Mangaluru: K'taka Congress blows LS poll bugle from BJP's stronghold

Mangaluru: In anticipation of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party has initiated its election campaign in Mangaluru, a bastion traditionally held by the BJP.

During the state Congress convention held in Adyar on the city’s outskirts on Saturday, the Congress reiterated its determination to secure victory by highlighting its guarantee schemes. Activists were tasked with the ambitious goal of clinching 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state, particularly focusing on coastal regions.

AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, and party’s Karnataka State in-charge Randeep Surjewala launched scathing criticisms at the Center and Prime Minister Modi.

Unlike previous elections where the Congress concentrated on districts like Ballari and Davanagere, this time the selection of Mangaluru, a coastal hub, has piqued curiosity.

Congress leaders emphasized the successful implementation of guarantee schemes and urged workers to leverage this achievement to secure victory in the upcoming elections. They expressed confidence in the party’s performance, highlighting the state’s stable financial situation despite the implementation of guarantee schemes.

CM Siddaramaiah questioned the coastal voters’ trust in the Center, accusing the Modi government of failing to fulfill its promises and appropriating Congress’ initiatives.

Siddaramaiah criticized Modi’s tenure, questioning his failure to tackle rising prices and accusing the BJP of stoking communal tensions.

Surjewala underscored the choice voters face between the Congress’ genuine model and Modi’s purported one, urging them to scrutinize the BJP’s unfulfilled promises. “The BJP is working on communal agenda, inflaming inter-religious issues. Has he (PM Modi) brought down inflation? Did he bring ‘Achhe Din’?” Siddaramaiah asked.

Mallikarjun Kharg, on the other hand,  condemned the alleged targeting of Congress bank accounts by the Center. He also highlighted the influx of funds to the BJP through election bonds. “On the one hand, the Center is confiscating the accounts of Congress. On the other hand, the BJP has received Rs 6,000 crores from embezzlers through election bonds. Deve Gowda, who called himself a secular leader, is sitting on Modi’s lap. Congress will win 20 Lok Sabha seats,” he opined.

Surjewala reiterated the contrast between Congress’ developmental agenda and BJP’s unfulfilled promises, urging voters to make an informed decision. “Where have BJP’s promises of 2 crore jobs, and smart city projects gone?” Surjewala asked.

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar lamented the lack of development in the coastal region and warned against the BJP’s alleged divisive tactics.