Congress-style taxation hurting state, says Union Minister Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launched a scathing attack on the Congress government in Karnataka, accusing it of imposing burdensome taxes and mismanaging state affairs. Speaking at a party gathering, he said, "Had I implemented the kind of taxes the Congress is imposing now, I could have given ₹5,000 to women under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme instead of ₹2,000. Can this be called governance?"

He questioned the performance of the Congress government, asking, "How many recruitments has the KPSC done in the last two years? Weren’t there multiple irregularities in the process? Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed he would clean it up — but the system remains messy, full of corruption."

Kumaraswamy also dismissed Siddaramaiah's allegations that he had pressured then-Minister Puttaranga Shetty regarding the caste census report. "It’s been two years since you took power. Who has stopped you from accepting the caste census report? Why haven't you implemented it yet?" he asked. He also criticized the government's expenditure, alleging that ₹100 crore was being spent on the Cauvery Aarti event: "Is that money to perform an aarti for your face?"

He further accused the government of land misuse, questioning the HMT land deal and demanding accountability.Kumaraswamy indirectly urged the opposition to step up in the assembly, saying, "I should have been in Vidhana Soudha at this time. I would have taught them a lesson. There are plenty of issues to talk about and debate."

Addressing concerns about the BJP-JD(S) alliance, Kumaraswamy dismissed any internal rift. “Some are trying to spread rumours, but I enjoy the respect of leaders like Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda, and B.L. Santhosh. Don't worry about local voices or about seat-sharing. I will ensure seats come our way — but our strength in each constituency is crucial, and that strength must come from you,” he told party workers.