Karnataka chief minister under opposition fire over poll-centric tour

BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s month-long tour of the state promoting the achievements of his government in the run-up to the assembly poll in April-May has drawn criticism that he prioritising politics over administration.

The day-to-day administration, a lot of which requires signatures from the CM, is said to be suffering even though Siddaramaiah is seeing, clearing and signing files on the go, on flights, while travelling in the car and during short stopovers during his hectic tour. He is covering over 90 of the state’s 224 assembly constituencies, mostly with sitting Congress MLAs in two phases –– from December 13 to 30 and from January 3 to 13 –– inaugurating development works and addressing crowds to highlight his government’s achievements.

“Siddaramaiah is acting overly smart. At the cost of the state exchequer, he is doing an election campaign in the name of developmental works and deceiving people,” BJP co-spokesperson in the state S Prakash told ET. “ In all districts, the government machinery is busy preparing for his programmes and in the state headquarters, all work has come to a standstill,” he contended. It is being pointed out that Siddaramaiah, as finance minister, would normally hold pre-budget meetings in December and January before presenting the state budget in February. None of this was happening this year, due to his tour.


“We would not say anything if Siddaramaiah had not been finance minister. But, at this time, instead of worrying about how to increase the state’s revenue or deal with the fallout of GST, he is out on tour,” Janata Dal (S) spokesperson Ramesh Babu told ET.

Officials admit that several projects, discussions and decision making have been put off till January 15, when the CM will return to the state secretariat. All pre-budget meetings are being held by officials, with an overall general briefing by the CM. For any urgent decision or signature, the concerned official rushes to wherever the CM is.