Karnataka CM counters BJP claim of lack of funds by launching development projects worth ₹1,350 crore in Davangere

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressing a gathering after initiating development projects worth ₹1,350 crore in Davangere on June 16, 2025. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Initiating various projects worth ₹1,350 crore in Davangere on June 16, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the move is a response to BJP’s allegations that the government of Karnataka does not have funds for development work.

Addressing the gathering in Davangere after initiating the projects, the Chief Minister mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that having a 56-inch chest is useless if he has no love and concern for the poor and the middle class.

“The development projects initiated by the government of Karnataka are not visible to the BJP. We are taking development directly to the people’s doorsteps. If we did not have the money, how is it possible to initiate development projects worth ₹ 1,350 crore in a single day?”

Mr. Siddaramaiah said that not only had the budget increased, but Karnataka had reached the second position in GST collection, which was indicative of the strengthening economy of the State.

“BJP did not give a single house to the poor when in power. But we have given 1,892 houses to the pourakarmikas in Davangere district alone,” he said.

He said that it is the responsibility of the State Government to ensure fiscal empowerment of all castes and communities, and, as per the aspirations of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the government is implementing initiatives to ensure social justice.

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the sole reason behind soaring prices, he sought to know from the gathering whether anyone had seen the ‘Achhe Din’ of Mr. Modi.

He listed out the injustice meted out the government of Karnataka in terms of allocation of funds by the Centre in the last couple of years. He announced that if at all he had lied about the injustice meted out to Karnataka by the Centre, he would not make a speech from a public forum.

He dared BJP’s Karnataka unit president B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R. Ashok to a public debate on the economy and the development in the State.

The Chief Minister distributed benefits and assistance under various government schemes in the presence of Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, Ministers Dr. G. Parameshwar and S.S. Mallilkarjun, MP Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun, and several officials.

Published - June 17, 2025 12:20 pm IST