With just three days left for the byelections in two Assembly constituencies – Davanagere South and Bagalkot – both the Congress and the BJP have intensified their campaigns, trading sharp allegations over attempts to influence voters.
While the Congress accused the Central government of denying the State its due share in taxes, withholding funds, and delaying clearances for key irrigation projects, the BJP alleged that the Siddaramaiah government was resorting to cash distribution, liquor, and emotional appeals to garner votes.
Launching a strong attack on the BJP, Randeep Singh Surjewala, AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka, urged voters to reject the saffron party, accusing it of opposing the Congress government’s guarantee schemes.
Addressing reporters at the KPCC office on Sunday, Mr. Surjewala alleged that the Modi government has been “punishing” Karnataka by denying its rightful share in taxes and grants amounting to ₹1.97 lakh crore over the years, thereby hampering development across sectors.
He further said that the Centre had stalled the Upper Bhadra project by withholding ₹5,300 crore announced in the 2023 Budget. He added that the Andhra Pradesh government has now challenged the project in the Supreme Court, questioning the silence of BJP leaders in the State on the issue.
