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Davanagere, June 16: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth Rs. 1,350 crore in Davanagere district, countering the BJP’s claims that the state lacks funds for welfare initiatives.

During the event, the CM distributed benefits to beneficiaries across various departments and criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for spreading "false propaganda."

"PM Modi’s 56-Inch Chest is Useless if It Lacks Compassion for the Poor"

Taking a dig at PM Modi, Siddaramaiah said, "Having a 56-inch chest is meaningless if there is no love or concern for the poor and middle class. The BJP’s claims about Karnataka’s financial crisis are blind lies—our development works are reaching every doorstep."

He questioned how the state could launch projects worth Rs. 1,350 crore in a single day if funds were truly unavailable.

"All Five Guarantees Have Been Implemented"

The CM highlighted that despite BJP leaders, including PM Modi, claiming that the Congress’s pre-poll guarantees would never be fulfilled, all five schemes are now operational. "Even BJP voters are benefiting from these guarantees," he said.

He also pointed out that Karnataka’s budget size has expanded, and the state ranks second in GST collection—proof of its strong economic growth.

Contrasting BJP and Congress Governance

Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of failing to provide housing for the poor during its tenure, while his government distributed 1,892 houses to civic workers in Davanagere alone today.

"Our government is committed to social justice and economic empowerment for all communities, following Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision," he said.

Criticism of Modi Govt’s Economic Policies

The CM blamed PM Modi for rising prices of petrol, diesel, gold, and fertilizers. "Before Modi came to power, prices were lower. Now, inflation is hurting the common man," he said.

He also accused the Centre of "injustice" in the 15th Finance Commission’s allocation, depriving Karnataka of Rs. 11,500 crore, and failing to release Rs. 5,000 crore promised for the Bhadra Upper Project.

"Public Debate Challenge to BJP Leaders"

Siddaramaiah challenged BJP state president Vijayendra and Opposition leader R. Ashok to an open debate on Karnataka’s economy and development.

"If I’m Lying, I’ll Never Address Public Again"

Asserting the truth of his statements, the CM vowed, "If I have lied about the Centre’s discrimination or our development work, I will never step on a public stage again."

Political Confidence Ahead of Elections

Referring to recent bypoll wins in Shiggaon, Channapatna, and Sandur, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence in Congress’s victory in future elections, claiming public rejection of BJP’s "false narratives."