Karnataka CM calls Modi’s no-development claim a ‘bundle of lies’

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday (November 6) accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of speaking “a bundle of lies” by alleging that development had come to a standstill in the Congress-ruled state.

"I never expected a statement like this from the prime minister of a country. It does not befit him," he said, noting that Modi had made the comments during an "election speech" in Madhya Pradesh.

Addressing a public meeting on Sunday at Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, Modi accused the Congress of damaging Karnataka and said development had halted in the state.

He also raised doubts about Siddaramaiah continuing as the chief minister

Modi went on: "Wherever a Congress government is formed by mistake, a competition to loot the state between its chief minister and his deputy is taking place. Such news is coming regularly from Karnataka."

Hitting back, Siddaramaiah termed Modi's statement as "political” and packed with lies.

Siddaramaiah flays Modi

"It is totally a bundle of lies. He (Modi) is disappointed after losing (in Karnataka in May). He came to the state 48 times, but wherever he went for campaigning, did roadshows and addressed rallies, they (BJP) lost.

“That's the reason they have not appointed a leader of opposition (in the assembly) till today," he said, referring to the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Siddaramaiah wanted to know which party government was in power in Karnataka when it was said that all work was done for a 40 per cent commission.

"We are getting it investigated... Narendra Modi as prime minister has to speak about it right?" he said.

Siddaramaiah said being a prime minister, Modi should not be speaking lies or speak lightly.

"If there is any evidence or documents — they have IB, RAW, CBI, intelligence — let them say," he added.

Economically bankrupt

The chief minister alleged that India was "economically bankrupt" and accused the Modi government of having a "stepmotherly attitude" towards Karnataka.

"The Central government has not been able to release drought relief funds yet," he said.

Modi, the chief minister said, had claimed the five 'guarantee schemes' of the Congress cannot be implemented. Siddaramaiah said his government had implemented them and shown it can be done.

(With agency inputs)