Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 19: Union minister Shobha Karandlaje has accused chief minister Siddaramaiah of adopting a "divide and rule" policy, comparing his governance style to that of the British. She urged the chief minister to focus on effective administration instead of blaming the Central government for every issue.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi on Wednesday, February 19, Shobha Karandlaje alleged that Siddaramaiah was attempting to divide major communities in Karnataka. “He is working to split Lingayat, Vokkaliga, and Brahmin communities into sub-castes. His approach mirrors the mindset of British rulers,” she claimed.
Criticizing the state government’s performance, she said, “There has been no significant development in Karnataka. Instead of pointing fingers at the Central government, CM Siddaramaiah should focus on governance. If he is unable to do so, he should resign.”
She alleged that the rising cost of essential commodities was affecting the people of the state. “The Congress came to power with its guarantee schemes, but none have been implemented properly. The Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which promised Rs 2,000 per month to women heads of BPL families, is not reaching beneficiaries. While they assured free travel for women, bus services have been disrupted, with many buses not leaving depots,” she claimed.
Accusing the chief minister of being unaware of the failures of his own government, she said, “When questioned about the guarantee schemes, Siddaramaiah claims he has no information. He is also the finance minister—how can he not know? How can people trust such statements?”
She also criticized the state government for not delivering on its promise of providing 10 kg of rice per BPL family. “Even though the Central government is willing to supply rice at a lower cost, the state government refuses to procure it. Nine new universities have been shut down, and existing universities are not receiving grants,” she alleged.
Raising concerns over the fate of students who obtained certificates from the now-closed universities, she said, “The government has not provided any clarification. Meanwhile, revenue department staff have not been paid their salaries.”
She further accused the Congress government of imposing a new tax burden in Bengaluru. “If someone wants to construct a building, they are forced to pay a bribe of Rs 100 per square foot,” she claimed.
On the metro fare hike, she said, “CM Siddaramaiah misled the public by claiming the state had no role in the ticket price increase. The hike was based on the state government’s recommendation. The metro authorities wrote to the state requesting the revision, and under pressure from the state, the Central government approved it.”
Questioning the law-and-order situation in Karnataka, she alleged, “The Congress government is labeling those who harm cows as mentally unstable. Police stations are being attacked, and maternal deaths in hospitals continue to rise. If the Central government has to step in for everything, why is Siddaramaiah still in power?”
She accused the Congress government of increasing the burden on citizens while boasting about its guarantees. “The prices of essential goods have tripled. Stop blaming the Centre for everything. Your government is bankrupt. Stop invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name for every issue. How many ministers have visited districts? How many review meetings have been held? Instead of pointing fingers at the Centre, govern efficiently or step down,” she said.