Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, May 21: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wondered if financial empowerment of the poor is not development.

Speaking to news persons here on Tuesday, May 21, he said, “Guarantees are only being projected as achievements. BJP is lying that developmental works are not being undertaken due to the guarantees. A budget of Rs 18,000 crore has been allocated for irrigation. Is that less? How can they (the BJP) say that nothing is being done? A budgetary allocation of Rs one lac 20 thousand crore has been made for purposes including guarantees. BJP does not read the budget document and does not know matters involving finance.”

“They are saying that development is zero. Political independence is not sufficient for the country. Ambedkar had said that there will be a meaning for achieving political freedom only when the country achieves financial and social strength. Does the BJP understand this?” the chief minister asked.