BJP Accuses Karnataka Government of Forming Panels Without Delivering Results
In Bengaluru, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party launched a sharp critique against the state government on Friday, alleging that it was creating "panel after panel" out of what they described as a "fear to commit" on significant issues. The BJP claimed this approach has failed to yield any tangible outcomes for the people of Karnataka.
Debate Over Governor's Address Highlights Committee Formation Concerns
During the legislative assembly debate on the vote of thanks to the governor's address, BJP leader S Suresh Kumar pointed out that the government has established numerous inquiry commissions and panels. However, he emphasized that not a single report from these bodies has been tabled for discussion or implementation.
Kumar referenced a well-known English saying to drive home his point: "If you cannot commit, then you form a committee." He asserted that the Congress government has consistently followed this pattern, forming committees on various pressing matters without ever presenting their findings to the assembly or the public.
Special Investigation Team for Dharmasthala Allegations Under Scrutiny
The former minister specifically targeted the government's decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of mass murders in Dharmasthala. Kumar highlighted what he called contradictory statements from government ministers regarding this move.
He noted that Dinesh Gundu Rao, the minister in charge of Dakshina Kannada, and Home Minister G Parameshwara initially indicated there was no plan to form a special team. However, they later announced an SIT headed by senior IPS officer Pranob Mohanthy.
According to Kumar, when questioned about this reversal, Rao cited "pressure from sections of society" as the reason for forming the SIT. The BJP leader further pointed out that two officers have since resigned from the investigation team, and Mohanty's report remains undisclosed.
Kumar characterized the entire investigation as an effort "solely meant to defame a highly sacred town," questioning the government's motives and transparency in handling such sensitive allegations.
Other Panels and Missing Reports
The BJP leader also drew attention to several other panels established by the government that have yet to produce visible results:
- The commission investigating alleged "40% commission" practices during the previous BJP administration
- The panel examining the stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebrations
Kumar demanded accountability, asking: "Now, where are the reports from these commissions? There seems to be no intent to reveal the findings." He suggested this pattern indicates a lack of genuine commitment to addressing critical issues through proper investigative processes.
Congress Counterattack: Allegations of Unfair Central Fund Allocation
In response to the BJP's criticisms, Congress member Sharath Bachegowda shifted the focus to what he described as a sharp disparity in central fund allocation to Karnataka. He presented data suggesting the state receives disproportionately low returns compared to its tax contributions.
Bachegowda claimed that for every rupee of tax paid by Karnataka, the state receives only 14 paise in return from central allocations. He contrasted this with what he said were significantly higher returns for other states:
- Uttar Pradesh receives allocations equivalent to 52% of its state budget from central government schemes and grants
- Bihar receives as much as 74% of its budget from central sources
- Even Maharashtra receives 21% of its state budget from central allocations
The Congress leader noted that the central government's share in Karnataka's budget stands at roughly 16%, significantly lower than these comparators. He characterized this disparity as nothing less than the Centre "tax bullying" non-BJP governments in states, suggesting political motivations behind the allocation discrepancies.
The exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions in Karnataka's legislative assembly, with both major parties advancing contrasting narratives about governance, accountability, and resource distribution.
