As the election campaign intensifies in the poll-bound state of Karnataka, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Karnataka of rampant corruption and said that Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been "looted" from the state. She also expressed confidence about Congress coming to power after May 10 Assembly polls in Karnataka and taking the state on the path of development.
Speaking at a Congress rally held at Helavarahundi in T Narsipura taluk, Mysuru district, Vadra targeted the ruling BJP in the state and said, "What is most sad is the 40 per cent government commission that was there in the state looted you. They looted you without any shame," as quoted by the news agency PTI.
With an aim to highlight various alleged scams, contractors' committing suicide, and contractors association even writing a letter to the Prime Minister alleging scam, she said at a public meeting, "but there were no action, as many of those involved were associated with the BJP. "
"You might have read about Rs 8 crore seized from the son of an MLA. Instead of investigating, the MLA carried out a parade. It is said Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been looted from Karnataka," she alleged, as quoted by PTI. The money could have been used for a lot of developmental works in the state, which would have benefited the people, she added.
AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala, former Minister H C Mahadevappa, and MLA Yathindra Siddaramaiah among others were present. Commenting on the Amul versus Nandini row, Vadra said, Congress will strengthen Karnataka's 'Nandini' brand, and no cooperative will come from outside.
With Karnataka inching closer to the May 10 Assembly polls, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has joined Congress's campaign on Tuesday. Gandhi will focus on south Karnataka. The Congress General Secretary's visit comes a day after senior party leader Rahul Gandhi's trip to Hangal town in Haveri district, during which he appealed to the voters not to give more than 40 seats to the BJP in the much-anticipated elections. Priyanka Gandhi will campaign in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts.
The Varuna seat in Mysuru district is witnessing a high voltage contest between opposition leader Siddaramaiah and state Minister for Housing V. Somanna. Somanna is contesting from Chamarajanagar as well.
Priyanaka Gandhi took part in the public rally at Yalavarahundi in T. Narasipur after which she will interact with women in Gaurishankar Hall in Hanur town, Chamarajanagar later today. In the evening, she will address a massive rally in K.R. Nagar constituency after which Priyanka will also take part in the procession.