Election Guarantees "Huge Financial Burden": Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's Economic Adviser On Rs 58,000 Crore Allocation

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Economic Adviser, Basavaraj Rayareddy, has now openly acknowledged that the guarantees made during the elections had become a significant burden for the government.

The implementation of these promises was taking a toll on the state's finances, with nearly Rs 58,000 crore allocated, according to Rayareddy's statement to the media in Bengaluru on Tuesday (9 January).

He stated, "As we have directed Rs 58,000 crore for guarantees, it has become a huge financial burden to us. We are holding discussions on what to do. In the primary stage after implementing guarantees we are looking into what changes have to be brought in. As an economic adviser, I'm looking into how to get funds from the state and centre to fund guarantees."

Rayareddy, in his role as Economic Adviser, stated that discussions are underway on how to secure funds from both the state and central governments to support the implementation of these guarantees.

The Congress party had won the elections in Karnataka by promising five guarantees to the people.

While there were claims of implementing some guarantees like free bus travel and free power, reports indicate that the government is grappling with significant financial pressure to fulfil these promises.

Several MLAs have expressed frustration over the lack of funds for developmental projects in their respective constituencies.

Also read - Why Karnataka's Stellar Economic Growth In Recent Years Faces Serious Threat From Congress's Reckless And Ruinous Freebie Promises