Congress President Kharge Alleges PMO Interference in Governor Functions
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made serious allegations on Friday, claiming that the Prime Minister's Office is directing governors in states not ruled by the BJP to avoid reading speeches prepared by state governments. Speaking at an event in Hubballi, Kharge accused the Union government of systematically undermining federal principles by turning governors into what he described as "puppets" of the central administration.
Federal Structure Under Threat, Says Kharge
Addressing a gathering during the formal distribution of 42,345 houses constructed by the Karnataka Housing Board and 46,000 houses built by the Karnataka Slum Development Board across various districts, Kharge elaborated on his accusations. He stated that governors in non-BJP governed states are being compelled to function under direct instructions from the Centre, rather than upholding their constitutional roles independently.
"The Union government has effectively transformed governors into puppets," Kharge declared. "Their allegiance appears to be not to the country first, but rather to the RSS first." This strong statement highlights the deepening political rift between the Congress party and the ruling BJP at the center.
Financial Discrimination Against Karnataka Alleged
Kharge further alleged that Karnataka is facing deliberate financial discrimination, being denied its rightful share of funds from the Union government. "The expected funds from the Union government are not reaching our state," he claimed. He attributed this to what he called a "stepmotherly attitude" towards the Congress-led state government.
He also criticized the replacement of the MNREGA scheme, initiated by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, with the G Ram G scheme. According to Kharge, this change has been implemented solely to impose additional burdens on state governments, complicating welfare initiatives.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Counters BJP Claims on Housing
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who presided over the house distribution ceremony, took the opportunity to highlight the Congress government's significant achievements in the housing sector. He provided detailed figures to counter BJP allegations regarding funding and the state's financial health.
Record Housing Construction Under Congress Rule
"When I first became Chief Minister, our government created history by constructing 14.5 lakh houses, truly ushering in a housing revolution," Siddaramaiah stated. He added that during his second term, the government distributed 36,789 houses in the first phase of 2024 and is currently in the process of distributing 45,000 houses in the second phase.
Responding directly to BJP criticisms about funding and the state treasury's condition, Siddaramaiah revealed that the Centre's contribution to housing schemes is minimal compared to the state's investment. "The state government provides between Rs 4 to 5 lakh per house, while the Union government contributes less than Rs 1 lakh," he explained.
Schemes Renamed Without Adequate Funding
Siddaramaiah pointed out the irony in naming conventions, noting that despite the state's substantial financial input, the housing scheme is prominently called the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. "The funds are predominantly ours, but the name is theirs," he remarked, emphasizing the disparity.
He further disclosed that since his government assumed office, approximately Rs 5,500 crore has been spent on housing projects over two and a half years. "Despite these substantial investments and clear achievements, the BJP continues to spread false narratives about an empty state treasury," Siddaramaiah asserted.
Unfulfilled Central Promises on Irrigation Projects
In addition to housing, the Chief Minister accused the Centre of failing to honor key assurances related to critical irrigation projects in Karnataka. He specifically mentioned the Mahadayi, Krishna, and Upper Bhadra projects, stating that promised support and resolutions have not materialized, affecting agricultural and water resource development in the state.
Ambitious Future Housing Targets Announced
Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan, also present at the event, outlined the state government's forward-looking plans. He announced an ambitious target of providing 1.8 lakh houses within the next two and a half years, demonstrating the administration's continued commitment to addressing housing shortages and improving living standards for Karnataka's residents.
The event in Hubballi thus served as a platform for both political accusations against the central government and a showcase of the state government's welfare achievements, reflecting the ongoing tensions and policy debates between the Congress-led state and the BJP-led Union government.
