UDUPI: The BJP government which boasted of presenting a Rs 1 lakh crore budget put the people into a debt trap of Rs 1,20,000 crore, alleged Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramiah. He was speaking at a thanksgiving programme organised by the Udupi District Congress Committee at Royal Garden, Kalsanka, on Sunday.
“In 2005-06, the debt of the state was Rs 49,000 crore. After the BJP came to power, Rs 60,000 crore was added. In 2012-13 alone, a debt of Rs 22,000 crore was added, taking it to Rs 1,20,000 crore. Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda should have explained this while presenting the budget,” Siddaramiah said.
He added the Udupi-Chikmagalur by-election verdict showed how much the people wanted to overcome the curse of the BJP rule. Union Minister for Corporate Affairs M Veerappa Moily accused the BJP government of appeasing the minorities by announcing funds in crore for their welfare.
“After corrupting the officials, MLAs and Ministers, the BJP tried to bribe the voters. If the voter turns corrupt, democracy will be at risk. Fortunately, the voter rejected the BJP. The Congress believes in politics inclusive of all religions, castes and sects,” he said.
CM Ibrahim urged the Central government to enact a law to dispose cases pertaining to corruption within three months. MP K Jayaprakash Hegde said under the leadership of Oscar Fernandes all Congress leaders and workers united to win the election.
Hegde thanked Sonia Gandhi for giving him a party ticket despite the fact that he lost two previous elections. He called upon the partymen to get ready for the upcoming Udupi CMC and Kundapura TMC elections.
KPCC President Dr G Parameshwar said that through this election, Congress realised that if the leaders put forth a united fight, workers will take them to victory. He called upon the Congressmen to reestablish connectivity with the voters and get ready for the Assembly elections.
AICC General Secretary Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister K H Muniyappa, R V Deshpande, D K Shivakumar, Tejaswini, Gopal Poojary, Pramod Madhwaraj and others were present.