Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Hits Back At PM Modi's 'Unreal Promises' Barb With '40% Commission' Jab

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to consider the 'disastrous' record of the BJP's Karnataka unit before criticising the Congress.

"Mr. @narendramodi, before pointing fingers at Congress, take a hard look at @BJP4Karnataka's disastrous legacy in Karnataka! We are fulfilling every promise we made to our people-all 5 guarantees implemented with a budget exceeding ₹52,000 crore, alongside an additional ₹52,903 crore in capital outlay to build Karnataka's future," Siddaramaiah posted on 'X'.

Photo Credit: PTI

He accused the BJP of leaving Karnataka plagued by "40 per cent commission" corruption, draining funds that could have transformed lives.

"We're using that same 40 per cent to benefit the people. What was your 'achievement' here? Encouraging corrupt practices, leaving Karnataka in debt, and using propaganda to mask your failures?" he questioned the Prime Minister.

Siddaramaiah also criticised Modi's governance, highlighting the nation's mounting debt.

"And let's not forget: under your watch, India's debt is projected to reach Rs 185.27 trillion by FY25-an astonishing 56.8% of GDP! This isn't just poor governance; it's a burden you're placing on every Indian," he remarked.

He argued that while Karnataka makes substantial contributions to the Union treasury, the BJP-led central government has deprived the state of its fair share, hindering its ability to implement welfare schemes.

"For every rupee Karnataka gives, it only receives 13 paise back. This is not 'cooperative federalism'; it's outright exploitation," he asserted.

Siddaramaiah claimed that while Congress has delivered in Karnataka, BJP continues to disappoint people nationwide.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recently advised Siddaramaiah and his deputy D.K. Shivakumar to remain within financial constraints.

"Don't go about promising five, six, 10, or 20 guarantees. Make guarantees in line with your state budget. If you exceed your budget, you'll face bankruptcy. You won't even find soil to fill the roads," Kharge cautioned. "If this government fails, future generations will bear the cost. Only a bad name will come from over-promising."

Responding to this, Modi launched a sharp rebuke, highlighting Kharge's caution as an indication of Congress's struggle with its commitments.

"The Congress is learning the hard way that making unrealistic promises is easy, but delivering on them is challenging or impossible. Campaign after campaign, they make pledges to the people, knowing well they cannot fulfil them. Now, they stand fully exposed before the people," the Prime Minister asserted.