BJP Escalates Criticism on 'K'taka No 1 in Corruption' Statement; Cong MLA Denies
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Synopsis
BJP has ramped up its criticism of Congress following an MLA's claim that Karnataka is 'number one in corruption.' MLA Rayareddy insists that his comments were misrepresented by the media, asserting he never made such a claim.
Key Takeaways
- BJP continues to criticize Congress over corruption allegations.
- MLA Rayareddy claims his statements were misrepresented.
- Economic Advisor states Karnataka leads in corruption.
- Opposition leader links Congress to corruption and scams.
- BJP claims previous development achievements are now overshadowed by corruption.
Bengaluru, April 10 (NationPress) The BJP has intensified its criticism of the ruling Congress following an MLA's statement labeling Karnataka as ‘number one in corruption’, while MLA Rayareddy asserted that his comments were 'misrepresented' by the media.
The Chief Minister’s Economic Advisor, Basavaraj Rayareddy, during an interaction organized by the Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee in Koppal, remarked that “regardless of who governs, corruption will persist, making Karnataka the leading state in terms of corruption.”
However, he later clarified on Thursday that he never claimed “Karnataka was No 1 in corruption.”
The BJP seized this opportunity to launch a fresh attack on the Karnataka government.
Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, stated on Thursday that the Congress is synonymous with corruption and kickbacks.
Ashoka remarked, “Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy, who previously admitted that guarantees have harmed the state's economy, has now asserted that Karnataka is No.1 in corruption.”
“This is the model promoted by Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha: rob the citizens, ‘Khatakhat, Khatakhat,’” he claimed.
In response to Rayareddy’s statements, BJP state President, B.Y. Vijayendra, noted on Thursday in Mangaluru that “Rayareddy is known for his candidness, and he has only spoken the truth.”
Vijayendra further alleged, “Following scandals like the Valmiki Corporation and MUDA scams, he too has lost faith. There is no funding available for development.”
“During the BJP's administration, Karnataka was the second in development after Gujarat. However, today, due to the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka has claimed the title of the most corrupt state,” he asserted.
Vijayendra emphasized that Rayareddy was simply stating the truth when he made his comments.
While speaking at the Koppal event organized by the Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee, Rayareddy reiterated, “regardless of who is in power, rampant corruption will occur, and Karnataka is No 1 in corruption.”
He expressed concern that “with widespread corruption, quality work is compromised. Government buildings that stood for five to six decades are now collapsing within a decade of their construction. Corruption is particularly rampant in the Kalyan Karnataka region.”
Rayareddy further questioned, “How can regional disparities be addressed when corruption is so pervasive? The officials will reflect the character of the elected representatives. Regardless of what the Chief Minister asserts, my views on corruption remain unchanged.”
After his comments stirred controversy, MLA Rayareddy insisted that his remarks were inaccurately reported by the media, asserting that he had not claimed Karnataka was the most corrupt state.
“I stated that the state has earned a reputation for corruption due to subpar work quality. I did not level any corruption accusations against the current or previous administrations. This statement is not novel; it has been made in the assembly and also in discussions with the CM,” Rayareddy clarified.
