Bhatkal: The Congress has leveled serious accusations against the BJP, alleging that the party received significant donations from a beef exporting company and a contractor linked to Pakistani agencies, despite its public anti-beef and anti-Pakistan stance.

At a press conference held at the Bhatkal Congress office, Vinay Kumar Sorake, Chairman of the Karnataka State Congress Campaign Committee and former minister, criticized the BJP for its hypocrisy. He pointed out that while the BJP publicly condemns cow slaughter and supports cow vigilantes, India has become the world's top beef exporter under their government.

Sorake also highlighted the BJP’s alleged acceptance of large sums through Electoral Bonds, claiming that these funds were amassed through the misuse of government agencies like the IT, ED, and CBI for extortion. "The democratic system seems to have been compromised, with the BJP replicating underworld tactics of extortion by exploiting the fear of government agencies," Sorake stated.

He further lamented the media's role, accusing major media houses owned by industrialists like Adani and Ambani of focusing predominantly on the Prime Minister, thus neglecting critical public issues such as inflation and unemployment.

Discussing the changing dynamics within the BJP, Sorake remarked on the shifting focus from senior leaders like Advani, Joshi, and Swaraj to an overwhelming emphasis on Prime Minister Modi in recent campaigns. He urged voters to consider broader issues like regional development and national progress instead of succumbing to divisive tactics.

Sorake outlined the Congress's promises, including financial assistance of ₹24,000 annually to each household's woman and the potential increase to ₹1.24 lakh if Congress is elected at the center. He contrasted this with the BJP's reluctance to forgive farmers' debts, noting that the Congress plans to waive loans worth ₹7 lakh crores. He highlighted the discrepancies in financial relief provided by the government, pointing out that the BJP has waived ₹16,000 crores of debt for big capitalists and industrialists, whereas the previous Manmohan Singh-led government had waived ₹72,000 crores of farmers' loans.

The press conference was attended by key local Congress leaders, including Uttara Kannada campaign committee chairman Advocate Ravindra Naik, Bhatkal Block Congress President Venkatesh Naik, and others like Abbas Taunse, Rama Moger, Albert D'Costa, and Suresh Naik.