Daijiworld Media Network – Belagavi
Belagavi, June 24: In yet another sign of growing unrest within the Karnataka Congress, senior party MLA Raju Kage on Monday launched a blistering attack on his own government, accusing it of an “administrative collapse” and threatening to resign if long-pending development works in his constituency are not addressed immediately.
Kage, who represents the Kagwad constituency in Belagavi district, said he was disillusioned by the lack of progress in his region despite the release of funds. “Special grants have been sanctioned, Rs 25 crore was allocated two years ago for development works — yet not a single work order has been issued. What does it mean if work orders are not passed even after money is released?” he asked, speaking to reporters in Ainapur, near Athani.
He added that the people of his constituency were now blaming him for the inaction. “They are cursing me. I’m seriously considering resigning from the party in the next two days after meeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah,” Kage said.
His remarks come in the wake of similar complaints from another Congress MLA, B R Patil, who recently alleged that housing under government welfare schemes was being distributed through bribery and that party MLAs were being excluded from crucial decision-making processes. Kage said his situation was even worse than Patil’s.
Kage, who also serves as the chairman of the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), painted a grim picture of bureaucratic dysfunction. “No officer is working. The entire system is paralysed,” he said.
Meanwhile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wasted no time in seizing the opportunity, claiming that the statements by Patil and Kage were “undeniable proof” of the Congress government's failure and alleged corruption. BJP leaders have accused the Siddaramaiah administration of ignoring grassroots leaders and fostering a climate of mistrust and inefficiency.
The Congress, already grappling with internal dissent and accusations of mismanagement, now finds itself facing increased pressure to retain party unity and restore credibility in the eyes of both legislators and the public.
As the chief minister prepares to meet Kage, all eyes are on whether the party leadership can prevent yet another political setback in a district seen as key to its rural support base.