From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 23: Joining issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his latest statement that not a penny would be released to those states opposing development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday asserted that a constitutional functionary heading the Central government should not make such statements.
Speaking to reporters at the Hubballi airport on the way to Dharwad for taking part in the Belagavi Divisional level Mahiti Utsav, the Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s statement was not in good spirit and conveys the message that the States, especially those not ruled by BJP, were opposed to development.
"We are also elected by the people and serve the people. We know what the people want. None of the States are against development," he said pointing out that opposing the divisive politics and narrow sectarian agenda of BJP was and is not against development.
Siddaramaiah said in a democratic country, the Prime Minister should not issue such statement and he should know that the States have their own responsibilities and also contribute to the national development. He also tweeted: "This shows a lack of understanding of Constitution. What Centre gives states is not charity. It is our right."
He asserted that his government was not tainted by corruption or any other scams, and said that former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had the habit of making baseless allegations and he would not react to the coal scam allegations.
He said his Cabinet colleague D K Shivakumar and Congress Working President Dinesh Gundu Rao have already reacted and explained the correct position.
On the criticism by Opposition parties, particularly BJP, of the ‘Mahiti Utsav’ being organised by the government across the State, the Chief Minister said the BJP leaders were making allegations as the elections were nearing.
“We have invited everyone to the programme and it is a government programme," he said.
On the comment by BJP that the government was organising the event because of upcoming elections, Siddaramaiah sought to know what Narendra Modi was doing in Gujarat, where Assembly elections are on the anvil.
Siddaramaiah wondered how and why Prime Minister Modi is busy inaugurating or laying foundation stones for several programmes in Gujarat when Election Commision has announced elections to the State Assembly would be held by December 18 without announcing the calendar of events while dates have already been announced for Himachal Pradesh.