Karnataka Bypolls: Congress Confident of Decisive Victory as BJP Raises Debt Concerns
With just four days remaining until campaigning concludes for the crucial April 9 bypolls in Karnataka, political tensions are escalating. Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar expressed strong confidence on Saturday, asserting that the Congress party is headed for a decisive win in both the Bagalkot and Davanagere South constituencies. This optimism, he claims, stems from the overwhelming public response to the state government's flagship guarantee schemes.
Congress Cites Guarantee Schemes as Key to Victory
Shivakumar highlighted that the government's initiatives—Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyoti, Yuva Nidhi, and Anna Bhagya—have deeply resonated with voters across the state. "Both Bagalkot and Davanagere South are showing very positive trends. Our Congress workers are performing exceptionally well, engaging in extensive door-to-door campaigns to educate and convince people about the benefits of these guarantee schemes," he told reporters.
He further emphasized that citizens are keen on the continuation of these programs, as they provide much-needed relief amid rising prices and economic hardships. "There is a palpable sense among the electorate that we will secure a victory with an even larger margin than in previous elections," Shivakumar added, underscoring the party's grassroots mobilization efforts.
BJP Counters with Accusations Over State Debt
In a sharp rebuttal, BJP MLC CT Ravi launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, holding him responsible for a significant portion of Karnataka's staggering Rs 8.3 lakh crore debt. Ravi alleged that over Rs 5 lakh crore of this debt has accumulated during Siddaramaiah's tenure, with projected borrowings reaching alarming levels: Rs 90,280 crore in 2023–24, Rs 1.1 lakh crore in 2024–25, Rs 1.2 lakh crore in 2025–26, and Rs 1.3 lakh crore in 2026–27.
"Nearly 60% of the state's borrowing over the past eight years occurred under Siddaramaiah's leadership, while previous chief ministers accounted for only 40%. Given this financial burden, is it not justified to label him 'Saalada (debtor) Ramayya'?" Ravi questioned, using a derogatory term to criticize the CM's fiscal management.
Campaign Intensity Peaks Ahead of Voting
As the bypoll campaign enters its final phase, both parties are intensifying their efforts to sway undecided voters. The Congress is leveraging its welfare schemes as a testament to its pro-people governance, while the BJP is focusing on economic issues, particularly the state's debt crisis, to undermine the ruling party's credibility.
The outcome of these bypolls is seen as a critical indicator of public sentiment ahead of future state elections, making the stakes exceptionally high for both political factions. With allegations and counter-allegations flying, the electoral battle in Karnataka is set to be fiercely contested until the last vote is cast.
