Development works in Karnataka will be put on hold this year, according to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. He explained that the state government has exhausted its resources to fund guarantee schemes, and he urged party legislators to be patient. Shivakumar attributed the financial difficulties to the bankruptcy left behind by the previous government.
Shivakumar made these statements a day before a crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, which is expected to be chaired by All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday evening. During the CLP meeting, the MLAs will be provided with an update on the situation. Shivakumar was responding to concerns raised by Congress MLAs regarding the delay in development works and the inaccessibility of some Cabinet ministers.
As the Deputy Chief Minister responsible for Bengaluru Development and Water Resources, Shivakumar highlighted that the Karnataka government has allocated Rs 40,000 crore to fulfill five guarantees this year. Consequently, funds cannot be allocated for irrigation and public works. Despite the high expectations, Shivakumar emphasized the need for MLAs to exercise patience. This is not the first time he has requested MLAs to refrain from seeking grants for a year.
Shivakumar also criticized the previous BJP government for the state’s poor finances, accusing them of depleting the treasury and pushing the government towards bankruptcy. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the Congress government has remained committed to fulfilling its promises by implementing the guarantees.
From budget surplus to bankrupt state in two months. This is how India was always reeling under poverty and became the fragile five economy