Bengaluru: Due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, India has emerged as the fourth-largest economy in the world, said BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra.
Speaking to the media at the BJP state office “Jagannath Bhavan” in Malleswaram today, he congratulated Modi on completing 11 years of service as Prime Minister. He praised Modi’s governance both as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and as India’s Prime Minister, highlighting that he has led the country effectively.
Vijayendra said Modi’s bold leadership in the past 11 years has introduced many people-centric schemes, helping India surpass Japan to become the fourth-largest economy. Initiatives like Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Startup India have significantly contributed to India’s growth.
He emphasized Modi’s support for Karnataka, mentioning that since 2014, the state has received ₹2,702 crore for railway development, with over ₹5,000 crore spent during NDA-2, including electrification. Karnataka has also been granted 10 Vande Bharat Express trains and assistance in several sectors including highway development.
He congratulated Modi on behalf of the people of Karnataka.
Repeated Irrational Decisions
Vijayendra criticized the Congress government under Siddaramaiah, accusing it of repeatedly making irrational decisions.
He questioned Siddaramaiah’s absence from a recent NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Modi, pointing out that even CMs from other Congress-ruled states like Himachal Pradesh and Telangana participated. By skipping the meeting, he said, Siddaramaiah disrespected and betrayed the interests of Karnataka.
He demanded clarification from Siddaramaiah on whether he represents the people of Karnataka or merely the Congress party. He condemned the state government’s frequent confrontation with the Centre and called it an “unforgivable offense.”
Don’t Close Jan Aushadhi Centers and Harm the Poor
Vijayendra condemned the government’s decision to shut down Jan Aushadhi centers in state-run hospitals, allegedly for technical reasons, calling the move foolish.
He explained that PM Modi launched these centers in 2014 to provide affordable medicines to the poor. Former Union Minister Ananth Kumar had helped implement the program in Karnataka. The centers have reportedly saved the poor ₹30,000–₹40,000 crore nationwide and created jobs for hundreds of youth.
He accused the state government of opposing central schemes and doing injustice to the poor. He asked whether Modi’s background and photo were intolerable to the current government. He demanded that the decision be rolled back, warning that the BJP would launch a protest otherwise.
Rename Districts to Please Ministers?
Vijayendra criticized the decision to rename Ramanagara district as Bangalore South, questioning whether decisions were being made just to please individual ministers.
He mocked the idea of renaming districts based on whims and asked what impact such actions would have on local farmers. He called it irrational and careless policymaking.
He also questioned the government’s move to appoint actress Tamannaah Bhatia as brand ambassador of Mysore Sandal Soap for ₹6.5 crore, calling it wasteful and pointing out that the soap brand may not even make ₹60 lakh profit in a year.
He accused the state government of being financially disorganized, criticizing excise policies that increased rates by 200–250%. He warned that this could lead to an increase in alcoholism just to boost revenue.
Traffic Tragedy in Mandya
He mentioned a tragic incident in Mandya, where a child died after falling while the parents were being stopped by police for a traffic check while rushing for treatment after a dog bite. He blamed the incident on high-pressure targets set for traffic police and demanded accountability.
Government Is Cracking Down on Opposition
He accused the Congress government of suppressing the opposition by filing cases against BJP MLAs. He pointed to incidents in Kalaburagi, where protests against Minister Priyank Kharge led to FIRs against BJP MLA Bharath Shetty and others.
Vijayendra alleged that the recent suspension and subsequent reinstatement of 18 MLAs were due to government pressure and called it an attack on democracy.
Defamation Case Over BJP’s Pamphlet
Referring to a pamphlet released by the BJP titled “A Collection Government That’s a Curse on Karnataka”, Vijayendra defended it as a charge sheet exposing the Congress government’s corruption, price hikes, and extortion over the past two years. He questioned the defamation case filed against the BJP, saying, “If you’re defamed, isn’t a case natural?”
He demanded funds for the Krishna Upper Bank Project and criticized the state government’s inaction on farmers’ issues, seeds, and rainfall concerns. He urged the government to focus on the welfare of the poor and farmers instead of clashing with the Centre. He stated the BJP is ready to face the defamation case and pressed for funds for Karnataka’s development.
Expulsion of MLAs a Welcome Move
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra welcomed the expulsion of BJP MLAs S.T. Somashekhar and Shivaram Hebbar for anti-party activities.
He said the BJP’s disciplinary committee took the step following a state unit request. He dismissed concerns expressed by DK Shivakumar, asserting that the decision was internal to the party and based on the MLAs’ behavior during the time when BJP was not in power.
He mentioned the issue had been discussed in the state core committee, and both MLAs were served notices, though he did not elaborate on their responses.
