The Congress on April 19 tweeted a video clip of BJP chief JP Nadda's remarks in Karnataka, accusing him of "threatening" the voters and calling his comments a "blatant attack on democracy".
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tweeted a video clip of Nadda addressing an election gathering in Karnataka, to attack the BJP. Nadda is heard saying: "Karnataka mein vikas ki ganga behti rahe esliye main kamal ke nishan par vote maangne aaya hoon. Karnataka mein vikas chalta rahe, nirantar chalta rahe, ye chunav ka mudda hai. Jo Modi ji ka aashirvaad hai usse kahin Karnataka vanchit na ho jaye esliye mera aapse nivedan hai ki aapne kamal ko jitana hai aur Karnataka ke vikas ko aage badhana hai"
(Translation: Vote for the lotus symbol to ensure the river of development continues to flow in Karnataka. Development continues in a constant manner in the state is an issue in the elections. So that the state is not devoid of Modiji's blessings, I appeal to you to vote for the lotus symbol and take forward development)
Tagging the clip, Ramesh said in a tweet in Hindi, "There should be a limit to devotion too, Naddaji. Why are you threatening and scaring the people of Karnataka?"
"With the blessings of the people of Karnataka, a Congress government is going to be formed," Ramesh asserted.
The Congress from its official Twitter handle also tweeted a portion of the clip to hit out at the BJP. "BJP President JP Nadda threatens to withhold constitutional rights from the people of Karnataka if they don't vote for the corrupt 40 percent BJP government," the Congress said in a tweet.
"This is a blatant attack on democracy and shows how the BJP plans to treat the Kannadigas. We are not subjects of a Raja but citizens of a federal country governed by the constitution," the Congress alleged.
The assembly polls will be held on May 10 and the results will be announced on May 13. The Congress is seeking to oust the BJP from power in the southern state.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also tweeted the video of Nadda's speech, saying that "when all else fails in Karnataka BJP resorts to open threats?"
"How dare does BJP President JP Nadda threaten the people of Karnataka by saying that they will be devoid of Modi's blessings if they don't vote for BJP? In a democracy does the PM bless people or does he discharge his constitutional duties?" Srinate said.
People are not at the mercy of Modi, they have rights under the Constitution. And one of them is to vote freely for whoever they wish to vote for - and no power on earth can take that right away, she added.
"Mr Nadda just because your corrupt 40 percent commission govt is being voted out you have the audacity to threaten Karnataka? On another note, 40 seems to be your favourite number – 40 percent commission, over 40 rebels – and the impending 40 seats that you will be reduced to," she said.
"Don't be so drunk on power Mr Nadda and certainly don't undermine Karnataka and the wonderful self respecting people of the state. You must apologise," the Congress leader said.
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