In a sharp riposte hours after the Congress released its manifesto for the Karnataka assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the grand old party earlier had a problem with 'Lord Ram' and now it has vowed to lock those who chant "Jai Bajrang Bali".
"At a time when I have come to pay my respects in Lord Hanuman's land, the Congress in its manifesto has decided to lock up Bajrang Bali," said the Prime Minister while addressing a public meeting in Karnataka's Hospet.
"I pray for the accomplishment of this vow by bowing my head at the feet of Lord Hanuman. We will never let anyone damage the honour and culture of Karnataka," PM Modi said.
The Congress has now hit back accusing PM Modi of hurting religious sentiments by equating Lord Hanuman with Bajrang Dal, and demanded an apology from him.
Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said it is shameful that the Prime Minister has drawn such a parallel which is an insult to crores of devotees of Lord Hanuman.
"The Prime Minister is insulting our faith in Lord Hanuman. He should apologise to the country as he has hurt our religious sentiments. No one has given the Prime Minister the right to insult Bajrang Bali," he said.
Congress in its manifesto for the May 10 elections, equated the banned outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) with Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of the Sangh-affiliated Vishwa Hindu Parishad, saying it will ban such organisations that promote "enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities".
"The Congress Party is committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred amongst communities on grounds of caste or religion. We believe that law and Constitution is sacrosanct and can not be violated by individuals and organisations like Bajrang Dal, PFI or others promoting enmity or hatred, whether among majority or minority communities," the manifesto read.
The Prime Minister also said that BJP's election manifesto has a roadmap to make Karnataka number one State in the country.
Implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, 10 lakh jobs in the manufacturing sector are among the top promises made by the BJP in its manifesto for the state polls.
The party, which faces a tough electoral battle in the state this time, has said that its promises touch every section of the society.
It has said that the Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in the state "based on the recommendations given by a high-level committee which is to be constituted for the purpose".
The party has also promised introduction of the National Register of Citizens and "speedy deportation of all illegal migrants".
The Janata Dal (Secular), the other party in what is expected to be a three-cornered poll fight, has promised a legislation to provide reservation to Kannadigas in the private sector. It has also said that it will push the central government to hold civil services and defence recruitment exams in Kannada too.
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