Why PM Modi criticised Congress, but not JDS in Mandya?

PM Modi shares a good equation with JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his sixth visit to Karnataka in the last two months on Sunday, came down heavily on Congress. He accused the grand old party of dreaming of digging his "grave" while he continues to work to make life easier for the poor.

"Amid the efforts of the double engine government for the development of the country and the progress of its people, what is Congress and its associates doing? ...Congress is dreaming about digging the kabr (grave) of Modi," PTI quoted him as saying.

"Congress is busy digging the grave of Modi, while Modi is busy building Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway. Congress is busy digging Modi's grave, while Modi is busy in improving the lives of poor. Congress people who are dreaming about digging the grave of Modi, don't know that the blessings of crores of mothers, sisters, daughters, and people is the biggest protection shield for Modi," he added.

Not a Word About JDS

What many noticed was Prime Minister did not utter a word against the JD(S). This comes as a surprise to many as he has been targeting family politics in every state that he had campaigned in the last few years. Especially since Amit Shah had raked up the nepotism issue during his previous visit. Also, Karnataka Chief Minister Basaraj Bommai had criticised the JD(S) for trying to take credit for the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway project.

Then, why the PM did not target Gowdas or the JD(S)?

Siddaramaiah and Congress had paid heavily for targeting JD(S) and especially its supremo Deve Gowda as the grand old party had lost all seven assembly seats in the Mandya region in the 2018 elections. Whether they win or lose, Vokkaligas continue to keep him in high regard.

The BJP is cautiously using its cards and is unwilling to go on a full-blown attack on JD(S) even before the election dates are announced.

Political analysts say that the BJP is aware of the fact that it cannot come to power on its own and keeping JD(S) in good books might help them to form the government in case of a hung assembly.

PM Modi-Deve Gowda's Relationship
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a good relationship with JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda. Whenever the latter has met the former, the PM has treated him well and the pictures of their bonhomie had gone viral earlier. By refusing to the attack, the PM, in the eyes of Mandya and Old Mysuru region voters, is trying to send a positive impression to the Vokkaligas.

Moreover, it also gives an impression to the general public that the battle for Karnataka is between Congress and BJP.