Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is completing four years in office on Saturday, claimed he had fulfilled 155 of the 165 promises made during the 2013 Assembly polls and declared that the coming elections would be fought under his leadership.
Expressing confidence over the party returning to power, Mr. Siddaramaiah refused to claim he would be the Chief Minister for another term.
“The Congress Legislative Party (CLP) will choose the next CM, with the approval of party high command,” he said.
Accusing the BJP of discriminating against minority communities in the country in a sharp contrast with their popular slogan “Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas”, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the Congress government had strived hard for “collective efforts and inclusive growth” of the over 6.5 crore people by implementing 17 pro-people programmes, especially Anna Bhagya scheme.
Stating that he had no qualms in admitting that his government was in favour of AHINDA (Minorities, Backward Classes and Dalits), he, however, clarified that he did neglect other sections of society for favouring AHINDA communities.
He countered the allegations levelled against the Congress government by presenting figures comparing his government’s achievements with the five-year tenure of the BJP government, from 2008 to 2015. “Without any proof, the BJP is lying intentionally and misguiding people,” he said.
On ‘chargesheet’ released by the BJP
The question is who has the moral right to release a “chargesheet” Has B.S. Yeddyurappa, against whom Lokayukta filed chargesheet, and cases still pending in Supreme Court have the right to do so? There is not even an iota of truth in the charges made.
On law and order
Karnataka occupies 12th position in the country by recording 4.7% of crime rate, while BJP ruled States Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan have recorded crime rates ranging from 6 to 9.3%.
On being dubbed most corrupt State
The survey was conducted by an institute managed by a member of NITI Ayog. The report was prepared by surveying 2,000 people in a State that has a 6.5-crore population. The credibility of the survey itself is questionable. I am not dismissing the survey, but agencies which conduct surveys should not have a political agenda.
On waiver of farm loans
Mr. Yeddyurappa, who is now demanding waiver of loans, refused waiver in the Legislative Council during his tenure as Chief Minister. He even opposed waiver during the JD(S)-BJP coalition government.
