(Rptg, under correct file name)
New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) Terming as 'baseless', 'unfounded' and 'malicious' the comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by outgoing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Minister for Law and Justice and Communication and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said the Congress leader should understand the mandate given by the people.
Addressing a press conference to brief the media about the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet, Mr Prasad said, 'I have seen the comments made by Mr Siddaramaiah in which he has made unfounded and baseless charges against our popular Prime Minister. We strongly condemn it. I completely deny the allegations made by him against the PM.
The country has watched and heard the address by the PM on Tuesday. He had expressed gratitude towards the people of Karnataka and expressed his commitment for the development of the state. The PM did not say anything to warrant such charges,' Mr Prasad said.
While declining to make any comment on the process of government formation in the state, leaving it to the discretion of the Governor, Mr Prasad, however, made an observation on the Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular deciding to stake claim to form a government in the state.
'It is the prerogative of any party to take a decision. However, the election in Karnataka has been held after five years. They should understand the nature of the people's mandate.

The Chief Minister contested elections from two seats, of which he lost from one seat by 35,000 votes while on the other seat he won by just 1,700 votes. Further, 16 of his cabinet ministers have lost the elections,' Mr Prasad pointed out.
Karnataka's outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused the Prime Minister of encouraging horse-trading to bring the BJP to power in the state.
Talking to reporters after a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party, he said, 'Narendra Modi is encouraging horse-trading.'
The Congress on Tuesday announced its decision to extend support to the JD-S for formation of a government in the state.
UNI AR SD 1730