Congress created uncertainty in the country which impacted the economy: CM Bommai

BENGALURU: “The BJP has emerged as the biggest party in the world with deep roots as well as a good organisational set-up. The party has a history regarding its growth in Karnataka as it was single-handedly nurtured by former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. A lot of changes have taken place in the country after the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power”, said Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Speaking after the inauguration of the BJP’s Election Media Centre in Malleswaram here on Monday, Bommai said, “Under Yediyurappa’s leadership, the party has been growing rapidly. Even under the presidentship of former Union minister H N Ananth Kumar, the party grew further. Now the BJP-led government in the state has a unique record of presenting a special budget for farmers as well as giving several schemes for all sections of society”.

The CM said the previous UPA government at the Centre, led by the Congress, created uncertainty in the country which impacted the economy and also opened the gates for corruption. “The BJP came to power in 2014 and a lot of changes have taken place. Now, people’s self-confidence has risen and they feel more secure and safe”, he said.

“The country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has witnessed a slew of development projects such building of highways and airports. The opposition parties mocked the PM when he spoke about the ‘Swacch Bharath’ campaign. It is unfortunate that the Congress, which ruled the country for 70 years, failed to understand the concept of cleanliness”, he rued.

Bommai said piped drinking water connections have been given to 40 lakh houses in the state in the last three years. “This is the achievement of Modi and the double-engine government. The government has built toilets, provided lighting to every house and launched schemes for women, youths, working classes and girl children in the last four years”, he said.

To a query, the CM said, “Our government stressed on the importance of work, but the previous government wasted time on constituting committees. Title deeds have been distributed to 1.5 lakh people living in Lambani thandas by converting them into revenue villages. Comprehensive development was ensured amidst the Corona pandemic and floods. Now, let the Congress leaders speak about what they had done when their party was in power”.

Speaking about the party’s election preparation, the CM said the BJP is fully prepared to face the election and they will be seeking the votes based on their performance. “At the same time, the people are being informed about the bad administration of the previous Congress government. The Congress was dividing people on religious and caste lines. Communal clashes took place during the Congress regime and law and order had collapsed completely. The state did not see any development under the Congress rule. Those days were the ‘dark days’ in Karnataka’s history”, he said.

“Over 50 scams had taken place during the Congress government from 2013 to 2018. They weakened the Lokayukta and formed the Anti-Corruption Bureau only to hoodwink the people that they have not done any wrong. If the Lokayukta existed during that time, over 100 cases would have been registered against Congress leaders. The BJP government did not compromise on corruption. The Congress failed to provide documents to prove their 40 per cent commission charge against the BJP government and used the contractors’ association. It has no moral right to talk about corruption”, Bommai added.

Clarifying on the internal reservation announced by the government, he said, “I will invite the Banjara leaders for talks. There is no question of removing the Banjara, Bhovi, Korama and Koracha communities from the SC list”.

Bommai further said the government provided internal reservations based on the recommendations of the Cabinet sub-committee and not according to the Sadashiva Commission. “By this, the reservation for them has increased. But the Congress leaders are spreading rumours and are trying to use it for political gains. The BJP is also ready to fight against the misinformation campaign being carried out by the Congress party”, he said.

To a question on where he will contest the upcoming Assembly election from, the CM said he will contest from his Shiggaon constituency in Haveri district.

Union Ministers of State Shobha Karandlaje and Rajiv Chandrashekhar, BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA Rajugowda and others were present during the inauguration.

Meanwhile, about 15 election officials descended on the BJP election media centre during the opening ceremony and removed the saffron coloured buntings, flexes and other material put up at the entrance for violating the Election Code of Conduct.