Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said that corruption, price rise and unemployment are the real “terrorism” in Karnataka and the ruling BJP government had failed to address the actual issues of the people. BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, are always talking about religious and national security issues when elections are around the corner. Congress leader said, “During his visit for the Karnataka elections, Prime Minister talked about terrorism. I was surprised as to why terrorism was being discussed in the context of Karnataka.

I would like to inform the prime minister that in Karnataka, on average, five farmers are losing their lives every day. If there is any form of terrorism in Karnataka, it is the terrorism of unemployment, rising prices, and corruption.” She claimed that over the past four years, 6,487 farmers died by suicide due to poverty, over 542 have died due to rising prices, over 3,000 have died due to unemployment, and more than 1,600 have taken their lives. “Prime minister Modi, if there is terrorism in Karnataka, then it is your government’s 40% terrorism because the state government is responsible for addressing these issues. It has become a trend for BJP leaders to focus on religious and security issues during election campaigns and mislead the public.

While these issues are important, we must not forget the pressing issues that are affecting the state”. She added that BJP-led Union government destroyed the idea of bank nationalization by merging four public sector banks — Syndicate Bank, Vijaya Bank, Corporation Bank and Canara Bank — which were the pride of Mangaluru. Priyanka alleged that all the airports and sea ports in the country, including the New Mangalore Port, are being sold to crorepatis who are friends of BJP regime at the Centre, thereby denying employment to thousands of locals. She charged, BJP is now trying to destroy dairy cooperative Karnataka Milk Federation’s Nandini milk brand which has been serving the people of Karnataka by merging it with Amul which is based out of Gujarat.

Congress leader also asked people to exercise caution while selecting the right candidate, saying their focus should be on employment and the future. “Gas cylinders, diesel, petrol everything has become costly because of the corrupt government.”  Priyanka added, if voted to power, all the people-friendly schemes of the previous Congress government in the state, including low-cost food outlets in Indira canteens will be restored. Every promise in the guarantee card given to the people will be fulfilled, she said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated the corruption allegations against the ruling BJP in the state. “Scams are everywhere you look. MLA’s son is caught with ₹8 crore and a BJP MLA says that CM post can be bought for ₹2,500 crore. The corruption prevalent in Karnataka is known to a 6-year-old”. 

Congress President Kharge appealed to the public to elect the Congress party in the upcoming elections and called BJP rule in the state a ‘trouble engine’ government.