Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 18 (NationPress) In a vigorous response to accusations made by Bharatiya Janata Party state president B.Y. Vijayendra claiming that the Congress-led government in Karnataka is "looting the state to fund the high command", Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sharply countered on Thursday, labeling Vijayendra as the true "collection king".

"If anyone holds the title of ‘collection king’, it is Vijayendra. His actions have tarnished his father’s reputation (former CM BS Yediyurappa). He must keep that in mind," Shivakumar stated.

Shivakumar addressed the media in Belagavi, reacting to Vijayendra’s claims that the state treasury had been depleted to satisfy the Congress high command and that corruption has surged under the current administration. He queried, "Which treasury has been emptied? Should we examine their collections, accounts, and transactions?"

"If he speaks in the Assembly, I’m also aware of what needs to be stated. As a party president, he must speak responsibly. He should come to the Assembly and speak instead of evading and wandering elsewhere. Vijayendra lacks experience. Which treasury has been emptied?" he remarked, taking aim at the BJP leader.

When questioned about speculation regarding the Assembly session concluding on Friday, Shivakumar asserted that the government has made decisions favoring farmers despite financial pressures.

"Although it puts a strain on the government and sugar mills, we have made farmer-friendly decisions. We have addressed concerns regarding sugarcane and maize prices. I urge farmers to recognize the farmer-friendly initiatives taken by the government," he expressed.

Shivakumar further mentioned that the Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister would address matters concerning North Karnataka. "If given the chance, I will also respond on irrigation projects like the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) and the Mahadayi issue," he added.

In response to BJP's allegations that Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar provided incorrect information in the House regarding the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme, Shivakumar dismissed the claims.

"Gruha Lakshmi funds have been allocated to women in the state for the past 24 months. What incorrect information has she provided? Funds have been authorized by the Finance Department and will be distributed to women. There is no misinformation here," he clarified.

He accused the opposition of raising the issue to distract attention from the government's planned discussions regarding the alleged harassment of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.

"Why has the Centre not released funds for the Upper Bhadra project? NREGA funds have not been disbursed yet. Jal Jeevan Mission funds remain unpaid. The state has not received its rightful grants and GST compensation. Now, they are focusing on Gruha Lakshmi funds," he stated.

"The BJP has failed to fulfill its promises in several states, including Maharashtra. We have met our commitments," Shivakumar concluded.

Touching on the National Herald case, he added, "The FIR filed by the Delhi Police remains active. It would be prudent to withdraw it. We, along with Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, are facing harassment through this process."