Hubballi: The maiden public rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the Lok Sabha elections in the state was mired in controversies. Before his pblic rally, the PM is scheduled to take part in foundation stone laying ceremonies, which are all government functions. The Congress has objected to the venue of these programmes being only a few metres away from the spot where the PM will address the rally.Dharwad Rural District Congress president Anil Kumar Patil has charged that BJP has misused government machinery in the guise of government functions to make its party programme a success. He alleged that several Union government departments have issued a diktat to their employees to be present at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally on Sunday. To substantiate his claims, Patil has released a copy of South Western Railway's order issued to its staff which orders that at least 10 to 15 staff from each department should be present at the venue of the PM’s function.Congress has decided to hold a protest rally in the city just hours before the PM’s rally to demand the resignation of state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa. Patil said they would take out a rally from Ambedkar Circle to Rani Chennamma Circle. “We have sought police permission for holding the rally. No matter what, we will hold the protest,” he said.Will Cong MLAs skip event?According to Congress sources, since a BJP programme will be held after the government programme near the venue on Sunday, Congress legislators and ministers are reluctant to take part in the government function.However, Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi told reporters that both the venues were selected by the Prime Minister’s Office. “The venue of the government function venue is at quite adistance away from the political rally. Before making any comment, opposition leaders must verify the distance,” he said.Meanwhile, SWR has responded to Patil allegation and has clarified that Railway staff are being deputed to organize an official programme in which the Prime Minister will dedicate Chikkajajur Mayakonda line doubling project on Sunday.

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