Sunday was Prime Minister Modi’s day. In his first speech ahead of elections in the state, not only did he boost the morale of his workers, but also came down heavily on the Congress government over issues of corruption and lack of development.
But on Monday, 5 February, CM Siddaramaiah stole the show. Armed with fact sheets, he issued a point-by-point rebuttal against Prime Minister Modi and even called him morally unfit to be the prime minister, on grounds of endorsing corrupt leaders.
While addressing the media at the Karnataka legislative assembly, Siddaramaiah said that Modi peddled lies about the Karnataka government and dishonoured the people of the state. “He didn't speak like a prime minister. He has deemed our govt a 10 % commission government. This is a baseless and an irresponsible allegation,” he said.
On Corruption
After Modi said Karnataka was the leading state in corruption, Siddaramaiah did not stop short of pointing out the corruption charges levelled against BJP leaders during their last tenure in the state. “Has he ever asked Yeddyurappa, who was sitting next to him, about what happened during his tenure? He had gone to jail, just like his colleagues, Janardhan Reddy, Katta Subramanya Naidu, and Krishnappa,” Siddaramaiah said.
Lokayukta
Siddaramaiah further trained his guns on Modi, who in his speech accused the CM of destroying the institution of Karnataka Lokayukta. Siddaramaiah retaliated saying as Gujarat chief minister, even Modi didn’t appoint a Lokayukta.
The Steel Flyover
Among the allegations of corruption pointed out by Modi was the now defunct Rs 1,791 crore steel flyover. He said that Modi pointed out the flyover project as corruption, whereas the project never took off. “We stopped the project following NGT’s (National Green Tribunal) orders. The project was conceived during the BJP government’s time. The prime minister stooping to the level of Yeddyurappa is shameful,” he said.
On the State’s Achievements
The chief minister pointed out that 38% of Information Technology (IT) and Biotechnology (BT) exports of the country are from Karnataka. The state is also a leading producer of silk, he said.
When we came to power the state was in the 11th place for investment, but over the last three years, we have retained the number 1 spot.Siddaramaiah
The chief minister stated that a multi-sector start-up policy was first introduced in Karnataka. “Karnataka is the first state in the country to introduce online marketing in 157 APMCs. Other states have copied the system from Karnataka. Also, the farmer’s income has increased by 38 % according to NITI Aayog,” he pointed out.
Karnataka First to Launch Universal Health Scheme
Countering the PM’s promise of granting central scheme-based benefits to the state, Siddaramaiah listed the schemes launched by Karnataka government. Taking a dig at the prime minister, on his recent announcement of Universal Health Insurance, Siddaramaiah said that Karnataka was the first state to announce a universal health scheme (Arogya Bhagya) much before.
He also listed other firsts, like Karnataka being the first to announce subsidy on electric vehicles, interest-free loans for farmers, dialysis centres in all taluk hospitals, Krushi Bhagya and the largest solar park in the world.
Picking on PM’s Remarks
Siddaramaiah picked on several points discussed by the prime minister. Countering the PM’s vision for electricity for all, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka already boasts of 98% rural electrification. As for the crime rate, it dropped from 6.5% during the BJP government’s tenure to 5% now.
Talking about law and order, he reminded reporters that that the Godhra Riots happened while Modi was the chief minister.
PM has Dishonoured People of Karnataka
Siddaramaiah accused Prime Minister Modi of dishonouring the people of Karnataka by projecting someone – who looted the state and went to jail – as the chief ministerial candidate.
What Modi Should Have Said
“He should have spoken like a prime minister. We expected him to waive Rs 42,000 crore in farm loans from nationalised banks. Farmers have been demanding PM's intervention in Mahadayi issue for drinking water for two years now, he didn’t speak about it,” said Siddaramaiah.
Replying to Modi on the issue on funds released by the centre to the state, Siddaramaiah reminded Modi that the union government gets its taxes from state government and the states have a share in taxes collected as well. “We contribute 9.47 % of taxes and we are the third highest contributor in the country,” he said.
While the elections were seen as a contest between Siddaramaiah and BS Yeddyurappa so far, this stand-off post the prime minister’s rally has changed perspectives in the state. Many within the Congress party now view the contest as a personal war between Siddaramaiah and Modi.
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