspects of the central government's performance.

"Two crore jobs PM Modi promised. Did he give it? They should be ashamed. Those youth supporters of his who chant 'Modi Modi, can slap them. They have run everything based on lies for the past 10 years," Tangadagi said, addressing a meeting of Congress workers held at Karatagi.

The minister also questioned the BJP's fulfillment of promises such as establishing 100 smart cities and criticized PM Modi's actions, including his attire changes and underwater puja ceremonies.

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#WATCH | Karnataka: During the election campaign in Koppal, Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Shivaraj S Tangadagi says, "Two crore jobs PM Modi promised. Did he give it? They should be ashamed. Those youth supporters of his who chant 'Modi Modi', can slap them. They have… pic.twitter.com/1MAmbkUt32

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024 >

"So they think they can fool for another 5 years. PM Modi promised 100 smart cities in India. Where are they? Name one. He is smart, he dresses well, and he gives smart speeches. He keeps changing his outfits. Then a stunt by the PM-he goes into the depths of the ocean and there he does puja. Is this the kind of work a prime minister should do?" he said.

Tangadagi also highlighted a political maneuver regarding the denial of a ticket to a BJP MP, Sanganna, which he believes will result in the victory of the Congress candidate Rajanna.

The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, with polling scheduled in two phases on April 26 and May 7, will likely see heated debates and intense campaigning, given the sentiments expressed by Tangadagi and the overall political landscape in the region.

In a strong rebuttal, senior BJP leader and former National General Secretary CT Ravi strongly criticised the Congress. He accused the Congress of resorting to desperate measures due to the anticipated loss in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and labeled their actions as reprehensible.

He took to 'X' platform to express his sentiments, highlighting what he perceives as a decline in ethical standards by the Congress party.

Ravi also referenced accusations against Prime Minister Modi, implying that the Congress party's actions contradict their allegations of authoritarianism against him.

Moreover, the BJP has taken formal action by petitioning the Election Commission to take strict measures against Minister Tangadagi.

They have called for his exclusion from the electoral process and campaigning on behalf of the Congress party, citing a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

The BJP's petition highlights concerns regarding Tangadagi's alleged instigation of Congress workers against BJP supporters and young voters.

Such actions may intimidate young voters, potentially leading them to abstain from participating in the electoral process, Ravi stated.