After the Prime Minister’s bold speech in Bengaluru on 4th February, there was bound to be a stir of emotions. Not surprisingly, the current Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah had a few words to say on the matter. The PM offended Congress, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement of the state. The PM called Congress a ’10 percent commission’ government. Siddaramaiah wondered whether Modi was ‘morally fit’ to run the state. Ahead of the assembly polls, the CM questioned Modi’s silence on the Mahadayi issue. His involvement was much anticipated by the pro-Kannadiga factions.
The rebuttal
The CM also demanded evidence backing Modi’s allegations of corruption. He said that Modi didn’t have a ‘moral’ right to be the Prime minister of the country. Siddaramaiah pointed out how Modi didn’t have a Lokayukta for nine years while he was the CM of Gujarat. He even went so far to say that he was a facilitator of corruption. Siddaramaiah also questioned the promised quality of Yeddyurappa’s governance. The latter Karnataka knows is still facing corruption charges. He mentioned that the prime minister was protecting a man who went to jail. The CM also said that Modi was insulting Kannadiga pride.
The defense
Siddaramaiah called all of the claims made by Modi a lie. He questioned BJP’s governance in other states. He pointed out the plus points of Congress rule in the state. The CM spoke about how Bengaluru has risen in terms of investment. He made sure to say that Karnataka was third in terms of tax collection, that money was coming in and that was important. But what about what’s being reinvested in the people. Siddaramaiah emphasised that Karnataka had received lesser than what they deserved from the centre. They were apparently supposed to get 95,200 crores but only received 84,500 crores of rupees, therefore they are 10,000 crores short of funds.
At the same time though, Siddaramaiah showed discontent over Divya Spandana’s tweet, that he didn’t approve personal attacks against the Prime minister. The tweet in question asked if the prime minister was under the influence of Cannabis while making his speech. The war between BJP and Congress over the ultimate prize Karnataka continues. While Modi maintains a dignified silence, Karnataka is busy watching a tennis match between the two parties. Both parties are skimming over issues that are important and need in-depth discussion and actual fact-checking. It’s time they began discussing issues for a change, is that so much to ask for?