Karnataka BJP's 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' from Sep 17 to mark Modi's 25 years in public life
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, announced that the party would organise the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' from 17 September to 17 October to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public life. Speaking at the state BJP headquarters Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, Vijayendra said the month-long campaign was being conducted at the behest of BJP national President Nitin Nabin.
Key Developments
Artists from various parts of Karnataka as well as states including Assam, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh gathered at the BJP office to create paintings marking Modi's 25 years of public service. Vijayendra praised the artists, saying they were helping remind people of the Prime Minister's achievements.
On 17 September at 7 pm, lamps are set to be lit at historical sites across Karnataka and the country, as well as at private residences. Landmarks associated with development projects undertaken during Modi's tenure — including the Shivamogga airport — will also be part of the illumination. BJP MP B.Y. Raghavendra and local legislators are expected to participate in the programme. Vijayendra said the lamp-lighting would be accompanied by prayers for the Prime Minister's long life and for the vision of a developed India.
Service Activities and Campaign Objectives
Alongside the cultural events, Vijayendra said service activities would be carried out through the campaign period, with the stated objective of ensuring India remains among leading nations amid global challenges. The campaign spans an entire month, reflecting the national-scale mobilisation the BJP is attempting to anchor around Modi's political milestone.
Vijayendra Attacks Congress on Multiple Fronts
The press conference saw Vijayendra launch a wide-ranging offensive against the Congress government in Karnataka. Responding to Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President B.K. Hariprasad's recent remarks supporting jailed JNU activist Umar Khalid, Vijayendra alleged that Congress leaders had earlier shielded individuals who allegedly raised 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans inside Vidhana Soudha. He termed Hariprasad's statement 'an anti-national act' and alleged it was creating a sense of insecurity in the state.
Vijayendra also criticised Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, questioning what had been achieved in his first three months in office. He described the Congress as 'one house with three doors,' alleging that differences among Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Hariprasad were weakening the state government. He further claimed that Hariprasad had been kept away from the stage during the state government's 100-day programme.
Vijayendra also alleged that the state government was pursuing minority appeasement, criticising it for purportedly allowing a programme involving Umar Khalid while creating obstacles for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. He praised the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for opposing such programmes.
Demands on Farmers and Forest Policy
On policy matters, Vijayendra urged the Congress government to waive agricultural loans and send ministers to tour drought-affected regions to provide relief to farmers. He also called for a comprehensive discussion of the Kasturirangan report in the State Assembly, arguing that people living on the fringes of forests should not face hardship as a result of its recommendations.
What's Next
With the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' kicking off on 17 September, the BJP's Karnataka unit is positioning the month-long campaign as both a tribute to Modi and a platform to sharpen its opposition to the Congress-led state government ahead of future electoral cycles.