Jaipur: Rajasthan chief minister and Congress chief Ashok Gehlot on Friday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latter’s ‘Bajrang Bali’ reference within the Karnataka Assembly elections, saying Lord Hanuman did not take heed to his pleas as a result of he stated “hollow things”.

In the run-up to the Karnataka Assembly elections in May, PM Modi invoked ‘Bajrang Bali’ (Lord Hanuman) on a number of events “The Congress in its manifesto has decided to lock up Lord Hanuman. Initially, they locked up Prabhu Shri Ram (Lord Ram). And now they want to lock up people who say Jai Bajrang Bali,” he had said on one such occasion.

The Congress party won the Karnataka polls.

“PM Modi’s ‘Bajrang Bali’ remark did not work in Karnataka…God did not accept his words. God understood that he (PM Modi) was saying hollow things and he was using Bajrang Bali’s name when he was losing election (in Karnataka),” Gehlot said today.

Voting for the Rajasthan Assembly elections will take place on November 25.

The Congress party has been accusing the BJP of misusing central agencies to attack Opposition leaders. It has also accused the ruling party of attempting to polarise elections.

Also read: PM Modi chants ‘Jai Bajrang Bali’ in all campaign meetings in Karnataka in a counter to Congress

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Sachin Pilot said making Congress strong was important for the INDIA bloc’s performance in 2024.

“Today, people are seeking an alternative, and the Congress is that alternative to the BJP. If the Congress becomes stronger, the INDIA alliance will also strengthen. Therefore, it is crucial to win elections in different states to bolster the Congress,” he stated.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi stated the Congress has by no means fulfilled its ballot guarantees.

“Congress has not fulfilled its guarantees, made pretend guarantees wherever it’s ruling be it Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh or Rajasthan. They bask in corruption. On the opposite hand, no matter guarantees PM Modi had made, he has not solely fulfilled them however has achieved extra work. People of Rajasthan consider in PM Modi’s management,” said Joshi.

Counting of votes will take place on Friday.

With inputs from PTI, ANI