Is the K'taka Government Acting Worse Than a Dictator?

Bengaluru, May 26 (NationPress) Criticizing the move to initiate a defamation lawsuit regarding a newspaper advertisement that exposed the government’s alleged shortcomings, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi declared that the Karnataka government is behaving in a manner worse than any dictator.

In a statement made on X, Joshi remarked on Monday, “The Congress regime, which claims to uphold the Constitution and the principles of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, is acting in a manner that is worse than any dictator.”

“Is suppressing public opinion part of the Constitution, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah? Why are you and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar so intimidated by criticism? Why does discussing your failures, corruption, and the harm to Karnataka’s economy and governance frighten you?” Joshi questioned in his post.

“Attempting to intimidate news channel anchors with an overwhelming police presence merely reflects your fear and frustration in concealing your failures. It appears that you are simply trying to hold onto power, Mr. Siddaramaiah,” Joshi criticized.

“We observe your desperation. However, Karnataka will never accept this dictatorship-like demeanor or Mughal-style governance,” he emphasized.

Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, also addressed the media at the BJP headquarters in Bengaluru on Monday, asserting that the government lacks the moral authority to pursue a defamation case against the party.

In response to inquiries, he condemned the state administration, stating that despite promising five guarantees, only a limited number of beneficiaries have been reached.

“Nevertheless, the Congress government is attempting to extend its five-year term under the guise of these guarantees,” he declared.

“They have spent two years without any significant accomplishments. We previously stated that this so-called ‘Sadhana Samavesha (achievement convention)' would be an event filled with empty rhetoric,” he professed.

“They didn’t even bother to assess the damage caused by the recent rains in Bengaluru. Even after five fatalities occurred due to the rain, the government displayed no concern. It’s becoming evident that this government prioritizes power over the lives and dignity of its citizens,” he contended.

“You are now filing lawsuits against us. But when we were in power, you (Congress) made unfounded allegations against us. Now we are merely emphasizing how your government has escalated prices—from milk to alcohol. Is there any untruth in this? Did you pass on the increased milk prices to farmers?” he inquired.

“We hold the judiciary in high regard. We will contest this case through legal means. However, you cannot silence us through legal action,” he challenged.

Narayanaswamy questioned why the Chief Minister did not attend the recent NITI Aayog meeting. “You sit here claiming that the Centre isn’t providing funds. Why didn’t you attend the meeting? Were you afraid?” he queried.

“All other Chief Ministers participated in the meeting and presented their requests. If you assert that funds are not being released, then you should have gone and made your case. The Central government allocates resources based on necessity. But you mislead the public,” he stated.

He also criticized the government’s choice to close Jan Aushadhi (generic medicine) centers in state-run hospitals. “Is it because you weren’t receiving commissions on medicine purchases? Or is it due to a desire for commissions from private suppliers?” he asked.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi established Jan Aushadhi centers in government hospitals to support the poor. Now you are eliminating those centers that provide subsidized medicines, thus depriving the underprivileged. If you reject central funding in this manner, how can you expect any assistance from the Centre? Manage the government with your own resources,” he remarked.

The Karnataka government had released a notification on Sunday stating a decision to file a defamation case with the 42nd Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court (CMM) against the alleged false campaign targeting the government.

The government further indicated that the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) would file the case and appointed public prosecutors B.S. Patil and Shailaja Nayak to represent the case.

Additionally, the government appointed Kumata Prakash, Deputy Secretary of the DPAR department, to coordinate between various departments and supply all relevant inputs and documents to the public prosecutors in the case.