The Congress on Wednesday slammed the BJP over its "double engine" pitch in the Karnataka polls, saying the May 10 election is to propel the Karnataka engine which got "derailed" by the BJP in the last four years, as reported by the news agency PTI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP have been batting for the continuation of BJP rule at the Centre and in Karnataka and have been highlighting the benefits of "double engine" governments.
Slamming the BJP's pitch, Congress' general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said on Twitter, "What Double Engine?! 94% of the revenue of Karnataka state government comes from the state's own revenue plus its own share of taxes from the Centre, determined not by 'Modi Aashirwaad' but by the Finance Commission formula." The May 10 election is to propel the Karnataka engine which got "derailed" by BJP in the last four years, Ramesh said. "It has to be an engine of growth combined with social harmony, not a 40% Commission engine running on hot air…," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress while saying that the 'Royal Family' sitting in Delhi wants to make Karnataka its number one ATM. PM Modi said that BJP's resolve is to make Karnataka Number 1 in the country, to strengthen the modern infrastructure in Karnataka, and to make Karnataka a 'Manufacturing Super Power'. Congress, on the other hand, is asking for votes in the name of retirement for undoing the development initiatives of the BJP, the Prime Minister added.
While addressing the people of southern Karnataka ahead of the state Assembly polls, the Prime Minister said that it is BJP's promise to make Karnataka a manufacturing superpower. He added that there is excitement among the citizens of Karnataka regarding the elections and this time BJP will form the government with a majority.
The 224-member Karnataka Assembly will undergo polls on May 10 and the votes will be counted on May 13. A total of 3,632 candidates are in the fray with 707 from incumbent BJP and 651 from Congress while 1,720 candidates will contest as Independent.