No other state more corrupt than Karnataka: Rahul

Virtually putting the party in Karnataka in election mode, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Saturday asked partymen to stay united to remove the BJP government whose only record, he said, was corruption.

On a two-day visit to Karnataka to galvanise the party, Gandhi lashed out at the BJP government, charging that they had one record with them and that was corruption. "There is no other state more corrupt than BJP-ruled Karnataka."

Addressing a youth congress convention in Hubli, he said when one half of the state was reeling under drought, BJP was busy indulging in corruption and fighting among themselves.

He also said the central government gave funds to the state to implement pro-people's schemes, but it did not reach the common people. "The BJP leaders become rich and you (people) remain backward," he said.

Gandhi, who is visiting Karnataka a month after party President Sonia Gandhi came to the state, asked his partymen to work unitedly towards ensuring the party's return to power.

"Congress is the only party which can change the fortunes of Karnataka and it is necessary for both the experienced and young party leaders to work in unison to root out BJP government from the state," he said.

Gandhi's visit itself comes at a time when Congress has been jolted by the resignation of senior state congress leader Siddaramaiah from the post of Opposition leader expressing ire over the party sidelining him, indicating that the party has its task cut out to present a united front.