"Looted like anything": Ex- K'taka CM Yediyurappa backs PM Modi's allegation that Cong collected money for Maharashtra polls from K'tka liqour vendors

Hubballi-Dharwad: Former Karnataka Chief Minsiter and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa on Sunday backed Prime Narendra Modi's allegations that Congress collected money from liquor shops in Karnataka for Maharashtra assembly polls.
Speaking to ANI, Yediyurappa said that the Congress "looted" money and sent the amount for the Maharashtra assembly elections.
"What PM said is 100 per cent correct. They looted here like anything. They have sent that amount for the Maharashtra election," the former Karnataka Chief Minister said.
Prime Minister Modi recently alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka has looted Rs 700 crore from liquor sellers in the state for Maharashtra assembly polls.
While addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Akola, the PM said, "Wherever Congress forms government, that state becomes an ATM for the Congress' royal family. These days, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana have become their ATMs."
"In the name of elections in Maharashtra, they have looted Rs 700 crore from liquor sellers in Karnataka. You can imagine the loot once they win the elections," the Prime Minister added.
Campaigning for Mahayuti candidates contesting assembly polls in the state on Saturday, the PM took a dig at the Congress and said that neither the party nor its allies cared about Baba Saheb Ambedkar's Constitution nor the court nor the sentiments of the country.
"Congress is well aware; the more the country weakens, the more it will strengthen. 'Jab Congress mazboot hogi, desh majboor ho jaega'. Congress creates a divide between various castes. It never let our castes unite. If our castes do not stay united and stay conflicted with each other, Congress will take advantage of it. Congress will take away the rights of SCs. This is their conspiracy and character. You have to stay aware. Remember, 'Ek hai toh safe hai," said PM Modi.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies set for November 23.
In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena 56, and the Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42.