Bagalkot (Karnataka), April 3 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna has claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is serving his second term, has used his power for personal and selfish interests, thereby deceiving the people of the state and pushing Karnataka into darkness.

Speaking to the media in Bagalkot, on the sidelines of campaigning for BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath, he pointed out that despite announcing support prices for various crops, the government has failed to respond effectively, leading to the deaths of 2,809 farmers in the last three years.

He also noted that over 2.5 lakh jobs remain vacant and alleged that not a single rupee has been released for flood victims in North Karnataka, while a drinking water crisis is emerging.

The Union Minister said they have contributed significantly to the development of Bengaluru city. He added that not only opposition legislators but even those from the ruling party have lost the moral authority to visit their constituencies and claim that they have done good work.

He criticised the state government, saying corruption and nepotism have crossed limits and the administration has become a hub of mismanagement. He alleged that the government remains indifferent even when criticised by its own members, and accused the entire cabinet of being immersed in corruption while ignoring basic infrastructure.

Somanna said that the bypolls have provided an opportunity to expose the government’s arrogance, corruption, and functioning to the common people.

He accused the government of creating divisions by pitting one community against another and misleading the public.

The Union Minister claimed that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Rs 28,000 crore had been deposited with the expectation of submitting utilisation certificates and drawing funds, but the state has accessed only Rs 11,000 crore.

He further alleged irregularities, stating that fake job cards numbering around 41 lakh existed and that money was being drawn under various pretexts, including JCB-related works.

He said that the Prime Minister has allocated Rs 97,000 crore, up from Rs 88,000 crore, for comprehensive national development and improving rural livelihoods, under the vision of a developed India.

Calling the state government “inefficient and indifferent”, Somanna alleged that several state projects have been stalled.

–IANS

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