Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje Accuses CM Siddaramaiah of British Divide and Rule Mentality

Bengaluru, Feb 19 (NationPress) Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has launched a fierce critique of the Karnataka Congress administration, asserting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah embodies a British mentality of divide and rule. She emphasized that the CM should cease blaming the Centre for every issue and either govern effectively or resign from his position.

She urged the Chief Minister to either deliver proper governance or step aside.

During a press conference in Delhi on Wednesday, Shobha Karandlaje accused CM Siddaramaiah of attempting to fracture major communities in Karnataka. “He is trying to split Lingayat, Vokkaliga, and Brahmin communities into sub-castes. He seeks to divide all significant communities, showcasing the mindset of British rulers,” she asserted.

“There is not a single notable development in the state. CM Siddaramaiah, stop shifting blame onto the Central government and concentrate on governance. If not, resign and vacate the position,” she insisted.

She further alleged that the prices of essential commodities are escalating daily in the state. “The Congress came to power by making promises, but these pledges remain unfulfilled. The Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which guaranteed Rs 2,000 monthly to women heads of BPL families, has not reached its intended recipients. They pledged free travel for women, yet bus services have been suspended, and buses are not departing from depots,” she claimed.

“When questioned about the failure of guarantee schemes, CM Siddaramaiah professes ignorance and inquires if they are genuinely being halted. Despite holding the Finance portfolio, how can he be unaware? How can the public trust such statements?” Shobha asked.

She also condemned the state government for failing to fulfill its commitment of providing 10 kilograms of rice to every BPL family. “Even though the central government is ready to supply rice at a reduced cost, the state government refuses to procure it. Nine new universities have been closed, and existing ones are not receiving any funding,” she alleged.

“What will happen to students who obtained certificates from these new universities? The government has not provided any clarification. Meanwhile, Revenue Department personnel have not received their salaries,” she added.

Shobha Karandlaje further accused the Congress-led government of instituting a new tax system in Bengaluru. “If someone wishes to build a structure in Bengaluru, they are compelled to pay a bribe of Rs 100 per square foot,” she charged.

Discussing the metro fare increase, she stated that CM Siddaramaiah had misled the public regarding the rise in ticket prices. “The fare increase was executed based on the recommendations of the state government. The metro authorities communicated with the state government seeking the hike. Under pressure from the state, the Central government sanctioned the adjusted fares,” she explained.

She also alleged that law and order in Karnataka had deteriorated. “Under the Congress government, those who harm cows are labeled as mentally unstable. Police stations are being attacked, and maternal deaths continue in hospitals. If the Central government must assume responsibility for everything, then why is CM Siddaramaiah still in office?” she questioned.

She further criticized the Congress administration, asserting that while it boasts about its guarantees, it has simultaneously tripled the prices of essential goods. “Stop blaming the Central government for everything. Your government is bankrupt. Cease invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name for every issue. How many cabinet ministers have visited districts? How many review meetings have occurred? Stop pointing fingers at the Centre. Govern effectively or resign,” she urged.