Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said the BJP is indulging in a smear campaign against the Congress government as it is gripped by fear of defeat. Speaking to the media in Bagalkot, he said the campaign for the by-election is progressing well and has received an overwhelming response beyond expectations.
“There is unprecedented support everywhere, and the Congress will win both constituencies,” he said. He added that the Congress government’s programmes are aimed at the welfare of the poor and cater to people across castes, religions, and languages.
“The BJP is opposing the guarantee schemes, but these guarantees are an investment in social commitment. This too is development,” he said. He emphasised that development is not limited to roads, bridges, and buildings, but also includes ensuring economic and social security.
Siddaramaiah said the BJP has opposed the social schemes since their inception. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others have been claiming that the state will go bankrupt. However, guarantee schemes have been in force for the past three years, and till March 24, 2026, Rs 1.31 lakh crore has been spent on them,” he said.
He clarified that spending on irrigation, public works, rural development, drinking water, policing, and SCSP/TSP schemes has not been reduced. “While Rs 42,000 crore was spent last year, more than Rs 44,000 crore is being spent this year. No development work has been stalled,” he added.
Accusing the BJP of spreading misinformation, Siddaramaiah said they are falsely claiming that he has borrowed excessively. “The BJP should properly read the Fiscal Responsibility Act. As per the law introduced in 2002, states must meet three criteria.
The fiscal deficit should be within 3 per cent of GDP, and the debt should not exceed 25 per cent of GSDP. Our debt stands at 24.94 per cent, which is within the limit,” he said. He said no state can borrow beyond limits, as the Union Finance Ministry sets borrowing ceilings.
“The claim that I have borrowed excessively is a blatant lie. We have maintained financial discipline and not violated any norms,” he added. He further claimed that Karnataka’s economic performance is better than that of the Centre. “The Centre’s GDP growth is 7.14 per cent, while Karnataka’s is 8.1 per cent.
Which is higher?” he asked. Referring to national debt, he said that until 2014, the total accumulated debt since Independence was Rs 53.11 lakh crore, whereas by March 2026 it has risen to Rs 218 lakh crore. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi alone has added Rs 165 lakh crore debt in 12 years,” he alleged.
Siddaramaiah also said that despite being in power in the state for nine years, the BJP failed to ensure development. “Out of 165 promises made in the 2013 Congress manifesto, 158 were fulfilled. The BJP has not even fulfilled 10 per cent of its promises,” he claimed.
He said the Congress government has fulfilled its promises and that its guarantee schemes have benefited people. “The Shakti scheme has empowered women and promoted self-reliance,” he said. He added that instead of criticising the Congress, the BJP should present its own achievements.
He accused the BJP government of reducing the quantity of rice under the Anna Bhagya scheme, which was increased during his tenure. He also pointed out that landmark legislations such as the Food Security Act, Right to Work, and Right to Education were implemented by the erstwhile Congress-led Central government.
Criticising the BJP further, he said the party has stooped to a low level by using expelled MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for campaigning. “This shows their desperation and fear of defeat. We will not react to opposition statements but will place our government’s work before the people,” he said.