Sun Nov 17 03:55:34 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Challenges Modi to Prove Corruption Allegations, Defends State’s Welfare Schemes

**Solapur, Maharashtra –** Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday vehemently denied Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accusations of corruption and misuse of funds for Maharashtra election campaigning. Addressing a press conference during his campaign for the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Solapur, Siddaramaiah issued a bold challenge to the Prime Minister. “If he can prove his allegations that the Karnataka government looted the people and used the money for the Maharashtra poll campaign, I will retire from politics,” Siddaramaiah declared. He called Modi’s claims “blatant lies.”

Siddaramaiah highlighted the successful implementation of Karnataka’s five election guarantees, including the Gruha Jyothi (free electricity), Anna Bhagya (free rice), Gruha Lakshmi (financial assistance to women), and Yuva Nidhi (financial aid to unemployed youth) schemes. He cited the significant financial outlays for these initiatives and emphasized their positive impact on the state’s population. He contrasted this with the central government’s loan waiver for the wealthy, totaling ₹16 lakh crore, while farmers received no such relief.

He further criticized the BJP for announcing similar welfare guarantees in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, contradicting their earlier criticisms of such programs. Siddaramaiah also accused the Modi government of unfairly treating both Karnataka and Maharashtra, asserting that Karnataka receives only 13 paise for every rupee paid in central taxes, while Maharashtra receives 15 paise. He challenged Maharashtra BJP leaders to verify the facts and promised to retire from politics if proven wrong, demanding a reciprocal pledge from them. A defamation case against the Maharashtra BJP for spreading false advertisements is also planned.

Earlier this month, PM Modi had accused the Congress of looting the people of Karnataka and using those funds for the Maharashtra elections. He alleged widespread scams and accused the Congress of failing to fulfill its promises. Siddaramaiah’s strong rebuttal sets the stage for a heated political exchange in the lead-up to the Maharashtra assembly elections on November 20.

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