Karnataka BJP Criticizes Ruling Congress Following Contractor's Suicide

Bengaluru, Dec 28 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has condemned the ruling Congress as a government of murderers in light of a contractor's suicide in Kalaburagi district, which was allegedly influenced by the harassment from a close aide of Minister Priyank Kharge.

At a press conference held on Saturday at the BJP state office 'Jagannath Bhavan' in Bengaluru, state BJP general secretary P. Rajeev criticized the Congress administration, claiming it has become a sanctuary for criminals.

“It pains me to label the Karnataka government a government of murderers.” He referenced the recent suicide of contractor Sachin in Kalaburagi, who tragically died by lying on railway tracks, leaving behind accusations against a minister. The BJP has pledged to support the contractor's family,” Rajeev emphasized.

Rajeev charged that the government is creating a culture of despair, with an increasing number of individuals leaving suicide notes that name ministers. He mentioned that the BJP intends to initiate a statewide protest regarding these occurrences.

State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra is set to outline the protest plan upon his return from Delhi, Rajeev stated.

He further criticized the ruling party, saying, “The current administration has nearly brought the transport sector to its knees. Transport department employees have announced a protest starting tomorrow. The BJP stands in solidarity with the transport workers.”

Rajeev took aim at the transport minister, expressing disappointment that the minister seems oblivious to the financial state of his department.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy asserts that the department is profitable. “If ministers are this uninformed, what will become of the common people? This is the state's unfortunate reality,” he remarked.

He highlighted the successful tenure of former IAS officer Upendra Tripathi as BMTC MD, noting how the organization was transformed from deficit to surplus under his leadership, adding assets worth Rs 700 crore to the department.

Rajeev accused the government of financial insolvency, suggesting that they are attempting to liquidate assets accumulated by honest officials.

He linked the inability to pay salaries to this financial mismanagement.

By the end of December -- as of today -- the state government owes the transport department Rs 7,401 crore. This includes Rs 2,500 crore towards the Provident Fund Trust, Rs 362 crore in outstanding payments to retired employees, and Rs 1,000 crore for staff dues, supplier bills, fuel dues, and MVC claims.

“The overdue amount encompasses Rs 700 crore for revised pensions, leave encashment, and other bills. The total outstanding liabilities amount to Rs 5,614 crore. Additionally, the government incurs 10.5 percent interest on these dues,” Rajeev alleged.

Under the Shakti free travel scheme, Rs 1,180 crore is still owed for the financial year 2023-24, and Rs 607 crore for 2024-25, summing up to Rs 1,787 crore, he maintained.

Critiquing the Chief Minister, Rajeev stated, “While Siddaramaiah continues to announce schemes, where is the substance in this? Selling existing assets and leading the department into bankruptcy is being promoted as an achievement.”

During a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, it was revealed that Rs 3,650 crore is overdue. Officials agreed to propose a 15 percent hike in bus fares to mitigate the deficit. However, even after the fare increase, the corporations would still face losses of Rs 1,800 crore according to the meeting, Rajeev reported.

The Chief Secretary also proposed leveraging the 200 acres of land owned by the corporation for revenue generation, raising concerns that the government is evading a direct approach to address the funding crisis, he criticized.

Rajeev expressed apprehension regarding the future of public transport, questioning the department's status after two and a half more years of this government's governance.

He condemned the administration’s failure to meet the needs of passengers and students and cautioned about a grim future for the transport sector.

The government is enveloped in debt amounting to Rs 1.05 lakh crore, failing to utilize it effectively or allocate funds to corporations, Rajeev observed.

He noted that during the leadership of Basavaraj Bommai's BJP government, contributions to the provident fund were made punctually.

The press conference was attended by state BJP secretary Sharanu Tallikeri, Belagavi rural district president Subhash Patil, state spokesperson K.M. Ashok Gowda, and OBC Morcha state general secretary Somashekar.