From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Oct 31: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday ridiculed the State BJP leaders for planning to send 17 teams to visit the State to make an on-the-spot study of the drought situation, which has affected 195 out of the 236 taluks, and wondered whether they have no faith in Narendra Modi government or the Centre’s own expert team, which has already toured Karnataka.
"The people, who should grant relief to the people affected by drought in the State, are sitting in Delhi. These BJP leaders in the State have no clue what the Delhi rulers are doing. Now they want to tour the State to study the drought situation,’’ he said in a statement.
Siddaramaiah criticised the BJP leaders for their plans to tour the State to study the drought situation and described it like the people, who had no courage to go the king with their complaints, running to the lake. (Doreyatanaka dooru kondu hogalaradavau holeyatanaka ota madidarante).
The Chief Minister wondered whether Karnataka’s BJP leaders have no faith in the Central Study Team which has already visited the State and toured it. "You should go to Delhi and convince your bosses to release funds for drought relief instead of this publicity gimmick,’’ he said.
Karnataka’s own assessment of the total losses due to the drought situation as per the Central norms is Rs 33,770 crore. "We have requested a relief of Rs 17,901 crore. We are yet receive even a single nayapaise from the Centre. If you have genuine concern for the people, please go to Delhi and request your own government to release funds,’’ he asked.
The Chief Minister lashed out at BJP and its Central leaders for promising that they will ensure flow of milk and honey if the double engine government of BJP is elected and the people believed the propaganda to such an extent that 25 MPs were sent to parliament.
"What are these 25 BJP MPs doing? Are they eating groundnuts? Have any of the BJP leaders and MPs opened their mouth so far on the injustice done to Karnataka in the devolution of funds from the Centre,’’ he asked.
He dared the BJP leaders to go to Delhi and prevail upon the Centre to release funds for Karnataka. "If you have the courage, let your 25 MPs fall on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s feet to release funds. If you people cannot do it, please ensure that at least I am given an appointment to meet Modi. I will speak on behalf of people,’’ he said.
Siddaramaiah said the people of Karnataka were fed up with the lies and drama of BJP and their commitment to protect the interests of the State. "The people demand funds from the Centre and no publicity stunts,’’ he said
Indira Gandhi was iron lady who ensured new life for poor
Later, participating in the 39th death anniversary function of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi held at KPCC office, he described the Congress leader as the most popular and pro-poor iron lady. "India has never got a bold and courageous Prime Minister after Indira Gandhi,’’ he said.
Congress party is the only party that fought for the country’s freedom, he said terming the assassinations of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi as an irreparable loss to the country. Their sacrifices are beacons for the people, he said.
The Chief Minister said the BJP had not fought or sacrificed for the freedom struggle.