Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah slams BJP for copying Congress’ guarantee schemes in Bihar and challenges BJP-JD(S) for an open debate on development. At a major event, he showcases Rs 2,578 crore in state projects and accuses BJP of spreading misinformation and betraying Karnataka’s interests.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) on Friday, accusing them of deceit, misinformation, and political plagiarism. At a massive state government outreach event, ‘Saadhana Samavesha’, Siddaramaiah took the stage to highlight his government’s two-year achievements and to challenge the opposition for an open debate on development.
He criticized the BJP for allegedly copying Congress’ successful poll guarantees in Bihar, stating, “BJP has no shame after copying our guarantees in Bihar to win elections.” According to the Chief Minister, this reflects the lack of original vision and desperation of the BJP to stay relevant.
Held in the backdrop of the Congress-led government completing two years in office, the ‘Saadhana Samavesha’ was a platform for Siddaramaiah to highlight ongoing developmental efforts. At the event, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various projects worth ₹2,578 crore, asserting that his government has taken governance directly to the people’s doorsteps.
Inviting BJP and JD(S) leaders to a public debate, he said, “Let BJP and JD-S leaders, who are misleading the public with lies, come together on a single platform. Let us have an open debate on our government’s development work — I will also participate.” His bold challenge emphasized his confidence in the government’s progress and policies.
He further accused the BJP of repeatedly spreading falsehoods about the state’s financial health. “They claim we have no money for development. But today’s inauguration of projects worth ₹2,578 crore is the answer,” he remarked, noting the BJP and JD(S)’s envy towards Congress’ developmental initiatives.
Siddaramaiah also pointed out that the BJP has never secured power in Karnataka on its own merit. “Every time, they’ve come to power through the backdoor using ‘Operation Kamala’. Similarly, JD-S leader H.D. Kumaraswamy has never formed a government on his own,” he said. “Those who have failed to earn the love, trust, and support of the people have no moral right to criticise our government.”
He also accused the BJP and JD(S) of failing to represent Karnataka’s interests at the national level. “Every year, Karnataka contributes huge amounts in taxes to the Centre but gets only a fraction back. Yet, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai, and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy remain silent before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This silence is a betrayal of Karnataka’s people,” he said.
Siddaramaiah reiterated that the Congress government’s five key guarantee schemes—such as the Shakti scheme providing free bus travel for women—have touched lives across party lines. “Just the other day, I handed over a free ticket to the 500th woman beneficiary under the Shakti scheme. Our work benefits even BJP and JD(S) voters,” he added.
Highlighting Congress’ legacy of social justice, the Chief Minister said, “From Nehru to Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi to Manmohan Singh, it is the Congress that has implemented key social justice policies. The Food Security Act, Right to Education, and MGNREGA are our contributions.”
He accused the BJP of opposing this legacy. “Manuvadis are opposed to the Constitution and to the development of marginalised communities. That is why they attack us. The BJP is conspiring to change the Constitution. But people of this country will defeat these Manuvadi conspirators with the help of Congress,” he asserted.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who was also present, echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments. “In last year’s bypolls, we defeated the sons of two former Chief Ministers. The people gave us a strong message. In 2028, we aim for a bigger mandate to serve better,” he said.
He added, “Our development work is visible on the ground. The same guarantee schemes that were mocked by BJP are now being copied across states—from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra to Delhi and now Bihar. It shows that we set the benchmark.”
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Shivakumar concluded by urging people to see through the BJP’s duplicity. “Criticism by BJP will fade, but our work will remain. We have set a model for the nation.”
With a mixture of strong political messaging and a display of administrative performance, the Congress government in Karnataka appears to be preparing its ground for future electoral battles while defending its legacy against growing opposition fire.
