NEW DELHI, May 05: Former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa today asked BJP supporters to “tie up” non-voters and get them to cast their ballot for the party’s candidate in the upcoming assembly election in the southern state.
Yeddyurappa, who is the saffron party’s candidate for chief minister, made the controversial remark while addressing a campaign rally in Belagavi district.
“Don’t rest now. If you think that somebody isn’t voting, go to their homes, tie up their hands and legs and bring them to vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar,” ANI quoted him as saying.
Mahantesh Basavantrai Doddagoudar is the BJP candidate from the Kittur constituency.
Yeddyurappa’s remarks drew a sharp response from the Congress, which accused the veteran BJP leader of threatening voters.
“A defeatist BJP facing rejection at the hands of Kannadigas is threatening voters in frustration. Mr Yeddyurappa, insulting democracy and intimidating voters will trounce the BJP decisively,” tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took exception to the language used by Congress leaders against Yeddyurappa and asked people to “take revenge” against the party on polling day.
“Congress uses foul language for Yeddyurappa ji, makes baseless allegations against him ignoring his age, contribution to society and experience in politics. Yeddyurappa Ji visited homes of poor and Congress mocked that too. This is an insult of the poor and cannot be tolerated,” Modi said at a rally in Shivamogga today.
Both the BJP and the Congress have launched a campaign blitzkrieg in Karnataka, which goes to the polls on May 12. The ruling Congress is facing a tough challenge from the BJP, which is looking to return to power in the state after a five-year hiatus.
