Does Siddaramaiah's Government Lack Funds for Karnataka's Development?

Bengaluru, June 24 (NationPress) In light of increasing scrutiny on the Congress administration in Karnataka due to remarks from its senior MLAs, State Home Minister G. Parameshwara ignited a new debate on Tuesday by asserting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has exhausted the state’s finances, having allocated all resources to the populace in the form of ration.

This statement has sparked a widespread discussion regarding the viability and consequences of the government's guarantee schemes.

In response to Parameshwara's comments, former Infosys Chief Financial Officer and activist T.V. Mohandas Pai took to X, expressing, "It’s disheartening to witness the negative repercussions of the freebies distributed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Even Home Minister G. Parameshwara admits there's no funding available for development, investments, or job creation."

"With three budgets passed and still no financial resources for progress, what can Karnataka expect by the end of five years in terms of job creation?" Pai questioned the state leadership.

Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra recalled Parameshwara's earlier comments in Badami, where he allegedly stated, "Sidramanna (CM Siddaramaiah) doesn't have any money; please refrain from requesting funds."

"This indicates that the Chief Minister, through his Home Minister, has conveyed to Congress MLAs that the treasury is empty and they should not seek grants," Vijayendra added, accusing CM Siddaramaiah of misappropriating state resources.

Parameshwara made these remarks while inaugurating a new building for the Fire and Emergency Services Department in Badami on Monday.

During his address, Parameshwara urged local officials to devise a comprehensive development plan for Badami, stressing, "Regardless of budget size — even if it entails a thousand crore rupees project — create a blueprint and submit it to the Central government. Here in Karnataka, we lack funds. Siddaramanna has no funds. All resources have been allocated to you — rice, grains, dal, and oil."

He continued, "I have been informed that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds sufficient funds, and the Central government still owes money to Karnataka. Hence, if a proposal for comprehensive development is sent, Badami — a city with a 1,500-year-old heritage — can indeed thrive."

Addressing the inadequate infrastructure at the Badami cave temple, Parameshwara pointed out the absence of basic amenities, such as restrooms for women, and stated that he has consulted with the Archaeological Survey of India officials about these concerns.

"I hope the Central government allocates Rs 1,000 crore for the development of Badami," he concluded.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had previously represented the Badami Assembly constituency in 2018 after facing a significant defeat in the Varuna Assembly constituency, his former stronghold. To mitigate anti-incumbency concerns, Siddaramaiah contested from two constituencies during the 2018 elections.

Siddaramaiah led the Congress administration in the state from 2013 to 2018.