Hassan/Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly defended his role in building and strengthening the AHINDA movement, questioning former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s contributions to Mandya. Speaking to the media in Hassan, Siddaramaiah said he had played a pivotal role in organising backward communities and rolling out major welfare schemes, while Kumaraswamy must clarify what he has done for Mandya beyond belonging to a farmer’s family.
Responding to Kumaraswamy’s remarks questioning his role in AHINDA politics, Siddaramaiah said:
“I played a central role in organising AHINDA. Our government launched guarantees and welfare schemes benefiting workers, the poor, Dalits, minorities and women. Kumaraswamy may come from a farmer family, but what exactly has he done for the farming community?”
GST Rate Cut Has Hurt State Revenues, Says CM
The CM expressed concern over declining GST collections from September to November 2025, blaming the Centre’s sudden GST rate revisions mid-financial year.
He said all states except Kerala, Maharashtra and Karnataka are now reporting lower GST revenues.
“Ever since GST was introduced in 2017, the Centre has been collecting taxes. Now the sudden rate cut has caused massive losses to states,” he said.
Centre Blocking Mekedatu — Mandya Facing Injustice
Siddaramaiah criticised the Union Government and Union Minister Kumaraswamy for remaining silent on key issues affecting Karnataka.
He said:
“The Centre has still not released the ₹5,300 crore announced for the Bhadra Upper Bank Project. Mekedatu is under the Cauvery Water Management Authority — fully under the Centre — yet permission is blocked. This is injustice to Mandya.”
“Criticisms Die, Work Remains”
The CM said Karnataka could face a GST loss of nearly ₹12,000 crore this year.
“We expected ₹1.26 lakh crore. Now we may fall short by ₹12,000 crore. Why does Kumaraswamy not question this in Parliament? Instead, he asks what I have done for AHINDA.”
Siddaramaiah reiterated that the government has already spent ₹1,08,135 crore on guarantee schemes, directly transferring benefits to citizens without middlemen.
Women’s Reservation: “Why Is the Centre Delaying?”
Referring to the Supreme Court’s concern on the delay in implementing women’s reservation, the CM said Karnataka has always supported reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
“If reservation is promised, it must be implemented immediately. Why is the Centre postponing it?”
“Our Government Is a Transparent Book — Ready for Trust Vote”
Siddaramaiah challenged the opposition to bring a no-confidence motion.
“We are ready. Our government is transparent — an open book.”
Human–Wildlife Conflict a Serious Issue
On rising human–wildlife conflict, he said the government is treating it with utmost seriousness and will take strong measures to resolve it.
He refused to comment on former minister K.N. Rajanna’s statement that “Congress is nothing without Siddaramaiah.”
Congress Worker Murder in Chikkamagaluru
Speaking about the murder of a Congress worker over a banner dispute, the CM assured strict legal action.
“I will speak to district authorities; the case will be handled as per law.”
High Command Will Decide on November Revolution
On questions about the “November Revolution” campaign, Siddaramaiah said he will abide by the decision taken by the Congress High Command.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: “ಅಹಿಂದವನ್ನು ನಾನು ಕಟ್ಟಿದೆ; ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಮಂಡ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಏನು ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ?” — ಸಿಎಂ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ
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