CM Siddaramaiah defends 1,000-day record, slams BJP as ‘jealous’ over Cong convention
Haveri (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said his government had kept its promises as it completed 1,000 days in office, describing the milestone as significant.
He asserted that the government had delivered on its commitments and would continue to pursue its welfare agenda.
Addressing reporters, the chief minister said the government’s programmes were aimed at empowering marginalised sections.
"These programmes focus on the welfare and empowerment of marginalised ones, including Dalits, women, backward classes and farmers. We will continue to implement them," he said.
To mark 1,000 days of the Congress government in Karnataka, title deeds will be distributed to around one lakh families at a convention here, it was announced on Friday.
Meanwhile, terming the past 1,000 days of the Congress government as "dark days", Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka questioned the significance of the event.
"For what achievement are they holding a convention?" he had asked.
Responding to the BJP’s criticism of the Congress’s achievement convention, Siddaramaiah said, "It is their jealousy because they did nothing in the last four years. That is why they are criticising us."
Questioning the opposition’s record, he said, "What did they do in the last four years? They made 600 promises. Not even 10 per cent of the promises made to the people of Karnataka were fulfilled."
"What moral right do they have to criticise us?" the chief minister asked.
Highlighting his government’s performance, the chief minister said, "We made 592 promises, of which 240 have been fulfilled. We will fulfil the remaining promises as well. The allegations against us are false."
Responding to repeated queries on party matters and leadership issues, Siddaramaiah said he had already made it clear that he would abide by the Congress high command.
"There is no need to repeat the same question. We have to follow what the high command says. All our party leaders must abide by its directions," he added.
Reacting to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s recent remarks, made after he met with the Congress high command in New Delhi, that he "lives on hope" and that sincere efforts always yield results, Siddaramaiah said, "Has the high command said anything? If not, let it be. I will go by their words."
Shivakumar met senior party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, during his Delhi visit.
On the pending Varada river project, Siddaramaiah said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) had already been prepared and sent to the Centre for approval.
According to officials, the Bedti-Varada river linking project is intended to divert 18 TMC surplus water from the west-flowing Bedti river basin (in Uttara Kannada district) to the drought-prone eastern side—districts like Gadag, Koppal, Raichur—via tunnels and canals, linking it to the Varada river for irrigation under the Tungabhadra Project command.
"It all depends on the Centre’s decision," he said, accusing the union government of "inaction".
"They have not decided on any matter. I have no trust or faith," he added.
Regarding the social and educational survey report, Siddaramaiah said it would "most likely be submitted by the end of this month or next month," after which the government would take an appropriate decision.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
