BJP Challenges Karnataka CM on State's Economic Claims Ahead of Budget

Ahead of Karnataka's assembly session and upcoming budget presentation, BJP state president BY Vijayendra criticized CM Siddaramaiah over financial management and price hikes. Vijayendra questioned the state's prosperity claims, pointing to increased commodity costs and internal Congress rivalries, as the party prepares for Siddaramaiah's 16th budget presentation.

As Karnataka prepares for its legislative assembly session and the introduction of its state budget, BJP state president BY Vijayendra emphatically criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, challenging the government's claims of a prosperous Karnataka amid rising prices.

Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Vijayendra refuted Siddaramaiah's optimistic portrayal, highlighting this will be the CM's 16th budget presentation. He underscored the discrepancies between state claims and reality, pointing out significant hikes in everyday commodity prices, such as water, bus fares, milk, and even vehicle registration and hospital service charges.

Adding fuel to the political fire, Vijayendra commented on a simmering power struggle within the Congress party, suggesting intense competition for the Chief Minister's chair is now evident. Karnataka Minister MB Patil, meanwhile, noted the situation is under observation by Congress's high command, including prominent figures like Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi.