Parameshwara takes U-turn on Karnataka's fiscal health
Bengaluru, Jun 24 (UNI) In a swift volte-face, Karnataka Home Minister and senior Congress leader Dr G Parameshwara on Tuesday retracted his earlier remarks about the state facing a financial crisis, asserting instead that the government has adequate resources for its developmental agenda.
Speaking at a public function in Badami on Monday, Parameshwara had seemingly acknowledged the government's cash crunch, stating that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah- who also handles the finance portfolio-lacked funds to implement large-scale developmental works.
Speaking at a public event in Badami, Parameshwara stated, 'We must draw up a comprehensive development plan for Badami and send a proposal to the Centre. Let it be a ₹1,000-crore project — that should not deter us. The streets and the entire town need a facelift. This is not just about numbers — if it takes ₹1,000 crore, so be it.'
Taking a swipe at the state's fiscal constraint in a lighter vein, the minister said, 'We do not have the money. Siddaramaiah does not have the funds. There is nothing in the treasury. Everything — rice, pulses, even oil — has been distributed already. So now, let us go to the Centre with our hands full of ideas, even if our coffers are empty.'
However, less than 24 hours later, addressing a separate public gathering, the Home Minister denied ever making such claims. 'Who said the government doesn't have money? I didn't say that,' he clarified. 'The state has sufficient funds for all planned programs. Yes, there may be some delay in fund disbursal due to procedural issues, but there is no financial crisis.'
He further elaborated that a Rs 50 crore development plan was being drawn up for each constituency, with detailed project reports currently under preparation.
Taking an indirect dig at BR Patil and Raju Kage's allegations, Parameshwara stated that 'certain MLAs' make 'irresponsible comments' when they face delays in fund allocation.
The dramatic reversal has given the opposition BJP fresh ammunition to target the Congress government, accusing it of mismanagement and confusion at the highest levels.
The controversy adds to the political turbulence in Karnataka, where questions over resource allocation and developmental priorities continue to dominate the discourse.
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