Mangaluru: BJP MP Brijesh Chowta on Wednesday alleged that the three-year rule of the Karnataka government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has pushed the state into a severe debt burden, claiming that a state once regarded as one of the country’s progressive regions is now facing mounting financial challenges. Addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office, he questioned the government’s financial management and criticised its decision to celebrate achievements through the ‘Sadhana Samavesha’ programme.

Questions raised over state finances

Speaking during the press interaction, Chowta said Karnataka had previously earned recognition for maintaining fiscal discipline under the earlier government led by former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. He claimed the present financial situation reflected a departure from that approach and alleged that concerns had also been highlighted in reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

He questioned the rationale behind organising celebratory events when, according to him, the state was dealing with significant financial stress. He further alleged that the government had failed to maintain economic discipline and accused it of creating financial difficulties for citizens.

According to Chowta, the state administration had not effectively implemented several schemes and programmes intended for public welfare. He argued that despite large-scale borrowing, the state had not generated corresponding infrastructure or long-term assets.

Claims regarding central schemes and housing projects

The BJP MP also raised concerns over the implementation of central government schemes in Karnataka. Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), he alleged that housing projects had not progressed at the expected pace.

Chowta claimed that out of 6.38 lakh houses sanctioned under the scheme, nearly 2.5 lakh houses remained incomplete. He suggested that delays in completion had affected beneficiaries waiting for housing support.

He alleged that implementation gaps had impacted the effectiveness of welfare measures and questioned the state government’s commitment to ensuring timely execution of such projects.

Dairy subsidy dues and fund utilisation questioned

During the press conference, Chowta also referred to the Ksheeradhare scheme and claimed that subsidy payments amounting to ₹800 crore for dairy farmers had remained pending for the last nine months.

He alleged that delayed payments were creating hardships for dairy farmers who depended on such support for sustaining their livelihoods. The BJP leader further claimed that a corpus fund worth ₹15,000 crore had been diverted for other purposes and said the government had not offered sufficient clarity regarding its utilisation.

He maintained that transparency regarding public finances was necessary and urged the government to explain the status and use of allocated funds.

Criticism of governance and district administration

Questioning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s style of governance, Chowta said it was difficult to understand the functioning of the administration despite the Chief Minister’s long political experience. He also remarked that the current period represented an important phase in Siddaramaiah’s political journey.

Turning attention to Dakshina Kannada district, Chowta alleged that the situation at the local level reflected similar concerns. He claimed that even the health department was relying on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds amounting to ₹25 crore.

He further alleged delays in salary disbursement and stated that fresh recruitments were not taking place. Accusing the Congress government of mismanaging public finances, he claimed that citizens were facing growing economic pressure.

Minority funding and political remarks

Chowta also criticised the state government’s approach towards minority colony funding and alleged that the pattern was inconsistent with the principles advocated by B R Ambedkar. He stated that the BJP intended to take these matters to the public and create awareness regarding the issues raised.

During the interaction, he also responded to questions regarding Minister Priyank Kharge. Chowta remarked that he did not engage in politics through social media commentary on every issue and said political achievements should be evaluated based on development in constituencies.

Responding to questions on increasing petrol and diesel prices, he stated that the rise had not occurred suddenly and attributed it to global factors. He added that efforts were being made to address the challenge.

On the issue of welfare guarantee schemes in BJP-ruled states, Chowta clarified that the BJP was not opposed to welfare measures. However, he reiterated that Karnataka’s financial challenges were linked to economic management and alleged that large borrowings had not translated into substantial asset creation.

Several BJP leaders, including Shanti Prasad, Sujith Pratap, Dr Manjula Rao, Sanjay Prabhu, Arun Shet, Rajopal Rai, Jeevan, Dombayya, Hemath Shet, Kadri Manohar Shetty and Madhav Mave, were present during the press meet.