Bagalkot (Karnataka), April 4 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted on Saturday that the BJP is engaging in a smear campaign against the Congress government due to their anxiety over potential defeat in the upcoming by-elections.

Addressing the media in Bagalkot, he noted that the by-election campaign is underway and has garnered an unexpectedly strong response.

“Support is extraordinary across the board, and the Congress is poised to win in both constituencies,” he declared.

He pointed out that the Congress government's initiatives are designed to uplift the underprivileged and serve individuals of all castes, religions, and languages.

“The BJP opposes our guarantee schemes, yet these guarantees represent a commitment to social investment. This is development too,” he stated emphatically.

He stressed that development extends beyond mere infrastructure like roads and bridges; it also involves securing economic and social stability.

Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP for consistently opposing social welfare schemes from their initiation.

“Prime Minister Modi and others have claimed the state is on the verge of bankruptcy. Nevertheless, our guarantee schemes have been active for the past three years, with an expenditure of Rs 1.31 lakh crore projected until March 24, 2026,” he explained.

He clarified that funding for irrigation, public projects, rural development, potable water, and SCSP/TSP schemes has not diminished. “We allocated Rs 42,000 crore last year, and this year we are increasing that to over Rs 44,000 crore. All development initiatives are ongoing,” he affirmed.

Accusing the BJP of disseminating misinformation, Siddaramaiah challenged their claims of excessive borrowing.

“The BJP should familiarize themselves with the Fiscal Responsibility Act. According to the law established in 2002, states must adhere to three criteria: fiscal deficits must remain under 3% of GDP, and debt should not surpass 25% of GSDP. Our current debt is at 24.94%, which complies with these requirements,” he stated.

He added that no state can exceed borrowing limits set by the Union Finance Ministry. “The assertion that I have borrowed excessively is a complete falsehood. We have upheld fiscal discipline without breaching any standards,” he mentioned.

He claimed that Karnataka's economic performance surpasses that of the Centre.

“While the Centre's GDP growth is at 7.14%, Karnataka's is 8.1%. Which is superior?” he questioned.

Discussing national debt, he highlighted that until 2014, the total debt accumulated since Independence was Rs 53.11 lakh crore, but it has ballooned to Rs 218 lakh crore by March 2026. “In just 12 years, Modi has added Rs 165 lakh crore in debt,” he alleged.

Siddaramaiah also criticized the BJP for failing to deliver on development after nine years in power. “Of the 165 promises made in the 2013 Congress manifesto, 158 have been fulfilled. The BJP hasn't met even 10% of its commitments,” he claimed.

He asserted that the Congress government has delivered on its promises, with guarantee schemes benefiting the populace. “The Shakti scheme has empowered women and fostered self-reliance,” he noted.

Instead of attacking the Congress, he urged the BJP to highlight its own accomplishments.

He accused the BJP of reducing rice rations under the Anna Bhagya scheme, which had increased during his administration. He also reminded that landmark legislations like the Food Security Act, Right to Work, and Right to Education were enacted by the previous Congress-led Central government.

Further criticizing the BJP, he stated that their campaign strategy, which includes using expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, reflects their desperation and fear of losing. “We will refrain from responding to opposition remarks but will showcase our government's achievements to the electorate,” he concluded.