Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 9: Following a shocking remark by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy, who claimed that Karnataka was "number one in terms of corruption," the BJP has strongly criticised the state government, accusing it of widespread corruption.
BJP state president B Y Vijayendra stated that Rayareddy’s comments had "exposed the dark face" of the Congress-led administration.
Rayareddy, while speaking at an interaction programme organised by the Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee in Koppal had remarked, “No matter who is in power, rampant corruption will continue, and Karnataka has emerged as number one in terms of corruption.”
He had further added that the prevalence of corruption had led to a deterioration in the quality of government work, with buildings constructed by the state government now collapsing within a decade. He pointed out that the issue of corruption was particularly severe in the Kalyana Karnataka region.
Rayareddy’s comments also questioned the effectiveness of efforts to address regional imbalances, stating, “How can regional imbalances be eradicated when such massive corruption is ongoing? The officers in the state reflect the same corruption seen in elected representatives. Despite what the Chief Minister says on this issue, my opinion on corruption remains unchanged.”
In response to the statement, BJP’s B Y Vijayendra lambasted the ruling government for allowing such corruption to flourish.
He said, “Respected Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, your Economic Advisor and MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy has openly exposed that corruption and looting are deeply embedded in the Karnataka government.”
He went on to assert that Rayareddy had revealed the true extent of the government’s corruption, highlighting how the dignity of the state had been compromised under Siddaramaiah’s leadership.
Vijayendra continued, “Rayareddy’s statement directly reflects the proverb, ‘As the king, so are his ministers and officials.’ His words shed light on the grim reality of your governance, and this applies to the current Congress administration under your leadership, Chief Minister.”
The BJP leader further criticised the Congress for accusing the previous BJP government, led by Basavaraj Bommai, of being a “40% commission government” without proof. Vijayendra argued that the Congress had defamed the BJP with misleading propaganda, only to eventually take power themselves, claiming they were the honest party. “Now that the mask of honesty has fallen off, the true face of the Congress government has been exposed,” he added.
Vijayendra also drew attention to the rising prices of everyday commodities, blaming corruption as the driving force behind the increased cost of living, which he said was particularly affecting the poorest sections of society.
He noted that the BJP’s ‘Janakrosha Yatra’ had been gaining widespread support across the state as a response to the government’s failure to address public concerns.
“The anger of the people will soon lead to the downfall of your corrupt government, and it will ultimately collapse,” Vijayendra concluded, reiterating that the BJP would continue its efforts to bring about change in Karnataka.