A certain Karnataka Congress leader by the name of GS Manjunath has ignited controversy with his disparaging remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in response to the latter's announcement of a Rs 100 reduction in LPG cylinder prices.
During a rally held in Chitradurga, GS Manjunath, identified as a leader at the district level within the Congress party, aired his criticisms, which were subsequently captured on video by the Karnataka BJP unit.
In his speech, Manjunath expressed incredulity at the timing of the price reduction, coinciding with the ongoing election season. He voiced his frustration, stating, "Now that the elections are here suddenly the cylinder prices are being reduced by Rs 100. If I had encountered him [Modi], I would have metaphorically taken off my footwear and used it to strike him. Why this sudden benevolence? As conscientious citizens, we must raise these questions. All of us must inquire. The Congress doesn't listen, nor does the JD(S), and to begin with, the BJP doesn't even entertain such concerns."
The incident prompted a response from the Karnataka BJP, which criticized Manjunath's remarks and accused the Congress of lacking the courage to hold Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accountable on various pressing issues, such as drought relief, the Cauvery water sharing dispute, and the escalating cost of living.
This development unfolded just three days after PM Modi's announcement on International Women's Day regarding the reduction in LPG cylinder prices by Rs 100, effective from midnight on March 9, according to government sources.
PM Modi clarified that the decision was made to alleviate financial burdens on households. However, while the BJP lauded the Prime Minister for this decision, opposition parties dismissed it as an electoral ploy, further fueling the ongoing political discourse surrounding the issue.
