BJP demands white paper on Karnataka's financial condition
Bengaluru(PTI): The BJP on Wednesday demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah present a white paper on Karnataka’s financial condition before tabling the state budget on March 7.
BJP state president B Y Vijayendra alleged that Karnataka was heading towards "bankruptcy" due to the financial burden of the five guarantee schemes introduced by the Congress government.
These schemes include 'Gruha Jyothi', which provides 200 units of free electricity to every household, and 'Gruha Lakshmi', which promises Rs 2,000 per month to every woman heading a family. Under 'Anna Bhagya', every member of a BPL family receives 10 kg of rice per month.
Meanwhile, 'Yuva Nidhi' offers a financial allowance of Rs 3,000 to unemployed graduates and Rs 1,500 to unemployed diploma holders for two years, specifically for those aged 18-25. The 'Shakti' scheme allows women in Karnataka to travel for free on government-run non-luxury buses within the state.
Vijayendra also claimed that the state-owned Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) was on the verge of closure due to financial mismanagement.
"The people of Karnataka are paying a heavy price for the free guarantees promised by the Congress government over the past two years," he said at a press conference.
Vijayendra claimed that the property guidance value had increased by 30 per cent, property registration fees had risen by 600 per cent, Bangalore Metro Rail fares had gone up by 50 per cent, and milk prices had surged by 15 per cent.
The Shikaripura MLA alleged that the state government was yet to clear dues amounting to Rs 7,000 crore owed to KSRTC.
"Because of their (Shakti) guarantee, the state government which is responsible for paying Rs 7,000 crore to KSRTC has not yet cleared the dues. As a result, KSRTC is on the verge of closure. This is the harsh reality," Vijayendra claimed.
"The financial situation of Karnataka is going from bad to worse, despite the state government having taken loans amounting to Rs 1.19 lakh crore in the past two years," he alleged.
He further claimed that state Energy Minister K J George had stated that the Public Works Department, the Irrigation Department, and other government departments in Karnataka had not paid their electricity bills, with total dues reaching around Rs 6,000 crore.
"Because of the decisions taken by the state government, Karnataka is clearly heading for bankruptcy," he charged.
He further alleged that never in Karnataka’s history had the state been in such a dire financial condition.
"The Chief Minister, who will be presenting his 16th budget on March 7 should explain to the people of Karnataka the true financial situation of the state. We demand that Siddaramaiah release a white paper on Karnataka’s financial condition," Vijayendra said.
He criticised the Chief Minister for blaming the Centre for the recent hike in Metro Rail fares.
Vijayendra alleged that no other Metro Rail Corporation in the country had implemented such a hike, making Bangalore Metro Rail the "costliest metro ride in India".
Asked about the action taken against dissident Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, he said the central leadership had already served him a notice, to which he had responded.
"The senior party leaders will decide the next course of action. The central leadership is aware of the situation and will address it," Vijayendra said.
He added that the party needed to present a united front, setting aside differences to take on the ruling Congress in the state.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
