JOIN USCM takes on BJP over two Modis, Narendra and Nirav
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday dubbed the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre as "90% commission government," hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent "10% commission sarkar" jibe against the state government.
Replying to a discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address in the Assembly, the chief minister also accused the Centre of turning a blind eye when billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi slipped out of the country, after "stealing" Rs 11,000 crore using his clout. "Nirav Modi ran away with Rs 11,000 crore. Lalith Modi and Vijay Mallya also fled. What was the Central government doing," he questioned.
The BJP and its leaders have failed to prove their charges of corruption against the state government. As per the law, those who level charges should prove them. "It is a hit-and-run case. The BJP leaders have so far not proved any of the corruption charges against my government," he said.
The chief minister's remarks triggered a pandemonium in the House with the BJP members countering him. Members on both the treasury and the Opposition benches indulged in a heated argument, accusing each other of being corrupt. Leader of the Opposition Jagadish Shettar accused the chief minister of being "shameless" and making desperate statements.
As the argument continued, the chief minister gestured to the BJP members, daring them to come for a fight.
Siddaramaiah continued his tirade against the BJP amidst the din, saying that his government does not need any lesson of clean governance from a party whose four ministers were imprisoned for corruption in the past.
Shettar, on the other hand, said the government is tainted with innumerable scams. "It (Siddaramaiah government) is the most corrupt government in the country. Ministers have acquired benami properties," he charged.
Shettar accused the Siddaramaiah government of avoiding tabling the Kempanna Commission report on illegal denotification of Arkavathy Layout land in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah said he had nothing to hide and that he would soon submit the report in the House. Earlier, he listed out welfare schemes implemented by his government and expressed confidence that his party would be voted back to power.
During his reply in the Legislative Council, Siddaramaiah took a dig at Modi's "56 inch ka seena" comment. "One requires a 'mathru hrudaya' to address the problems of the people - not a 56 inch chest," he said.
When the BJP members sought to know why he has not implemented caste census report, the chief minister said he is yet to receive the report. "The moment I receive the report, I will 100% implement the recommendations. There is no need to hide it," he added.