Yogesh K Porwar
D
ays are not far when Karnataka will tax air:Bommai
Hubballi:Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai slammed the incumbent Congress government and said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah,who is asking for proof regarding the 60 per cent commission allegations, should first answer what evidence they provided when they accused the previous BJP government of being a ’40 per cent government.’To date,they have not given any proof.
Speaking to the media in Hubballi on Monday, lhe said that the state government’s functioning is evident, with corruption rampant in every department.
There is no developmental work happening; corruption is rampant in every department.Be it common people, contractors,or people from all walks of life—everyone is facing the heat of corruption.The Chief Minister’s behavior indicates an attempt to cover up corruption.
BJP fulfilled promises
Responding to Congress’ claims that they have implemented guarantees while BJP did nothing, the former CM highlighted initiatives during BJP rule.
During Yediyurappa’s tenure, they introduced free electricity for farmers’ pump sets, the Bhagyalakshmi scheme for the girl child, and the Vidyanidhi scheme for farmers’ children. Did Congress give any of this?.
The BJP government provided many benefits to ASHA and Anganwadi workers.What have they done?Not even proper roads.
Congress is anti-Ambedkar
Asked about Congress’ protests against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statements on Dr B.R.Ambedkar, the MP said the behavior of Congress during Ambedkar’s time is well known to today’s youth.
During the two-day discussion in Parliament, it became clear that Congress is anti-constitution and anti-Ambedkar.
To cover up their misdeeds, they are twisting Shah’s statement.If they truly respect Ambedkar, let them apologize for the insults their senior leaders inflicted on him.
Anti-People decisions
Bommai termed the bus fare hike an anti-people decision, and said the public is expressing outrage. They are not allocating funds properly for the Shakti scheme. This affects the youth and students.
They are not providing enough buses. Even the buses announced during his tenure as CM are only arriving now. The financial mismanagement has brought them to a state where they can’t even pay for diesel.
Instead of proper resource mobilization for guarantee schemes, they are imposing tax burdens on people.Be it water charges,electricity rates, or milk prices—they have already increased and plan further hikes.
They’ve also raised stamp duty, motor vehicle tax, and petrol-diesel tax.Taxes on common goods like gravel and water from the Western Ghats are being considered. The day when they tax air isn’t far.This is misgovernance, financial mismanagement,and a reflection of zero development.
Baseless arguments
To a question comparing bus fare hikes to railway fare hikes, Bommai branded the comparison as baseless. It is incorrect to equate the two.
Let the CM focus on the state’s issues. There are potholes on the roads; if someone says there are potholes on the moon, what should they say?” he quipped.
The former CM also demanded a thorough investigation into allegations against Minister Priyank Kharge.
