Poor didn't benefit due to BJP's corrupt practices in Karnataka: Sonia

Attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for indulging in corrupt activities in Karnataka, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said the during the BJP's reign the benefit of various schemes had failed to reach the common man.

"I get encouragement whenever I come here to Karnataka. The people here have passion to take politics in the right direction. I am grateful to people here for always having faith in the Congress Party," Gandhi said while addressing a rally here today.

Highlighting the UPA's flagship schemes like MNREGA, Food Security, Land Acquisition, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan and Rural Road Scheme, Gandhi said, "When the BJP was in power in the state, the benefit from these schemes did not reach the common man due to their corrupt practices. But now, the Congress government is trying to implement these schemes in the right way and has taken right steps to ensure that it benefits the needy people. The common man is getting empowered in each and every way."

She criticized the BJP for denying special status to Gulbarga, Gandhi said "We feel for the people of Karnataka and are worried for the future of the state. On this very stage, Rahul had made promise to the people. The UPA Government has given special status to many districts in Karnataka," she added.

Lauding the Congress led UPA Government's effort in the healthcare sector, Gandhi said, "The end result of these achievements can be seen in the lives of the people."

"Since the formation of Congress's government in Karnataka, significant work has been done. All the Congress Party leaders are trying their best to fulfill all the promises that were made by us during the elections and take Karnataka forward in terms of development," she said.