From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Sindhanur (Raichur), Dec 30: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah attacked the BJP leaders for their criticism of the Congress government on flimsy issues and said BJP is unable to digest the implementation of all the five Guarantees promised before the elections.
“The benefits accruing to the people as a result of the guarantees have helped them to tide over the situation despite severe drought. The poor and women are happy,’’ he said addressing a massive public meeting at Sindhanur to dedicate Thimmapur Lift Irrigation Project and laying the foundation stone for the Jal Jeevan Mission (DBOT) programme and several other developmental schemes in Sindhanur taluk on Saturday.
“What have these BJP leaders done? Their own Narendra Modi government has not released the funds for drought relief works despite a central study team visiting the State in the beginning of October. We met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other Central leaders besides writing repeated letters,’’ he said.
Siddaramaiah attacked BJP for making the drama of touring the State for studying the drought situation while their own government at the Centre has not bothered to release the funds.
He said as many as 1.20 crore women have availed the free bus travel facility under the Shakti Guarantee and the government has credited Rs 2000 each to the bank accounts of 1.16 crore women every month under Gruhalakshmi Guarantee. The Guarantees have helped in a saving of Rs 5000 to 6000 for the beneficiaries, which the BJP leaders are unable to tolerate.
The Chief Minister said the people of Karnataka have been contributing Rs 4 lakh crore in the form of taxes to the Centre annually. The total grant of funds under various measures is barely Rs 52,000 crore. Despite this, the Centre has not bothered to release even a paise as Central aid for drought relief. People should question the BJP MPs as to what they are doing, he said pointing out that they owe a duty to the people, who elected them.
He announced the government’s commitment for the development of the entire Sindhanur taluk and the region, including building a balancing reservoir.
End Social Injustice, Caste discrimination
Earlier in the morning, the Chief Minister participated in the ascension of the throne by Nidumamidi Swamiji in Bengaluru and called upon the people for working for the eradication of caste discrimination, inequalities and social injustice and thereby improve the lot of the poor and downtrodden.
Siddaramaiah underscored the need for upholding the Constitutional values and ushering in a just and egalitarian society so that all sections of people are able to share in the fruits of development.