From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Apr 5: Congress opposition leader Siddaramaiah has strongly criticized the neighbouring Eknath Shinde led regime in Maharashtra with BJP as partner for going ahead with implementing its Mahatma Jyothibha Phule Health Insurance Scheme in 685 villages in Karnataka’s border districts despite Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Union Home Minister Amit Shah declaring that it will not be allowed.

In a statement, the former Congress chief minister said BJP-backed Shinde regime’s decision of going ahead with implementing its Mahatma Jyothibha Phule Health Insurance Scheme in 685 villages in Karnataka’s border is a direct assault on the country’s federal structure and interfering in the neighbouring State’s internal administration.

The Congress party had strongly opposed the Shinde government’s move from the beginning, Siddaramaiah said and wondered what Bommai, who exhuded his bravado by announcing it will not be allowed, is going to do now.

The Congress leader said the Union Home Minister had constituted a high-level officials committee of both states to sort out any issues until the border issue is settled in the Supreme Court. But, Maharashtra Chief Minister propped by BJP has ignored the Union Home Minister. “It is for Bommai and Shah to ensure that their words count for something,’’ he said.

Siddaramaiah said the peace loving people of Karnataka will not allow the border issue to be raked up for political ends. “All Kannadigas will rise in revolt against BJP if the injustice is continued,’’ he warned.