The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka): Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, criticized the previous BJP administration for its lack of progress and accused it of corruption during a budget debate in the Legislative Assembly. He contrasted this with the developmental initiatives and guarantee schemes launched by his government. The Chief Minister highlighted a significant increase in the state budget and GDP as indicators of development. He presented a budget of Rs 3,71,343 crore for 2024-25, which is notably higher than the previous budgets, including one presented by Basavaraja Bommai in 2023 and his own interim budget in July 2023. Siddaramaiah pointed out that the GDP is expected to rise significantly, questioning how such economic growth could occur without real development.
During the debate, Siddaramaiah noted the opposition’s absence during the budget presentation, interpreting it as disinterest in the state’s economic welfare. Despite criticisms and suggestions from various assembly members, he welcomed the feedback and committed to considering it for future planning.
Siddaramaiah emphasized the allocation of substantial funds for development programs and guarantee schemes, countering the opposition’s claims of zero development. He highlighted the election results as a rejection of the BJP by the voters, attributing their loss to corruption and criticizing their means of coming to power.
The Chief Minister also underscored the allocation for guarantee schemes in the new budget, stressing the government’s focus on education, health, roads, and law and order. He concluded by contrasting the achievements of his administration with the alleged failures of the BJP government, asserting that development and governance have flourished under his leadership.
Furthermore, Siddaramaiah’s remarks were made amidst plans by BJP MLAs for a ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ march against the state government, particularly focusing on budget-related grievances. This political maneuver underscores the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, reflecting the broader debate over governance, development, and political integrity in Karnataka.
