Karnataka Polls: Kharge Slams BJP In New 'Trouble Engine' Ad Day After EC Notice On 'Rate Cards' Ad

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted an ad-like poster with prices of daily essentials and termed the BJP-led Karnataka government as the 'Trouble Engine' government.

Karnataka Elections 2023: As D-day draws near in the poll-bound southern state of Karnataka, the slugfest is getting intense between the political rivals. Now, after complaining to the Election Commission seeking action against PM Narendra Modi for his "Congress shielded terrorism for vote bank" remark, the party has now attacked the BJP government in the state with a new 'advertisement'. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted an ad-like poster with prices of commodities and mentioned the BJP government as a 'Trouble Engine' government.

This was a jibe at PM Modi and BJP's popular 'Double Engine' government claim. "Defeat the Price Rise imposed by “Trouble Engine” Govt. Stop the Loot of 40% Commission Sarkara. Elect Congress, Elect Progress ! #CongressBaralidePragatiTaralide," Kharge tweeted.

This is not the first time that party has come up with something like this. On May 5, Congress released a set of posters and advertisements listing "corruption rates" in the state between 2019 and 2023, while describing the BJP government as a "trouble engine."

Following this, the EC served notice to the Karnataka Congress. The top poll body also requested "empirical evidence" to back up its claims by Sunday evening. The notice was issued on Saturday (May 6) in response to a complaint filed by the BJP.

The panel stated that it appears "prima facie" that Congress has "violated" a provision of the model code of conduct (MCC), the Representation of the People Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) by publishing the advertisement.

On the other hand, Congress in its complaint to EC wrote that it seeks action against PM Modi for his "Congress shielded terrorism for vote bank" remark and said he has crossed the "Lakshman Rekha". While taking strong objections to Modi's charge at a rally held on Friday in Ballary, Congress accused Modi of making "malicious and false" allegations to corrupt the atmosphere ahead of the elections.

PM Modi launched a fresh attack on Congress on Friday during his rally by saying that for the sake of vote bank politics, Congress has nurtured, given shelter, and surrendered before terrorism.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched an attack on Prime Minister Modi on Saturday by urging the EC to ban the PM from campaigning in the poll-bound state of Karnataka. While speaking at a press conference, he accused the Prime Minister of seeking votes in the southern state on the basis of religion. He also took a jibe at the BJP over an alleged threat by a Congress party candidate in the Karnataka polls to wipe out both Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as well as his family, reported news agency PTI.