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Mangalwedha (Maharashtra) : “Congress is the only party that believes in and upholds pluralism. To preserve and promote this culture of pluralism, all of you must come together in this political movement and work towards ensuring Congress’s victory," urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

He was addressing a large crowd at a public meeting organised by the Maharashtra State Congress in Mangalwedha, Solapur district.

CM Siddaramaiah also highlighted that Pandharpur Mangalwedha is a sacred place, where the values of Lord Panduranga and Vithal Bhagwan are deeply revered.

Pandharpur Mangalwedha: The Sacred Place Where Sharana Basaveshwara Served as Minister for 14 Years

Sharana Basaveshwara founded the Lingayat faith to eliminate caste discrimination and promote equality. CM Siddaramaiah emphasised that such a sacred place should not witness BJP’s victory.

He also noted that every Congress Prime Minister, from Jawaharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh, has followed Dr. Ambedkar’s vision by implementing policies that promote social justice, creating a legacy of pluralism.

CM Siddaramaiah further criticised the BJP for being the party of the rich and upper castes, which has only widened the gap between the rich and the poor. In contrast, Congress has always worked to bridge that divide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has focused solely on increasing the wealth of Ambani and Adani, doing nothing to improve the lives of the poor, farmers, workers, and labourers. He hasn’t brought any relief to your doorsteps. Instead, prices of petrol, diesel, gas, pulses, and other essentials have soared.

He promised "Ache Din" (good days), but where are they? He claimed he would curb price hikes, yet the prices have reached unbearable levels.

When Indian farmers requested loan waivers, Modi did nothing. In contrast, he wrote off ₹16 lakh crore in corporate debt. Meanwhile, Congress Prime Minister Manmohan Singh waived ₹76,000 crore of farmers’ loans. When I first became Chief Minister of Karnataka, I waived farmers’ loans. But when the BJP was asked to do the same, they said, "We don’t have a machine to print money." Yes, all the BJP has is a machine to count money, not to help the farmers, he remarked sarcastically.

Siddaramaiah Challenges Modi Once Again in Maharashtra

“In post-independence India, no Prime Minister has ever told as many lies as Modi, and none will ever do so in the future," stated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

He called out Modi for falsely claiming that the Congress party was running the Maharashtra elections with ₹700 crore in bribes from the Karnataka Excise Department. "Modi himself made this baseless accusation here in Maharashtra. I challenge you directly in this very state. If you can prove your false claims, I am ready to retire from politics immediately. If not, will you announce your own political retirement?" Siddaramaiah challenged.

He further criticised Modi, saying, "You have no moral authority to speak about corruption. If you do, accept my challenge."

Siddaramaiah also posed another question: "Where did all the money come from to buy legislators through ’Operation Kamala’ in various states? Answer the people of Maharashtra," he demanded, intensifying his challenge to the Prime Minister.

Eknath Shinde did not come to power through the blessings of the people of Maharashtra. He seized power through ’Operation Kamala’. What is the source of the money used in this operation? Isn’t this corruption? Can you explain to the people of Maharashtra where that money came from?" Siddaramaiah questioned.

Siddaramaiah’s Appeal to the People of Maharashtra

"The people of Karnataka have already rejected the BJP’s ’Operation Kamala’ tactics. Now, it’s the turn of the people of Maharashtra. Stand against the corrupt practices of ’Operation Kamala’ and show your resistance," Siddaramaiah urged.

Siddaramaiah Challenges Modi and the BJP on False Claims

"The BJP’s Modi and their architects of misinformation need to come to Karnataka and see the truth for themselves. I’ll personally arrange a special flight for you," Siddaramaiah said, responding to the false advertisements by the Maharashtra BJP accusing the Congress of failing to implement guarantee schemes in Karnataka. "There’s no shame in their statements."

Siddaramaiah challenged the BJP, stating, "If you really believe the guarantee schemes haven’t been implemented in Karnataka, I’ll resign. But the truth is, these schemes are in place, and the BJP must retract their false claims and apologise to the people of Maharashtra."

He also highlighted, "Every year, ₹56,000 crore is directly deposited into the accounts of millions of people in Karnataka through these guarantee schemes."

Siddaramaiah pointed out that the Congress and the Maha Vikas Aghadi have made similar guarantee promises in Maharashtra. "When the Maha Vikas Aghadi comes to power, it will fulfil these commitments. That’s the Congress’s history - to deliver on promises."

He called on the people of Maharashtra, "Defeat the BJP to secure the economic strength that the Maha Vikas Aghadi will bring to your lives."

The rally saw the presence of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, MP Praniti Shinde, Minister M B Patil, and several other leaders.

CM Siddaramaiah Announces Yatri Nivas at Mahalingaraya Temple, Mangalwedha

In a major development for the devotees of Mangalwedha’s Mahalingaraya Temple, CM Siddaramaiah assured the construction of a Yatri Nivas (pilgrim rest house) to provide accommodation and facilities for the thousands of devotees visiting the sacred site.

CM Siddaramaiah Vows Legal Action Against Maharashtra BJP for False Claims

Reacting to the BJP’s false accusations that the Karnataka Government has failed to implement its guarantee schemes, CM Siddaramaiah declared that the Karnataka Government would take legal action against the BJP for spreading misleading advertisements. "We will ensure they face the consequences of their false claims," he stated.