Bengaluru: I said what Basavanna said in the 12th century. I tried to implement what Basavanna tried to do during his time. If you can accept Basavanna, then accept me also, because I am his true follower.

This is how former CM Siddaramaih tried to connect with the Bagalkot voters on Wednesday night, during a public meeting.

“Basavanna proposed the concept of an equal society. I tried to implement it. But a section of people are misguiding,” he said.

“The BJP Lok Sabha candidates are seeking votes in the name of PM Modi. What big thing has Modi achieved? Why should voters vote for Modi instead of a local leader who does nothing?” he questioned.

Taking a dig at the BJP’s Bengaluru South candidate Tejasvi Surya, he alleged that Surya criticised Ambedkar. “He is not Surya, but Amavasye (new moon day),” he said.