Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 24: Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra has accused the Congress-led state government of pushing Karnataka towards bankruptcy, urging chief minister Siddaramaiah to prioritize economic stability in the upcoming budget.
In an open letter ahead of the 2025-26 budget presentation on March 7, Vijayendra alleged that the state’s financial condition has worsened due to fiscal mismanagement, unfulfilled guarantees, and diversion of funds meant for marginalized communities.
Expressing concerns over the state's financial health, Vijayendra stated that government departments collectively owe Rs 6,000 crore in unpaid electricity bills, while the transport department alone is yet to receive Rs 7,000 crore in dues.
"The government is struggling to pay salaries. Power supply companies are unable to clear their bills. Karnataka is heading towards a severe financial crisis," he claimed, demanding a White Paper on the state's economic condition.
He criticized the alleged misallocation of Rs 25,426 crore from funds earmarked for SC/ST welfare and accused the Congress government of failing to fulfill its much-publicized guarantees.
Vijayendra also questioned the government's handling of internal security, citing recent attacks on police stations and violence in various parts of the state.
"The leniency shown towards rioters in incidents like the DJ Halli and KG Halli violence has emboldened miscreants. Law and order have collapsed in Shivamogga, Hubballi, and Mysuru. Yet, instead of taking action, your government is busy withdrawing cases against offenders," he alleged.
The BJP leader also took a dig at deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar's remark that "even God cannot solve Bengaluru's traffic woes."
"If the government itself admits helplessness, how can people trust its ability to govern?" he asked.
Vijayendra further criticized the recent fare hikes for Bengaluru Metro and state-run buses, holding the government responsible for burdening the public.
Highlighting Karnataka’s rising debt, he claimed that the state has taken loans amounting to Rs 2 lakh crore over the past two years.
"How much more debt will you take this year? Karnataka was once a prosperous state, but now it is unable to clear even electricity and contractor payments," he said.
Urging CM Siddaramaiah to present a fiscally responsible budget, Vijayendra stated, "I don’t know if you will present the next budget, but this is an opportunity to ensure Karnataka’s economic stability."
He concluded by warning that further financial mismanagement could push the state into deeper crisis.