‘Treat Me Like a Kannadiga,’ Says PM Modi Ahead of Karnataka Polls

PM Modi “apologised” to Kannadigas, saying that despite “eagerness” to learn the language, he hasn’t been able to.

File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(Photo: IANS)

Speaking with candidates, office-bearers and elected representatives of the BJP’s Karnataka wing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 26 April, invoked the Kannada pride.

He “apologised” to Kannadigas, stating that despite his “eagerness”, he hasn’t been able to learn it.

People of Karnataka, I apologise that despite my eagerness to learn Kannada I haven’t been able to learn the language. Which is why I will speak to you in Hindi and English.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

He appealed to the people of Karnataka to treat him like a “Kannadiga”, promising that he would work alongside them for the development of the state.

Brothers and sisters, I assure you the dreams you have for Karnataka I will fulfil them like a Karnataka party worker. Treat me like a Kannadiga. I will work alongside you.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The prime minister’s comment comes after Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress party leader Siddaramaiah called Modi and his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath "north Indian imports" during the election campaign. Siddaramaiah also said BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa had been reduced to a "dummy."

In a blistering attack over Siddaramaiah's "imports" comment, the BJP said his attempt to divide north and south India is "disgusting" and added it understands his anxiety over being "rejected" by his constituents.

Earlier in April, BJP general secretary P Murlidhar Rao’s tweeted in Hindi asking Siddaramaiah about his plans to contest the 12 May Assembly polls from two constituencies.

Rao, who is in-charge of Karnataka, asked whether "Siddaramaiah was scared about winning Chamundeshwari seat" in Mysuru.

Replying to Rao in Kannada, Siddaramaiah tweeted, "Sir, tweet in Kannada or English. Don't understand Hindi."

But neither Rao nor Siddaramaiah stopped at that. While Rao tweeted the same message in Kannada, Siddaramaiah gloated saying he was “happy he could teach Rao how to tweet in Kannada!”

(With PTI inputs.)