Kalaburagi: On the home turf of the leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi minced no words in terming Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy as 'remote-controlled' and scrambling hard to lead a government that is directionless and vindictive. 

Recalling how he had worked hard in expanding the role of Jan Dhan scheme and Aadhaar identity in everyday life of the citizens, the PM reiterated that he had deposited Rs 2,000 in the accounts of farmers, but the Karnataka government had not even bothered to send an inventory of beneficiaries. 

Instead, the Prime Minister said the Karnataka government had lied to the farmers that it would provide loan waivers, but had only filed cases against them. 

Keeping in mind the local issues, PM Modi announced setting-up of welfare boards for Banjara and Koli communities. 

Touching upon the issue of fictitious names, Modi said his government had arrested as many as eight crore non-existent accounts, reaping the benefits of government schemes. 

Taking a jibe at Congress over the issue of '56-inch' chest, Modi poked fun saying Congress is afraid of the number. The reference was to expanding a fuel depot in Raichuru from an acre to 56 acres.

However, Modi stopped short of taking Mallikarjun Kharge's name. It was indeed conspicuous!