Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Criticizes PM Modi, Cites BJP's "Disastrous" Karnataka Legacy

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah challenges PM Modi, highlighting BJP’s “disastrous” legacy in Karnataka and contrasting it with Congress’s fulfillment of promises, including substantial budget allocations for state welfare.

P24 News Media

November 02, 2024

1 minute

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Criticizes PM Modi, Cites BJP's "Disastrous" Karnataka Legacy

Politics

Bengaluru:

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a strong critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to reflect on the Karnataka BJP's “disastrous legacy” before targeting the Congress. Siddaramaiah highlighted the Congress government’s achievements in Karnataka, asserting that every promise had been upheld, with over ₹52,000 crore allocated to fulfill the party’s five key guarantees, alongside an additional capital investment of ₹52,903 crore for future development.

Siddaramaiah pointed to a legacy of “40% commission corruption” under the BJP, which he claimed had drained resources essential for state progress. “We’ve redirected that same 40% to truly benefit our people,” Siddaramaiah wrote on social media platform ‘X.’ He questioned the BJP's record, stating, "What was your 'achievement'? Fueling corrupt practices, burdening Karnataka with debt, and covering failures through propaganda."

The Chief Minister also criticized Modi’s financial policies, noting that under his administration, India’s debt is projected to rise to ₹185.27 trillion by FY25, a staggering 56.8% of GDP. “This isn’t just poor governance; it’s a burden on every Indian,” Siddaramaiah remarked.

He further alleged that while Karnataka significantly contributes to the Union’s revenue, it receives only 13 paise per rupee contributed, describing this disparity as “exploitation, not cooperative federalism.” According to him, the Centre’s withholding of resources hindered Karnataka’s ability to implement welfare programs effectively.

Siddaramaiah’s statements followed remarks from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, advising Karnataka leaders Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar to maintain financial discipline, urging against unbudgeted promises that could strain the state’s economy.

Prime Minister Modi’s Response

In response, PM Modi criticized the Congress for making “unreal promises” during campaigns, only to later find these commitments difficult to fulfill. Modi highlighted Kharge’s statement as evidence of the Congress’s struggle to balance campaign promises with financial realities, asserting that “Congress now stands exposed before the public.