Cong, JD(S) believe in Tipu, can’t do good for K’taka: Home minister

MANGALURU: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday charged that the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) believed in 18th century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan and that the two parties cannot do any good for Karnataka, while hailing the ruling BJP which was inspired by 16th century Tuluva queen of Ullal Rani Abbakka Chowta, for a prosperous rule in the state.

Shah also alleged that the Congress was corrupt and the opposition party had used Karnataka as an “Automated Teller Machine (ATM) for the Gandhi family”.

“When I have come here, let me ask you (people). Should people vote for the JD(S) and Congress who believe in Tipu or the BJP which has faith in Rani Abbakka?” Shah asked.

The Union minister was in Puttur to celebrate the golden jubilee celebration of the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited.

“Who should form the next government in Karnataka -- the BJP, which is a team of patriots led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi or a corrupt Congress, which used Karnataka as an ATM for the Gandhi family?” Shah asked the crowd.

He also accused the previous Congress government in Karnataka of letting off 1,700 activists of the PFI, which was banned last year by the Centre.

This Congress, which appeases anti-national forces, cannot protect Karnataka, Shah alleged. “Listen closely Rahul bhai and Congress. This is Modi government. No one could dare throw a pebble, let alone causing a bloodbath. In Kashmir, by abolishing Article 370, Narendra Modi made Kashmir the crown of India,” he added.

State JD(S) spokesperson MB Sadashiva hit back at Shah for using the platform for “political agenda”, adding that “Shah is trying to make Dakshina Kannada a Hindutva laboratory”.