Crabs trapped in a basket: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah mocks BJP

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must fix problems in the BJP before criticising the Congress in Karnataka. 

Siddaramaiah was reacting to Modi’s speech on Sunday on the internal squabbles in Congress. 

“The condition of the BJP in Karnataka has become like crabs trapped in a basket. They are pulling each other down and committing political harakiri. Within the party, half a dozen factions are opposing former chief minister B S Yediyurappa and his family,” Siddaramaiah said in a statement.

“Though the leaders of these factions have made hundreds of allegations against Yediyurappa, the so-called leader with a 56-inch chest does not dare to take disciplinary action against them. The words of the state BJP president (B Y Vijayendra) have no value within his own party,” Siddaramaiah charged.

“The condition of the Karnataka BJP has deteriorated to such an extent that it is now falling at the feet of leaders who are suspended by the party and bringing them back for election campaigning. Such people are now trying to preach to the Congress party,” the chief minister alleged. 

Siddaramaiah also pointed out that Karnataka’s economy was strong.

“While India’s per capita income is Rs 2.11 lakh, Karnataka’s per capita income is Rs 4.33 lakh. While India’s GDP growth rate is 7.4%, Karnataka’s GDP growth rate is 8.1%. Karnataka’s share in the country’s GDP is 9.19%. In GST collection too, Karnataka contributes the highest share after Maharashtra,” he said.

“(Mr) Prime Minister, what more proof do you need that Karnataka is moving rapidly on the path of development?”

Ashoka hits back

In a counterattack on Siddaramaiah, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka said Modi’s speech near the HAL on Sunday was a party event. 

“The same Siddaramaiah who politicises even the
budget speech, turns the governor’s address into a Congress pamphlet, and attacks constitutional institutions daily, is now suddenly preaching parliamentary propriety. Very rich indeed,” Ashoka said. 

“Instead of getting rattled by Prime Minister Modi’s words, you should answer the real questions troubling Karnataka: Why is your government paralysed by CM-chair bargaining? Why are Congress leaders openly fighting for power every day? Why has governance taken a backseat to factional politics?” Ashoka asked.