Belagavi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing the Congress Legislative Party meeting, expressed confidence in the people’s continued support for the Congress and emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive development. Assuring that there is enough funds for developmental works in the state, he urged legislators to showcase the government’s achievements boldly and counter opposition allegations with facts.
"The people are with us now, they will remain with us tomorrow, and they will stand by us in the upcoming elections," he said.
Siddaramaiah highlighted the continuous development across the state under the Congress government, urging legislators to present factual records and data boldly.
Referring to regional disparities, the Chief Minister accused the BJP of neglecting North Karnataka during its nine-year rule.
Citing the Nanjundappa Report, he noted that 116 out of 176 backward taluks are in North Karnataka and criticized the BJP for failing to implement measures to address this imbalance. He also recalled how BJP veteran L.K. Advani, during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister, rejected a constitutional amendment for granting special status to the Kalyana Karnataka (Hyderabad Karnataka) region under Article 371(J).
"The Congress government has been the one to fight for special status, draft the necessary laws, and ensure their implementation. Even the newly formed Govind Rao Committee has been established by our government" Siddaramaiah said.
He criticized the BJP, particularly on the issue of Waqf properties, accusing it of politicizing the matter. He pointed out that during the tenure of BJP leaders B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai, notices were issued for removing encroachments on Waqf properties. He questioned the BJP’s moral authority on the issue, citing the Supreme Court's judgment that declares, "Once a Waqf property, always a Waqf property."
Responding to BJP's demands for CBI investigations on various cases in the state, Siddaramaiah accused the party of hypocrisy. He recalled that during Congress's previous tenure, the government referred multiple cases for CBI investigation, none of which resulted in convictions. In contrast, the BJP failed to authorize a single CBI inquiry on Congress’s requests when it was in power. Quoting former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Siddaramaiah remarked that the BJP’s newfound faith in the CBI was ironic, given his earlier criticism of the agency as a “Chor Bachao Institution.”
“The BJP has suffered a moral setback. Our victory in all three by-elections, including winning two seats previously held by the BJP, is clear evidence that the people of the state have rejected the BJP. Despite a series of false allegations and negative propaganda against me and our government, the people have dismissed them all and continued to stand by us," he said.
Reflecting on the Congress’s developmental initiatives, Siddaramaiah pointed to several significant projects.
The Chief Minister also urged ministers and legislators to increase public outreach in their constituencies, resolve local issues, and organize Jan Sampark Sabhas to connect with the people. Reassuring legislators of adequate funds, he encouraged them to prioritize development and address public grievances promptly.
