Intro
Kumaraswamy said the state raised metro fares despite central advice, unfairly burdening common people with increased charges
Mysuru
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy strongly accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of pushing Karnataka towards financial collapse. Addressing a press conference at the government guest house in Mysuru, he alleged that poor financial management and wrong priorities are bankrupting the state.
Kumaraswamy said the state government has increased various charges, including metro fares, to raise funds, even though the central government had written a letter advising against a fare hike. He claimed the burden of such decisions is being placed directly on common people.
Speaking about the Ettinahole drinking water project, Kumaraswamy said it was originally estimated at ₹8,000 crore but has now crossed ₹33,000 crore. Referring to the CAG report, he alleged that the project was handed over to unqualified contractors, leading to misuse of public money.
On BBMP elections, he said there is no confusion within the JD(S) and BJP alliance, and both parties will fight together to remove what he called a corrupt government. When asked about a possible change in the Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy said he is not an astrologer and avoided a direct answer.
Highlighting the Union Budget, he said the Centre has focused on youth employment, waived taxes on 17 cancer-related medicines, and strengthened the industrial sector. He rejected claims that Karnataka was ignored, stating ₹500 crore has been allocated for the Automotive Research Association of India. He added that he has written to the Chief Minister seeking 100 acres of land in Mandya for an automobile unit.
Kumaraswamy urged the state government to maintain healthy relations with the Centre instead of blaming it for every failure. He also expressed confidence that JD(S)-BJP candidates will win all constituencies in the coming elections.
