K’taka: Basavaraj Bommai seeks white paper on financial distress

Haveri, June 6 (IANS) Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday alleged that the state’s financial condition is “distressed” and urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to release a white paper on the financial position inherited from the previous government led by Siddaramaiah.

Speaking to reporters in Shiggaon, Bommai said there are allegations of harassment and corruption involving officials, ministers, and legislators in connection with pending contractor bills worth around Rs 23,000 crore in North Karnataka.

He questioned how the government plans to resolve these issues and asked what the “system” of the new Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar actually represents, referring to his earlier remarks advising officials not to bypass the system.

Bommai alleged that there is no clear thinking on financial reforms in the state government. He claimed the state’s financial condition is poor and accused the government of lacking a plan to improve fiscal conditions.

He reiterated his demand that the Chief Minister issue a white paper detailing the financial status left behind by the previous administration, including details of borrowings, their utilisation, and whether the funds were used for capital expenditure, salary payments, pension obligations, debt repayment, or guarantee schemes.

He further claimed that over 90 per cent of the expenditure is “committed expenditure,” stating that while the government has a Rs 4.5 lakh crore budget, most of it is being spent on obligatory expenses rather than development works.

He questioned how the government intends to lead Karnataka under such circumstances and urged the Chief Minister to clarify this publicly.

He also referred to his own tenure during the COVID-19 period, stating that despite financial challenges, his government managed the situation through financial discipline, curbing leakages, and reducing unnecessary expenditure.

On agriculture, Bommai accused the government of neglecting farmers’ concerns, stating that the future of pro-people governance appears uncertain due to internal political differences and administrative issues. He alleged that every district faces different problems, particularly in North Karnataka, where irrigation issues persist.

He also criticised the situation in the Water Resources portfolio, claiming that Minister Ramalinga Reddy was unwilling to handle the department, which he said was not a good sign for governance.

He added that the recent Cabinet meeting did not prioritise issues such as seed and fertiliser supply for farmers, and that there were alleged shortages in several areas. He claimed traders are stockpiling inputs and selling them at higher prices, and urged the government to intervene and ensure proper supply management.

He also demanded that the Agriculture portfolio be assigned and managed more effectively and without delay.

Responding to questions about leadership changes within the BJP, Bommai clarified that there is no discussion or indication within the party of changes to the Leader of Opposition or the state president. He said such reports are baseless and that no such situation exists.

He added that only organisational adjustments are being made to strengthen the party, with a focus on social justice for backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes through divisional-level organisational efforts.

–IANS

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