PM Narendra Modi chose Karnataka campaign over saving Manipur: NCP chief Sharad Pawar

KOLHAPUR: NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ignoring the violence in BJP-governed Manipur and instead choosing to campaign in poll-bound Karnataka.
Speaking at the rally of NCP candidate for Nipani, Uttam Patil, Pawar said: "Border states like Manipur must be peaceful. Over the past six days, 54 youths have died in the violence that ensued in the state.The BJP has not managed to govern Manipur properly. Modi could have saved the state and the youths, but he was busy campaigning in Karnataka."
Patil will be up against two-time BJP MLA, Shashikala Jolle and Kakasaheb Patil of Congress.
The NCP has fielded nine candidates for the May 10 polls in Karnataka. Most of them will contest in constituencies located in the bordering districts of Belagavi, Vijaypura, Koppal and Haveri. It is believed that the NCP has fielded candidates in Karnataka to regain its national party status.
Pawar also criticised the BJP-led state government over the alleged 40% commission taken by ministers. "The state was once led by people who had no other intention but to serve people. Now, allegations like '40% sarkara' have hurt the state's image. The BJP will spread this policy across the country slowly," he alleged.
Congress, which is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi with the NCP and Shiv Sena (Thackeray) in Maharashtra, has accused Pawar of helping the BJP by fielding candidates and splitting the anti-BJP vote.