Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Wednesday that the Congress government can not provide development this year due to financial constraints arising from the commitments made under the five guarantees.
“We have had to set aside Rs 40,000 crore this year (for the five guarantees). This year, we can’t provide development,” Shivakumar said.
“Even in irrigation and public works, we can’t give (funds for development). But expectations are high. We have asked MLAs to hold on. We will explain this to them at the CLP meeting,” Shivakumar, who also serves as the minister for water resources and Bengaluru City development, added.
The Deputy CM further blamed the previous BJP government for creating financial challenges and said, The previous government created bankruptcy. Excess tenders were floated. The treasury was emptied. But we had to keep our promise to implement the guarantees. In the first year itself, we have kept our word. So, everyone must be patient.”
The statement came after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called for a Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting on Thursday in response to several legislators alleging concerns over the non-implementation of development works in their constituencies.
The CLP meeting is scheduled to be held in Bengaluru with the aim of addressing the grievances among party MLAs.
The CM has also urged his Cabinet colleagues to remain patient regarding the allocation of funds for development.
The recently presented 2023–24 budget earmarked over Rs 35,000 crore for the Congress’ five guarantees, leading to increased borrowings and a revenue deficit of Rs 12,522 crore.
