Govt talks of 'ease of doing business', Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder': Modi in Karnataka's Udupi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing his second rally of the day in Karnataka, once again went on the offensive against the Congress.

"We are talking about enhancing 'ease of doing business' in the country, but Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder'," he said.

"This is the culture they have developed," he added.

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"Violence cannot exist in a democracy. It is shameful how BJP karyakartas were murdered in Karnataka. The Congress must answer on increasing crimes," Modi said.

Modi was speaking at Udupi. He had earlier in the day addressed a rally at Mysuru. He will after his address another rally in Chikkodi.

Modi's campaign blitzkrieg will include 12 more rallies in Karnataka until May 8.

The state goes to the polls on May 12, with the results out on May 15.

In Udupi, Modi promised the people of Karnataka"development" in return for their "love".

"Your enthusiasm is proof that you've made up your mind to punish the Congress party," he said.

"Your love is such that language cannot act as a barrier between us. I will not let your hard work go in vain. I will return this love in the form of development," he added.

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The Congress, Modi said, promotes violence and intolerance. "There can be nothing worse than theattack on the Lokayukta," he said.

Modi accused Karnataka's Congress government of shielding the sand mafia. "Those who loot cannot be allowed to remain in power. They must go," he said.

Adding that "atkana, latkana and bhatkanahas become the habit of the Congress".

"Government opened bank accounts for the poor. Over 31 crores accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana. If Congress had ensured their bank accounts, the poor would have contributed so much to the economy," Modi said.

Hitting a softer note, he said: "There might be political differences between parties but civility and respect should be maintained. Whenever former PM Deve Gowda Ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect and always give him time."

Before going on the offensive again and saying, "The way Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful."

Modi had attacked Rahul in the morning too, in his address in Mysuru.

"Can Rahul speak for 15 minutes without the help of a paper?"Modi had asked then. The comment was a riposte to the Congress President challenging Modi to a 15-minute debate.