Modi only PM who faced electoral roll misuse charges: Siddaramaiah

Davangere: Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that Modi is the only prime minister of the country, who has faced electoral roll misuse charges "because election commission of India is under the control of the Centre."

There was no allegation of misuse of the commission when Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were in power, he said.

Addressing media at Bapuji MBA College helipad on Wednesday, he said, "Congress has never misused election commission."

Reacting to the Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly R Ashoka's allegations that Karnataka's financial condition is in a crisis, Siddaramaiah claimed that Karnataka ranked second in the country in terms of goods and services tax (GST) collection, and investment is in a sound financial position. "The state is better than the country's economic condition," the CM said.

He further said that the country's GDP rate is 7.14%, while the state's GDP rate is 8.1%. "Which government's financial condition is better? One should be careful when making political allegations," he said.

"When the Congress came to power in the state in 2023, the state's debt was Rs 5.30 lakh crore. The BJP ruled the state from 2019 to 2023. By March 2027, the state's debt will increase to Rs 8.24 lakh crore. Who borrowed more?" he asked.

"When Narendra Modi came to power, the country's total loan was Rs 53.11 lakh crore. These were the loans borrowed by all governments since Independence till 2013. Now, the loans have reached Rs 218 lakh crore. The total loans borrowed by Narendra Modi in 12 years is Rs 165 lakh crore. What should we call Narendra Modi now?" he sneered.

Pro-Grade Economy

"There are two types of economic systems in the world. There are economic theories that benefit the upper class and the other that works for the lower class. While the BJP is in favour of the upper class, the Congress is in favour of the prosperity of the lower class. We are working to wipe the tears of the oppressed classes as per the wishes of Basavanna, Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi," he said.

He said that the BJP is opposing guarantee schemes. "The BJP has always been opposing programmes for the poor. We are transferring money directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries in the guarantee schemes. This will prevent corruption. There is no substance in the BJP's allegations," he retorted.

He charged that the BJP, which was in power in the state for four years from 2019 to 2023, did not work hard for the development of the state.

"What contribution has it made to Davangere in central Karnataka? I am confident that we will win the bye-elections in Davangere and Bagalkot constituencies by a huge margin of votes."

Minister Zameer to campaign from April 5

Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan will come for campaign for the Davangere and Bagalkot bye-elections from April 5, said Siddaramaiah.

Zameer Ahmed has been given the responsibility of the Kerala elections. "I have spoken to AICC General Secretary Venugopal about this. He said that Zameer will be sent to Karnataka after April 4."