Modi's popularity has taken a beating: HD Deve Gowda

HASSAN: Prime Minister Modi’s popularity has taken a beating in the country, observed national president of Janata Dal (Secular) and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda adding that his popularity has surely dipped after he announced the demonetization of currency notes, GST and also because of recent political developments. 

“Modi’s popularity is on the decline which has paved way for a changing political scenario especially with the Telugu Desam Party of AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu making an exit from the BJP led NDA,” he added. 

Commenting on the TDP severing ties with the NDA, Mr Gowda said that the Union government had made an assurance to TDP to announce a special package for Andhra Pradesh but Mr Modi went back on his promise, which might have prompted Mr Naidu to pull out of the alliance.  But Mr Gowda was non-committal on his support to Mr Chandrababu Naidu and said that things will have to wait before he announces his support. 

Regarding former Chief Minister and Congress leader Veerappa Moily tweet on money power influencing candidate selection in the Congress, he said “No doubt about it. Do I need to say more on the rampant corruption under Congress rule.”  Continuing his attack on the Congress, the former PM said that when elections are round the comer, foundation stones have been laid for projects worth several crores. “Do people believe such things?”, he asked and added, “Aren’t people mature enough to understand the motive behind it?” 

On Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE) Chairman and MLA Ashok Kheny joining the Congress,  Gowda  charged that Kheny has cheated farmers to the tune of several crores, “Will people believe the Congress claims of being a non-corrupt government?”  he asked. He also announced plans to take out a rally, ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ in the coming days by gathering farmers against NICE.