Karnataka: Siddaramaiah Govt Slammed For Appointing Cong Workers To State Panel; Oppn Says 'Looting Taxpayers' Money'

Karnataka News: A significant controversy has unfolded in Karnataka after the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government appointed party workers as office-bearers of a newly formed panel tasked with fulfilling pre-poll promises. The decision has sparked strong criticism from opposition parties, accusing the government of looting taxpayer money to pay the salaries of Congress workers.

The BJP and JD(S) have both raised concerns over the government's move, with BJP leaders questioning the fairness of using public funds for the party's benefit. The opposition argues that the government's decision to allocate salaries and allowances for Congress workers is an inappropriate use of taxpayer money.

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In response, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar defended the decision, stating that Congress workers, who played a key role in bringing the government to power, have every right to monitor the implementation of government programmes. "It is the will of the government," Shivakumar Said, adding that the party workers have a legitmate role in overseeing the state's initiatives.

Opposition MLA's Stage Protest Outside Vidhana Soudha

The controversy intensified as BJP MLAs staged a protest outside Vidhana Soudha, demanding an explanation from the government. JD(S) MLA MT Krishnappa also raised the issue in the Assembly, arguing that the appointment of party workers was an unnecessary expenditure. Krishnappa questioned why MLAs and government officials, who were already overseeing the programmes, needed additional assistance from Congress workers.

Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka criticised Shivakumar for blurring the line between the government and the party. He asked, "How can taxpayers’ money be used to pay Congress workers? If they need money, they should ask for it on the streets. These workers have been given cabinet ranks, official bungalows and offices."

Shivakumar, however, insisted that the appointments were justified, noting that the workers were integral to the success of the government’s policies. "The guarantee schemes, which we introduced to ease the suffering of the people, are being rolled out successfully despite opposition," Shivakumar stated.

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In a press statement outside the Assembly, Ashoka claimed that in each Assembly constituency, Congress leaders were being appointed to the panel and paid Rs 25,000, along with a personal assistant. He accused the government of looting state funds, estimating that Rs 15-20 crore was being allocated each year to pay Congress workers.

BJP state chief BY Vijayendra also voiced his concerns, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of misusing public funds. He stated that the protest would continue, and the BJP would submit a memorandum to the Governor to highlight the issue.