Bagalkot: Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai accused Congress leaders of ignoring public welfare and engaging in internal power struggles. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Bommai criticized Congress’s focus on “dinner politics,” alleging that state leaders are prioritizing political maneuvering over addressing critical issues faced by the people.
Bommai highlighted several pressing concerns, including financial distress, deteriorating law and order, rising atrocities against Dalits, insufficient scholarships for students, inadequate compensation for farmers, and increasing maternal deaths. He claimed the Congress-led government has failed to address these issues and is instead consumed with internal debates over leadership.
Reacting to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s frequent temple visits, Bommai remarked that while such actions are personal, they underline the government’s misplaced priorities.
On the state’s financial condition, Bommai alleged that Rs 54,000 crore meant for development has been diverted to fulfill political guarantees, resulting in increased taxes on essentials like milk, water, petrol, and diesel. He accused the government of poor financial management and blamed it for the state’s current economic hardship.
Responding to Congress’s claim that the central government is withholding tax shares, Bommai stated that union ministers have addressed the matter and dismissed it as an attempt by the state government to cover up its inefficiencies.
Bommai also criticized the Congress over the contractor Sachin Panchal’s suicide and the arrest of Minister Priyank Kharge’s associate Raju Kapanur, questioning the lack of moral responsibility. He compared the situation to former BJP Minister K.S. Eshwarappa’s resignation under similar circumstances.
On BJP factionalism, Bommai dismissed concerns, stating that internal issues have been addressed by the party high command.
Lastly, he refuted Congress’s claim that the BJP’s “Constitution Honor” program was damage control for Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, asserting that the program is part of a long-planned celebration of the Constitution’s 75th anniversary.
