Political Uproar in Karnataka Over Government Appointments

A major controversy has erupted in Karnataka as the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government appointed party workers to key positions in the Guarantee Implementation Panel. This move has sparked accusations from BJP and JD(S), who claim that the government is misusing taxpayers’ money to reward its workers.

The BJP and JD(S) MLAs have strongly opposed this decision, alleging that Congress is diverting public funds to benefit its own cadre. Protests have intensified, with opposition leaders questioning the legitimacy of these appointments.

BJP, JD(S) Accuse Congress of Misusing Public Funds

The opposition has accused the Congress government of “looting taxpayers’ money” by appointing party workers and funding their salaries. BJP MLAs staged a protest outside the Vidhana Soudha, while JD(S) MLA MT Krishnappa raised the issue in the Karnataka Assembly.

Krishnappa questioned the need for appointing Congress workers when MLAs and government officials were already overseeing the implementation of welfare programs. He argued that these appointments were an unnecessary financial burden on the state treasury.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka took direct aim at Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, alleging that he was blurring the line between the government and the party.

“How can you use taxpayers’ money to pay Congress workers? If you want to compensate them, go beg on the streets!” Ashoka lashed out.

He further claimed that Congress workers were being given cabinet ranks, official residences, and government offices, which was an unfair use of public resources.

DK Shivakumar Defends Congress Appointments

Deputy CM and Karnataka Congress Chief DK Shivakumar defended the decision, stating that party workers had played a vital role in bringing Congress to power and thus had every right to oversee government schemes.

“It is the will of the government. These workers helped us win, and they deserve to be part of our governance process,” Shivakumar argued.

Countering BJP’s attack, he pointed out that similar schemes were being implemented by BJP governments in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

“Our government has allocated Rs 52,000-56,000 crore, which is 20% of the budget, for guarantee schemes. Despite BJP’s opposition, we launched these initiatives. The schemes will continue as long as we are in power,” he stated.

Parallel Governance? BJP Calls It “Undemocratic”

BJP leaders alleged that Congress-appointed workers were bypassing MLAs and conducting parallel meetings to monitor government programs.

Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra slammed the move, questioning why elected representatives were being sidelined.

“Don’t you trust us? MLAs are already drawing salaries and perks for governance. Why create another layer? This is undemocratic,” he said.

BJP leaders also questioned if Congress would allow BJP workers to monitor PM Narendra Modi’s central schemes using public funds.

BJP Alleges Rs 15-20 Crore Being “Looted” Annually

The issue escalated further when BJP Chief BY Vijayendra accused the Siddaramaiah government of misusing state funds. He claimed that Congress leaders were being appointed in every assembly constituency with hefty salaries.

According to Vijayendra, each Congress leader in the panel receives:

• Rs 25,000 per month, plus personal assistants
• Rs 1,100 sitting fee
• State president’s salary: Rs 40,000 per month
• Vice president’s salary: Rs 25,000 per month

Vijayendra alleged that Rs 15-20 crore of taxpayer money was being funneled into paying party workers instead of being used for developmental projects.

BJP Plans to Take the Matter to the Governor

At the protest outside Vidhana Soudha, BJP leaders announced plans to escalate the issue further.

“We have raised this issue in the Assembly, we are protesting today, and we will submit a memorandum to the Governor,” said BY Vijayendra.

The BJP has vowed to continue its state-wide agitation against what it calls the misuse of public funds for party gains.

Congress Stands Firm on Guarantee Schemes

Despite opposition backlash, Congress remains firm on its decision to implement guarantee schemes with the help of its appointed workers.

Shivakumar defended the move, stating:

• The Congress government is committed to public welfare.
• High inflation and price rise have burdened people, and these schemes offer relief.
• The BJP had mocked these schemes before elections, claiming they would never be implemented.
• The Congress government rolled out these guarantees within five days of assuming office.

He reassured that as long as Congress governs Karnataka, these guarantee schemes will continue.

Political Implications: A Bigger Battle Ahead?

This controversy signals a larger political battle brewing in Karnataka.

• The BJP and JD(S) see this as an opportunity to corner the ruling Congress ahead of future elections.
• The Congress, on the other hand, is using the schemes to strengthen its voter base and showcase its commitment to welfare policies.

With elections on the horizon, this issue could become a major poll plank for both sides.

Will the Congress government back down under opposition pressure, or will it continue with its controversial appointments? The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping Karnataka’s political landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing political controversy