Govt is making Lokayukta toothless, says Karandlaje

Calls State a hub of corruption; says CM is 'despotic'

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje has charged that the State government is demoralising the institution of Lokayukta.

Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, she said the Congress government is deliberately delaying the appointment of Lokayukta to make it toothless to ensure that the person at the helm in Lokayukta will be in its favour.

Questioning the need for setting up of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), she urged the government to clarify its intention behind the setting up of this agency. “Karnataka is a hub of corruption. The chief minister, who acts as high command himself, is despotic and his unruly behaviour has made public to lose hopes of effective governance,” she criticised.

She said the budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is totally anti-farmer and anti-poor. It is highly disappointing. The distressed farmers have no bright future. Measures have not been taken to offer support the 140 taluks which are badly affected by drought. The development and rehabilitation works in these areas is yet to start, she ridiculed.

Karandlaje said cattle are being abandoned by people in North Karnataka due to their inability to rear the animals following severe drought. Drinking water problem is rampant as water sources are fast depleting, he charged.

Comparing the Union budget and the State budget, the MP added that Union budget totally concentrates on rural areas and development focusing on agriculture. The State budget of Rs 16,2000 crore has offered nothing to the development of rural areas. The increasing debt has added to woes. The tax facilities provided by the Central government to the State government has been hiked from 32 per cent to 42 per cent. This has enabled 25,000 crore extra to the State’s exchequer, she added.

The MP said legislature session is futile as the it does not run for long. Unwanted and less prominent issues disturb the proceedings and the session remains incomplete, she criticised.

She alleged that the youths are being killed for unnecessary reasons. Crime is increasing never like before. The murder case of BJP worker Raju in Mysuru remains a mystery despite accurate and identifiable CCTV footages and the government is trying to safeguard the offenders.It is also supporting the criminals who are the activists of PFI and KFD, she charged.

Karandlaje said the government’s vote bank politics has worsened the situation. It is also trying to divert the public attention due to its inability to take up development works.

The MP added that she has held talks with the Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari about the underpass issue at Ambalpadi Junction. The problems will be set right. Attempts are on to include Hejmadi port under Sagarmala programme. The national highway (NH) works will be expedited and the land acquisition for Malpe-Theerthalli NH will be begun shortly. The doubling of Konkan railway track from Roha in Maharashtra has started, she noted.

Karandlaje criticised the government for not announcing the reservation of ZP president and vice-president posts.