Bengaluru, Oct 29 (NationPress) The assertion made by Karnataka BJP leader and former Minister B. Sriramulu that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has amassed Rs 300 crore for the Bihar elections to protect his political standing has ignited a significant uproar.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar promptly responded to Sriramulu's allegations on Wednesday.

Addressing the media in Chitradurga, Sriramulu accused CM Siddaramaiah of hosting a dinner with Ministers where he allegedly collected Rs 300 crore.

“The Chief Minister's position is unstable, and the fundraising has begun. By delivering Rs 300 crore to the Congress high command, CM Siddaramaiah is making a desperate attempt to secure his position. Just as 'Kamadhenu' fulfills every desire, CM Siddaramaiah is catering to the Congress party in this matter,” he remarked.

Sriramulu further mentioned that CM Siddaramaiah plans to visit Delhi on November 15 and is feeling the heat to persuade the Congress high command that he can manage affairs in the state to maintain his role.

“On the other hand, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar is eyeing the Chief Minister's position and is eager to impress the Congress high command. The Congress party in the state is currently divided into two factions,” Sriramulu alleged.

When questioned about Sriramulu's allegation regarding both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister supposedly contributing a black fund of Rs 300 crore for the Bihar elections, D.K. Shivakumar retorted in Bengaluru, “It was actually Sriramulu who funded the Congress party, and we merely redirected that to the Bihar elections.”

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad vehemently responded to Sriramulu's claims, questioning, “Does the BJP have any substantial issues to discuss? Are they now going to focus on the Bihar elections? They have allocated Rs 7,500 crore to women and are attempting to gain votes by draining the government coffers. Do they not feel any shame? Such baseless accusations arise every election cycle. They govern in 20 states—what is their situation there?”

“Do they not collect funds in those 20 states? Did they not spend excessively during the Karnataka elections? Many speak solely for political gain,” he added.

Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal commented, stating, “Naturally, the Congress party will make arrangements. Karnataka is the only state where they can gather resources. A Congress MLA from Chitradurga was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under similar allegations. Raids were conducted after it was revealed that he had committed to paying Rs 500 crore to the Congress high command to secure a ministerial position.”

Earlier, State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Congress-led government of plundering Karnataka’s funds to benefit party leader Rahul Gandhi.

BJP MP B.Y. Raghavendra also claimed that all Ministers and departments within the state are engaged in fundraising for the Bihar elections.