NEW DELHI: Karnataka‘s chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday responded strongly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s allegations about Congress making “unreal” and “fake” promises to the state’s residents.
Criticising PM’s remarks, the Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah posted on X, “Before pointing fingers at Congress, take a hard look at BJP‘s disastrous legacy in Karnataka! We are fulfilling every promise we made to our people – all 5 guarantees implemented with a budget over Rs 52,000 crore, and an additional Rs 52,903 crore in capital outlay to build Karnataka’s future.”
Read also: ‘Culture of fake promises’, PM Modi attacks Congress over ‘unfulfilled guarantee
Siddaramaiah further added, “BJP left Karnataka plagued with 40% commission corruption, draining resources that could have transformed lives. We’re using that same 40%—redirecting it to benefit the people. What was your ‘achievement’ here? Empowering corrupt practices, leaving Karnataka debt-ridden, and using propaganda to cover up your failures? And let’s not forget: under your watch, India’s debt is projected to reach ₹185.27 trillion by FY25—a staggering 56.8% of GDP! This isn’t just bad governance; it’s a burden you’re placing on every Indian’s back.”
Siddaramaiah also talked about Karnataka’s contribution to the centre but don’t get adequate in return. “While Karnataka contributes significantly to the Union’s coffers, your government starves us of our rightful share to prevent us from implementing guarantee schemes. For every rupee Karnataka gives, we only receive 13 paise back. This is not ‘cooperative federalism’; it’s outright exploitation,” he said.
Other Congress leaders also responded to PM Modi‘s remark. Former MLA Udit Raj said, “Nobody in Congress party can lie like PM Modi. He had spoken about 2 crore jobs, about Rs 15 Lakhs in accounts, about doubling of farmers’ income, about houses for everyone till 2022…He did not do anything but didn’t even apologise for it. But Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress party have warned that we should promise only that much as much as it can be implemented. They are liars. We speak the truth…”
This exchange occurred after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, earlier in the day, cautioned the Karnataka unit about fiscal responsibility, saying: “They should announce guarantees based on budget. Otherwise, there’ll be bankruptcy. If there’s no money for roads, everyone will turn against you.”