Congress government in Karnataka stands robust and stable: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru, Apr 8: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday asserted that the Congress government headed by him in the state stands "robust" and "stable".
Hitting out at the opposition BJP leaders, he said it appears that it is their "intellect" that is facing "bankruptcy", not the state.
"Do not embarrass yourselves by lying every day and then manufacturing more falsehoods to defend them when they are exposed," Siddaramaiah said in a statement aimed at the BJP.
Accusing the saffron party of "blabbering" about the state going bankrupt because of a loan of Rs 10,000 crore in the April-June quarter last year, he suggested that they examine the debt records of the previous BJP government's tenure.
Elaborating further, Siddaramaiah alleged that during the financial year 2020-21, BJP’s Basavaraj Bommai as chief minister had taken a loan of Rs 84,528 crore.
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The following year, 2021-22 saw an additional borrowing of Rs 67,332 crore, and in 2022-23, the loan amount reached Rs 72,000 crore, Siddaramaiah said.
"To repay this debt, Rs 43,580 crore was spent in 2022-23. Consequently, the responsibility to settle these debts now falls on us," he said.
"Shouldn't you at least ask your own Bommai before making allegations against our government?," Siddaramaiah asked.
The chief minister said that from the time of independence until 2018, the total debt of the state government was Rs 2.42 lakh crore, but in the five years from 2018 to 2023, this debt increased to Rs 5.40 lakh crore.
"Within a span of five years, the state's debt surged by Rs three lakh crore. BJP Karnataka should introspect about this and kindly inform the public about the party responsible for the debt increase," he said.
Slamming the BJP leaders, he said it seems that governance, economy, and development are not their cup of tea and alleged that they excel only in filling people's minds with "Hindu-Muslim, communalism, Pakistan, and Muslim League issues, causing strife among peacefully coexisting communities for political gain".
"The people of the state know who is ‘Sullu (lie) Ramaiah’ and who is ‘Satya (true) Ramaiah’. They will accordingly answer you in this election," he added.
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Manipur CM pledges action against poppy growers
Imphal, Nov 24: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday said action will be taken against poppy planters and their accomplices following an ultimatum by a Naga village authority.
Singh's assurance came after a police team, led by an additional SP, and village volunteers were allegedly targeted by armed planters when they attempted to destroy poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi district recently.
In a post on X, Singh said, "I appreciate the Makhan Village Authority for taking a strong stand against poppy cultivation in their villages. Let me assure you that central security forces and state police are always on standby, ready to take necessary action against poppy cultivation and its accomplices."
He also urged everyone to "come forward and join this movement to eliminate drugs from Manipur."
On Saturday, the Makhan Village Authority issued an ultimatum to the Manipur government, demanding action within four days against poppy planters in Kangpokpi district.
In a statement, the village authority said on November 20, volunteers and a police team were confronted by armed men while attempting to destroy poppy cultivation in the hill areas of the district.
"Wielding guns and weapons, the poppy planters attacked the volunteers and the police team and damaged the equipment brought to cut poppy plants, thereby incapacitating the mission," the statement added.
The village authority also criticised the police team, accusing them of "literally running away from the poppy planters," calling the act "a complete mockery of their arms and uniform."
Meanwhile, police said "they are investigating the incident and will provide information when the report is clear.
I appreciate the Makhan (Makhen) Village Authority for taking a strong stand against poppy cultivation in their villages. Let me assure you, agencies such as the NCB, NAB, central security forces and state police are always on standby, ready to take all necessary actions against… https://t.co/pehGaWFssp
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) November 23, 2024
