Chikkamagaluru, April 13 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized on Monday that the welfare schemes initiated by the government are a significant form of development. He pointed out that the financial status of the state is superior to that of the Centre, even with the associated costs of these schemes.

During the inauguration of a bridge spanning the backwaters of the Bhadra reservoir, which links Handuru village to Narasimharajapura in the Chikkamagaluru district, he also laid the groundwork for several development initiatives and distributed benefits to the recipients.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that development projects totaling Rs 36 crore, including the newly built bridge, were inaugurated.

He criticized the opposition for their claims that there is a lack of funds for development and that the guarantee schemes have drained the state treasury.

“Our government has accomplished significant development even while implementing these guarantee schemes,” he stated.

Reiterating the importance of constitutional principles, Siddaramaiah remarked that constructing an equitable society aligns with the vision of the Constitution. He referenced B. R. Ambedkar, who insisted that true political freedom must be paired with economic, social, and educational liberation.

The Chief Minister urged opposition parties to recognize this fundamental principle.

He also highlighted the historical significance of Narasimharajapura, named after the former monarch of Mysuru, Narasimharaja Wodeyar.

Siddaramaiah remarked that the newly inaugurated bridge is a result of the relentless efforts of the local MLA and assured that the government will address additional needs, such as road widening, the construction of a barrage-cum-bridge, and enhancements to tourism.

He accused the Centre of neglect, stating that although Rs 5,300 crore was allocated in the 2023–24 Union Budget for the Bhadra Upper Canal Project, the funds have yet to be released, which he deemed unjust to the state’s residents.

The Chief Minister further claimed that while the BJP criticizes Congress's guarantee schemes in Karnataka, similar initiatives are being adopted in other states.

Siddaramaiah stated that the state government has invested Rs 1.30 lakh crore in guarantee schemes and reiterated that Karnataka's financial condition is stronger than that of the Centre.

Discussing economic indicators, he noted that while the national GDP growth rate is 7.14 percent, Karnataka's growth stands at 8.1 percent. He also alleged that India's total debt has surged from Rs 53.11 lakh crore to Rs 218 lakh crore during PM Modi's administration.

The Chief Minister asserted that Karnataka’s economic growth surpasses that of the Centre, maintaining compliance with fiscal responsibility norms.

In response to criticisms from BJP state president B. Y. Vijayendra, who demanded a white paper on the state's finances, Siddaramaiah stated that such remarks stem from a lack of understanding of the budget and are intended for publicity.

He accused the Centre of neglecting to release funds suggested by the 15th Finance Commission, placing the state at a disadvantage.

In closing, the Chief Minister stated that while the Prime Minister has failed to fulfill his promises, the Congress government in Karnataka has honored its commitments, including the implementation of guarantee schemes, and urged citizens not to fall for what he called the BJP's misinformation.