Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lashed out at the BJP, accusing it of neglecting the welfare of the poor and marginalized while favoring the elite. He pointed out that, unlike the Congress government, which prioritises 90 percent of the population, the BJP caters only to 10 percent.

“We have empowered 90 per cent of the society with economic and social strength. On the other hand, you (BJP) are empowering just 10 per cent of the society,” he said in the Karnataka Legislative Council on Monday.

The CM cited that in 1994, the wealthiest 1 per cent of the population held 34 per cent of the wealth, which has increased to 57 per cent today. The economic power of 50 per cent of the population has shrunk to just 15 per cent .

“The rich are getting richer, while the poor are getting poorer. We are trying to eliminate this inequality. Through the guarantee schemes, the poor are gaining self-confidence and dignity. People are now economically and socially empowered. Their lives are improving, and the sense of equality is growing,” he added.

CM Siddaramaiah also shared that for FY25, the State set aside ₹52,009 crore, with ₹41,509 crore already spent. He refuted the claim that the treasury is empty.

Welfare schemes

The welfare schemes devised by the current government have reached 1.26 crore families, he claimed. “The BJP once asked if you waive loans, where will the money come from while they waived loans worth ₹17 lakh crore for Adani. Is this justice?” the Chief Minister asked.

However, Leader of Opposition R Ashok questioned, “The Karnataka Congress government has cut funding for the development of Kannada language, literature, and culture. Compared to the previous Manmohan Singh government, the Modi-led central government has provided substantial grants to the state. Under the Modi government, 47 railway stations in Karnataka have been developed.”  

Siddaramaiah also criticized the central government for not providing the State with its rightful grants, stating that only interest-free loans have been provided.

“In 2020, when we announced these guarantees, newspapers appreciated them. However, all of you opposed them. The opposition claimed that implementing the guarantees would bankrupt the State and leave no funds for development. Even the Prime Minister himself criticized them. But in the Lok Sabha elections, you went on to campaign with the slogan ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’,” Siddaramaiah said, adding that those who opposed guarantees have now adopted them in several states.

Published on March 17, 2025