Karnataka Finances Row: BJP's Vijayendra Slams CM Siddaramaiah, Demands White Paper, Alleges ₹8.14 Lakh Crore Debt Burden

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Bengaluru: The political war over Karnataka’s financial health intensified on Tuesday as the BJP launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing his government of pushing the state into a “debt trap” while failing to deliver tangible development. The Opposition also renewed its demand for a comprehensive white paper on the state’s finances, alleging that the government is attempting to mask fiscal stress through “budget rhetoric.”

In a strongly worded statement, BJP state president BY Vijayendra questioned the Chief Minister’s claim that repeated budget presentations reflect governance success. “Presenting a budget is not an achievement; it is merely a procedural exercise. A white paper, on the other hand, must transparently present facts without distortion,” the statement said, accusing the CM of lacking clarity on the distinction between the two.

Debt vs Development Debate Intensifies
The BJP alleged that Karnataka’s total debt has crossed ₹8.14 lakh crore, with nearly ₹48,000 crore spent on interest payments in 2025–26 alone. The Opposition claimed that despite rising borrowings, there has been “zero visible development on the ground,” calling it a sign of “economic mismanagement.”

The party further accused the government of shifting blame onto the Centre instead of addressing structural issues in GST revenue mobilisation and financial planning. “Failure to submit proper financial reports and policy missteps are being hidden behind political accusations against the Union government,” the statement added.

Welfare, Social Justice Under Fire
The Opposition also raised concerns over alleged diversion of funds meant for Scheduled Castes and backward communities. It claimed that allocations under SCP/TSP schemes were being used to fund the government’s flagship guarantee schemes, terming it a “betrayal of marginalised communities.”

Highlighting issues in education and welfare, the BJP pointed out that nearly 60% of students applying for hostel facilities under backward class and minority departments were denied seats. It also alleged delays in scholarship disbursement, affecting over 1.6 lakh students.

Unemployment and Governance Concerns
On employment, the BJP said around 2.85 lakh government posts remain vacant across departments, accusing the government of delaying recruitment despite promises. “Lakhs of youth are left in uncertainty while recruitment announcements are repeatedly postponed,” the statement said, warning of growing public anger.

The party also flagged concerns over delays in salaries for guest lecturers and lack of infrastructure support in key sectors like agriculture, forest and administration.

Liquor Policy and Revenue Criticism
Taking a dig at the government’s revenue strategy, the BJP alleged that increasing liquor outlets across the state reflects “desperation to fill an empty treasury,” questioning whether this approach qualifies as sound economic management.

Farmers and Compensation Issues
The Opposition further criticised the government for failing to fulfil compensation promises to farmers affected by projects like the Upper Krishna Project (UKP). “Announcements have been made, but implementation remains absent, leaving farmers in distress,” it said.

Call for Public Debate
Challenging the Chief Minister, BJP leaders called for a district-wise public debate on the government’s performance. “If the financial condition is truly strong, let us go to the people and openly discuss how many beneficiaries have actually received support and how much real development has taken place,” the statement said.

The escalating political confrontation signals a broader battle between the ruling Congress and the BJP over governance, fiscal discipline, and welfare delivery ahead of upcoming electoral contests in Karnataka.