If all is well, then why is Karnataka most corrupt, asks Ananth Kumar

Bengaluru, May 14: A day after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah patted himself for his four years of governance, Union Minister Ananth Kumar ridiculed him by saying irregularities, apathy and maladministration are the achievements of the Congress government.

On Friday, Siddaramaiah released a booklet highlighting the programmes implemented by his government. At the event, he said he has scored 90 out of 100 marks in keeping his election promises. The remaining 10 marks would be scored in the next one year, he had said.

“Siddaramaiah is in a celebratory mood on the occasion of completing four years of maladministration. Arrogance, apathy and irregularities are his achievements in four years,” Ananth Kumar said, inaugurating the BJP Bengaluru city unit executive committee meeting.

A survey by a non-government organisation has found Karnataka to be the most corrupt state. The government has failed to utilise funds released by the Centre under the Swachch Bharat mission. So, Bengaluru ranks 210 in cleanliness. This is the contribution of the government to six-and-a-half crore people of the state, he said. The state government is directly responsible for the dubious distinction that the state and its capital have got, he charged.

Investors shying away

Karnataka was once known for good governance. It used to attract investors from across the globe. Investors are now shying away from the state due to maladministration and crumbling infrastructure, Kumar said. Besides, increasing crimes and corruption have left people worried, he added.

The Centre has sanctioned the suburban train project to Bengaluru. But the state government is not extending its cooperation for its implementation. The government is planning to loot the state treasury by implementing a tunnel road project between Basaveshwara Circle and Hebbal. People should stiffly oppose the plan, he added.

Ananth Kumar warned that Bengalureans will face drinking water problems if the state government fails to take appropriate steps with regard to the Cauvery river water dispute.

Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said the biggest achievement of the Siddaramaiah government was rendering the Karnataka Lokayukta a defunct organisation.