Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly denied claims that the Congress high command has requested financial contributions from the state in the lead-up to assembly elections in five states. He dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, responding to questions from reporters regarding the BJP’s accusations.
The BJP had alleged that the significant cash amount (Rs. 42 crore) seized during Income Tax department raids in Bengaluru was intended for states, particularly Telangana and Rajasthan, that were facing elections.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that the people of Karnataka would not be swayed by such allegations or protests. When questioned about the money allegedly found in a contractor’s residence affiliated with the Congress party, the CM retorted by suggesting that the contractor had ties to the BJP.
He emphasized that the Income Tax department has performed its duties, and drawing political connections to funds found in someone’s house is not appropriate. The CM further stated that the BJP’s protests were clearly aimed at the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and that there was no need for the state government to conduct a separate investigation.
Siddaramaiah asserted that there was no link between elections in other states and Karnataka’s situation.
Regarding former BJP National General Secretary C.T. Ravi’s allegations that leaders were given fundraising targets, Siddaramaiah dismissed Ravi’s claims as falsehoods, labeling him as a purveyor of baseless statements.
In reference to the power crisis, the CM explained that a shortage of rainfall had disrupted power supply to farmers’ pump sets. The demand for power had increased from 10,000 megawatts to 16,000 megawatts due to the rain deficit. This created a power deficit of 2,000 megawatts in the state, prompting the government to take action to provide five hours of electricity in three phases to prevent farmers from being affected by load shedding.
Siddaramaiah further disclosed that out of 236 taluks, 216 were drought-prone, and crop losses amounted to 42,000 hectares, with a staggering loss of over Rs. 30,000 crore.
