Karnataka on the Verge of Bankruptcy: BJP Chief Warns CM Siddaramaiah Ahead of Budget
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Synopsis
Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra warns Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in an open letter about the state's approaching bankruptcy ahead of the 2025-26 budget presentation. He emphasizes the need for economic stability and criticizes the government's handling of funds and promises to SC/ST communities.
Key Takeaways
- B.Y. Vijayendra criticizes Karnataka's financial management.
- Calls for a responsible budget to ensure economic stability.
- Highlights unpaid electricity bills and loans.
- Concerns over law and order and public safety.
- Emphasizes the importance of state contributions to central schemes.
Bengaluru, Feb 24 (NationPress) Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra addressed an open letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday, as he prepares to unveil the budget for the financial year 2025-26 on March 7. In the correspondence, he urged the Chief Minister to prioritize sustainable growth, asserting that the state is on the brink of total bankruptcy under his leadership.
Vijayendra conveyed his aspiration that CM Siddaramaiah would deliver a budget focused on economic prudence, development, and social welfare. He remarked, "I am uncertain if you will present another budget, but this is a crucial opportunity for you to secure the state's economic stability."
He further alleged that the government's commitments have failed to reach the populace, noting the unfulfilled promises. "You have annulled loan schemes meant to boost the income of SC/ST communities. You admitted that, during your two years in office through the 2023-24 and 2024-25 budgets, a total of Rs 25,426 crore allocated for SC/ST welfare was improperly redirected to other schemes. You have recognized and justified this misuse," claimed B.Y. Vijayendra.
Quoting the statements from the Minister for Power, he highlighted that nearly Rs 6,000 crore in unpaid electricity bills are owed by departments like PWD, Irrigation, and Revenue. "Does this reflect your dignity as someone who has presented 15 budgets? Is it inevitable to drive Karnataka toward a collapse?" he questioned.
"I must inform you that Karnataka is edging closer to bankruptcy. The government lacks sufficient funds to pay employee salaries. Additionally, Rs 7,000 crore is still owed to the transport department, and the state's electricity supply companies are in such distress that they cannot settle their bills. In this context, I demand that you publish a White Paper on the state's economic state," he insisted.
He also criticized Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for stating that even God could not solve Bengaluru's traffic issues promptly. "If that's the case, how can the people trust your administration?" he queried.
Referring to the recent attack on a police station in Mysuru and assaults on law enforcement officers, he expressed concerns regarding the state's law and order situation.
"The lenient approach towards rioters who set fire to the home of a Dalit MLA during the D.J. Halli and K.G. Halli unrest has emboldened similar occurrences in Hubballi, Shivamogga, and now Mysuru. Despite this, you have shown no reluctance in dismissing cases against the offenders. I caution you that if appeasement politics persists, the situation will worsen," he warned.
"Do you not recognize that increasing insecurity among women, maternal fatalities, farmer suicides, and political pressure-induced atrocities against officials are dragging the state back by decades? Are you not embarrassed by your ministers' statements?" he challenged.
He further asserted that various central initiatives—like the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Smart Cities Mission—are well-financed by the Central government. Nevertheless, their effective execution relies on the state's contribution.
"If the state fails to allocate adequate funds, it risks losing a substantial portion of central aid," he cautioned. "During your two-year administration, Karnataka has accumulated Rs 2 lakh crore in loans. The populace is increasingly anxious about how much further debt you will incur this year. I wish to remind you that Karnataka was once a flourishing state, but under your stewardship, it is approaching a scenario where even electricity bills and contractor payments cannot be settled," stated B.Y. Vijayendra.
He also condemned the recent 15% increase in bus fares and the surge in Bengaluru Metro ticket prices. "The state government is accountable for the Metro fare hike. Had it not approached the Fare Fixation Committee, this predicament would not exist. While Metro fares have risen in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi, Bengaluru's increase resulted solely from the state government's request," he argued.
"You still have the chance to deliver a responsible, development-driven, and fiscally sound budget. I wish you the best of luck," he concluded.
