Siddaramaiah accused the Modi-led Central Government of favouring the wealthy while burdening the poor and middle class
Belagavi: In a scathing address at a Congress rally in Belagavi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a fierce attack on the BJP and the RSS, accusing them of betraying the nation by sowing division in Indian society rather than focusing on development.
The rally, organised by the AICC to protest against rising prices and the alleged "anti-people and anti-national" policies of the Central Government, saw Siddaramaiah accuse the BJP-RSS combine of failing to ensure national security and neglecting the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Referring to the recent killing of 26 people, including three Kannadigas, in Kashmir, Siddaramaiah questioned the Centre’s response to the incident. “Is this not a security failure of the Central Government? Should we not question a government that has failed to protect Indians?” he asked, while also condemning the BJP Mahila Morcha’s attempt to disrupt his speech during the rally.
Undeterred by the interruption, Siddaramaiah declared, “I have the strength to face you all publicly. Our party workers have that strength too.”
The Chief Minister also used the platform to highlight his government’s achievements, stating that Karnataka continues to offer the lowest milk prices in the country even after a hike in procurement prices. He added that water charges, bus fares, and electricity tariffs in the state remain among the lowest in the region.
Siddaramaiah accused the Modi-led Central Government of favouring the wealthy while burdening the poor and middle class. He claimed that while tax rates on the super-rich were reduced from 32% to 25% under the BJP regime, the financial burden on ordinary citizens has increased. “Why shouldn’t we question your anti-poor, anti-middle-class policies?” he asked.
Taking aim at the BJP’s economic record, he pointed to rising prices of essential commodities including rice, oil, fuel, and LPG. “Tell me what you haven’t increased the price of,” he charged.
Invoking history, the Chief Minister challenged the Sangh Parivar to explain their role during India’s freedom struggle. “When Indians were fighting against British rule, what were you doing?” he asked, alleging that the RSS did not hoist the Indian flag at its offices for 52 years after independence.
Concluding his speech, Siddaramaiah said the BJP is attempting to mislead and divide the nation. “This Congress government still has the strength to stand firm. We will not bow to your propaganda or threats,” he said.
