Congress Alleges BJP's Divide and Rule Policy in Karnataka

He accused Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of exacerbating societal divisions along caste lines. Surjewala alleged that the BJP harbors animosity towards the people of Karnataka, seeking revenge through neglect and withholding essential resources from the state. He labeled the BJP government as anti-Kannadiga and accused them of cheating the people by failing to address their basic needs. 

 Highlighting the issue of drought in Karnataka, Surjewala criticized the BJP-led central government for denying the state's declaration of drought and withholding funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). He emphasized that even after a Supreme Court reprimand, the BJP government delayed releasing the allocated funds, totaling 58,000 crores. 

 The Congress leader also raised concerns about discrepancies in tax returns owed to Karnataka, accusing the BJP of releasing insufficient amounts. He issued a stern warning to Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to abandon their divisive policies and refrain from visiting Karnataka. Accompanied by prominent Congress members Satish Jarkiholi, Raju Sait, and Lakshman Savadhi, Surjewala symbolically displayed an empty chambu (vessel) to signify the lack of tangible development under the Modi government. 

 The press conference concluded with Surjewala echoing the sentiment of the people of Karnataka, demanding the departure of Modi and Shah with the resounding chant, Go back Modi, Go back Amit Shah.