Davanagere (Karnataka), April 2 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Thursday that the Congress is receiving more public support than expected in the by-elections, and that people have realized the “truth” about the BJP’s lack of development, even as he criticized the Centre over fund allocation.
Speaking to media persons at the helipad on the grounds of the MBA College in Davanagere, he said the response in the Davanagere South Assembly constituency has exceeded expectations.
“People have understood that the BJP did not undertake any development in the last four years and instead exploited the state. Despite the BJP’s false propaganda, people have trusted us because the Congress government’s guarantee schemes are being implemented effectively,” he said.
He added that although the BJP spread misinformation that the guarantees would be discontinued after the elections, the schemes have continued without interruption. “We have allocated Rs 52,000 crore for the guarantees and have so far spent Rs 1.31 lakh crore,” he said.
Responding to criticism that he is “burdened with debt,” Siddaramaiah said the state government is borrowing within the limits prescribed under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, with debt maintained within 25 per cent of the state’s GDP. “Our fiscal deficit is 2.95 per cent. We could not achieve a revenue surplus because the Centre has not released the state’s rightful share of funds,” he said.
He further alleged that the reduction in GST rates ahead of the Bihar elections caused a loss of Rs 10,000 crore to the state exchequer. “GST growth has dropped from 10 per cent to 4 per cent. The Centre has not released GST compensation and special grants due to the state, affecting our revenue surplus,” he said, adding that BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra was making statements without understanding these facts.
On allegations of corruption in guarantee schemes, he said the benefits are directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts, leaving no scope for corruption. He also pointed out that the previous BJP government had incurred a debt of Rs 5.3 lakh crore.
Responding to concerns over pending contractor payments, Siddaramaiah said dues amounting to Rs 29,000 crore were left unpaid during the BJP’s tenure, of which Rs 24,000 crore has already been cleared. “We have provided clear answers with documentation during the Assembly session,” he said.
On rising prices, he said controlling inflation is the responsibility of the Central government. “The state’s role is limited to distributing fuel such as gas, petrol, and diesel supplied by the Centre. Compared to neighboring states, prices are lower in Karnataka,” he added.
On internal reservation, the Chief Minister reiterated that the government is committed to its implementation. Responding to BJP claims that AHINDA votes would shift in their favour, he said the BJP has no concern for backward and marginalized communities.
“The BJP always stands with the rich. Our government is working on the principle of universal basic income to benefit the weaker sections. Our guarantee schemes are extended to all, including BJP supporters, to empower those below the poverty line,” he said.
On recruitment, Siddaramaiah said the government plans to fill 56,432 vacancies this year and will continue to fill vacant posts in a phased manner.
