Babasaheb Ambedkar, Madakari Nayaka, and farmers were three prominent points raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he launched another round of Congress bashing in historic Chitradurga region of poll-bound Karnataka.

Addressing supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the first of his four scheduled rallies in the state, PM Modi accused the ruling Congress of ignoring the valorous Madakari Nayaka, the last ruler of Chitradurga who was defeated by Hyder Ali, the father of Tipu Sultan.

“For politics of vote bank, Congress celebrates jayanti of Sultans instead of celebrating veer Madakari Nayaka,” said Modi accusing the grand old party of insulting the memory of brave sons and daughters of Chitradurga.

Attacking the Congress over the Dalit issue, PM Modi said that the party never accepted Dr Ambedkar.

“When we had the numbers to play a key role in the election of a President, we did not play party politics. We preferred that Dr APJ Abdul Kalam become the President of India. This time, we had the numbers but we preferred that a person from the Dalit community become the President,” the PM said referring to President Ram Nath Kovind.

“Congress is obviously uncomfortable today because the highest offices of the land are occupied by people from poor and humble backgrounds. That is why now Congress prefers to mislead in the name of the Dalit community,” he charged.

“I want to assure Dalits and deprived that I am one of them. I am committed to your welfare and security,” the PM said.

Praising the people of Chitradurga for their dauntlessness in the face of impossible odds, the PM said, “This land of Chitradurga is synonymous with the Mantra of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and Jai Vigyaan. This land is prone to drought but the farmers here have been innovating and turning adversities into opportunities.”

“It is a matter of great pride that the preparation for mission Chandrayan 2 is going on this soil by ISRO unit of Chitradurga,” said the PM referring to the Indian moon mission while adding that the region will soon become the centre of science-technology.

During his speech, the PM also accused the Congress of looting the state and ignoring the farmers since independence.