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

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."

. @BJP4Karnataka by waiting for North Indian imports like PM Modi, UPCM Adityanath is admiting they have no leaders in the state. They have reduced their CM face @BSYBJP to a dummy.

PM may come & go. Here it is Siddaramaiah vs BSY & you know who is winning.#CongressMathomme https://t.co/IatRRstyAe

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 25, 2018

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.

Imports? How much lower can you stoop Mr. CM?

Your attempt at North-South divide is disgusting. But we understand your anxiety.

While you are rejected by your own constituents, PM Modi has a pan India appeal. It's time you learn a thing or two about leadership when he's here. https://t.co/YYo978DO74

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) April 25, 2018

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.

.@Siddaramaiah जी डर गए क्या?
कड़ी मशक्कत के बाद आपने चामुंडेश्वरी सीट चुनी फिर अब वहां भी हार सामने देखकर दूसरी जगह तलाश कर रहे हैं, मैं आपका संशय खत्म करने के लिए स्पष्ट कर दूं न सिर्फ आपकी दोनों सीट बल्कि पूरा कर्नाटका कांग्रेस मुक्त बनने जा रहा है।

— P Muralidhar Rao (@PMuralidharRao) April 21, 2018

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!”

Leaders with pan Karnataka appeal do not fear any part of the state.

People will decide my fate in both the constituencies, you don’t worry about it.

But I am happy I taught you to tweet in Kannada! https://t.co/3Yz443H0hX

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 21, 2018

(With PTI inputs.)