Belagavi: BJP leaders have slammed Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his recent correspondence with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan regarding his government’s commitment to build 100 houses for families affected by the Wayanad landslide.
They have questioned the timing of this initiative, accusing the CM of prioritizing political appeasement over addressing critical issues facing Karnataka.
On December 9, Siddaramaiah had written to Vijayan, reiterating his earlier announcement to support the families affected by the devastating Wayanad landslide.
"The announcement was duly communicated to the Chief Secretary of Kerala for further coordination. It is concerning that no communication has been received from the Government of Kerala regarding the necessary guidelines or directions to implement this project, preventing us from moving forward with the commitment,” Siddaramaiah stated in the letter.
He also added that the Karnataka government is ready to purchase the land required for constructing the houses, ensuring swift progress in providing relief to the affected families.
BJP leaders have framed this initiative as yet another example of Siddaramaiah’s political maneuvering, accusing the Chief Minister of diverting focus from pressing issues in Karnataka to appease the Congress high command.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra took to X (formerly Twitter) to question Siddaramaiah's priorities.
“Karnataka’s roads have more potholes than tar, investments are slipping to Telangana, North Karnataka remains neglected, and unemployment is rising. Yet, CM Siddaramaiah who earlier promised to build houses in Kerala, now wants to double down by buying land to facilitate this? Sir, are you working for the people of Karnataka or for the Gandhi family?” he questioned .
“Does this reflect the priorities of a leader committed to Karnataka? Our State deserves leadership that prioritizes its people and development, not one who sidelines the State’s needs for political appeasement,” he added.
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, echoed these concerns, accusing the Siddaramaiah government of neglecting critical issues within the state.
"The Siddaramaiah led government, struggling to save its chair after being tainted by corruption and recklessness, is squandering the taxpayers' money of Kannadigas to please high command leaders,” R Ashoka stated.
“There is no money to compensate farmers who are in distress due to crop loss from untimely rains. Compensation has not been provided to the families of new mothers who died due to substandard medicines in government hospitals. Funds are unavailable to fill the potholes that stretch across Bengaluru. Yet, this Congress government is keen on building houses in Kerala to appease its high command leaders," he added.
The BJP’s official X handle defined this move as a blatant attempt to appease Rahul Gandhi.
“The Congress government, led by Scam CM Siddaramaiah has completely failed Karnataka. With over 350 infant deaths, 40 maternal deaths, farmers losing land to Waqf Jihad, unpaid ambulance drivers and ASHA workers, and Bengaluru’s collapsing infrastructure, the state is in a dire condition. Yet, taxpayers’ money is being diverted to buy land and build houses in Kerala—a blatant attempt to appease the "crown prince" Rahul Gandhi,” the post stated.
“Karnataka deserves leaders who prioritize its people, not those who bow down to Soros agents,” it added.
