'Cannot Give Funds For Development This Year': Karnataka Deputy CM Cites Financial Constraints Caused By Implementation Of Freebies

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar, in a candid admission, has acknowledged that the state's Congress government is facing financial constraints this year due to the implementation of the five populist poll guarantees.

As a result, the government would be unable to provide for development at this time.

Even some Congress MLAs have expressed their dissatisfaction and have lodged complaints with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party leadership over the status quo.

They claim that they have been unable to accomplish necessary work in their constituencies and that requested transfers of government servants have not taken place.

Additionally, they have raised concerns about the lack of cooperation from ministers.

Despite these complaints, both Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramiah have dismissed any notion of disgruntlement within the ruling Congress.

Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress president, has stated that efforts will be made to ensure that party legislators, who have high expectations, understand the situation and remain patient.

He expressed his desire to also discuss financial matters with them, as there is a need to allocate Rs 40,000 crore for guarantee implementation.

He emphasised that the irrigation and PWD departments may face constraints, but assured that the concerns of the MLAs would be addressed in the legislature party meeting.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had already communicated this situation during budget preparations and urged ministers to be patient.

Highlighting the previous government's mismanagement, Shivakumar asserted that they had caused bankruptcy by calling for excessive tenders and depleting the treasury.

In contrast, the Congress party aims to fulfil its promises by implementing guarantees within the first year.

He urged all MLAs to remain patient, assuring them that emergency works would be prioritised.