Karnataka Opposition Criticizes Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Over Rising Debt

Opposition's Claims on Debt Accumulation

In Karnataka, the opposition party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), labeled Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as the 'most indebted chief minister' on Wednesday. They referenced reports indicating that the state government might incur a debt of ₹93,000 crores during the fourth quarter from January to March.

The opposition criticized Siddaramaiah as he marks a record tenure as the longest-serving chief minister of Karnataka, pointing to the rising debt as a significant concern. Siddaramaiah also holds the finance portfolio.

Accusations from the Opposition

R. Ashok, the leader of the opposition in the assembly, accused the Congress government of 'pushing Karnataka backward.' He emphasized that Siddaramaiah should recognize that history values not just the duration of a term but also the legacy left behind.

He stated, 'Siddaramaiah is not only the longest-serving chief minister but also the one who has taken on the most debt.'

Concerns Over Financial Management

In a post on X, Ashok remarked, 'The difference between duration and legacy is that the title of longest-serving chief minister is merely a statistic, while the title of most indebted chief minister is a legacy.' He added, 'One will be forgotten, while the other will be remembered in Karnataka's history.'

He described the latest figures as shocking, noting that borrowing ₹93,000 crores in a single quarter would be the largest debt taken in India's fourth quarter to date. He criticized this as poor financial management rather than effective governance.

Impact of Rising Debt

According to the BJP leader, the significant increase in debt is due to the collapse of fiscal structures, which includes borrowing to repay previous loans, dangerously funding unstable guarantee schemes, and a severe decline in cash flow due to failed economic planning.

He pointed out, 'When a government is forced to borrow an average of ₹31,000 crores every month just to maintain its existence, it is not a sign of strength but a clear indication of fiscal stress.'

Historical Legacy at Stake

The opposition leader stressed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must understand that history does not value hollow tenures. He stated, 'History will evaluate the record of the legacy left behind. What is being left behind today is undeniable: a mountain of debt, clear signs of incompetence, and a mortgaged future for Karnataka.'

Ashok concluded by saying that records may fade, but legacies endure.