Bagalkot, 4 April

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said the BJP’s criticism of the Congress government reflects a "fear of defeat" ahead of the 9 April bypolls.

He added that Karnataka’s guarantee schemes are an investment in social commitment and inclusive development.

Speaking to reporters in Bagalkot, he expressed confidence that the Congress would win both bypoll-bound constituencies.

"We have provided schemes for people belonging to all castes, religions, and languages. The BJP is opposing the guarantee schemes out of fear of defeat, but these guarantees are an investment that delivers social commitment. This, too, is development," Siddaramaiah said.

"Development does not mean only roads, bridges, and buildings. It also includes providing economic and social security," he said.

Referring to remarks by PM Narendra Modi and others, he said, "They (BJP leaders) have been claiming that the State will go bankrupt. However, guarantee schemes have been in force for the past three years, and till 24 March, 2026, Rs 1.31 lakh crore has been spent on them." He maintained that spending on key sectors has not been curtailed.

"While Rs 42,000 crore was spent last year, more than Rs 44,000 crore is being spent this year," Siddaramaiah said, adding that expenditure on irrigation, public works, rural development, drinking water, policing, and SCSP/TSP schemes has not been reduced.

The bypolls were necessitated by the demise of sitting Congress MLAs Shamanur Shivashankarappa and HY Meti, who represented the Davangere South and Bagalkot constituencies, respectively.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala slammed the BJP over alleged disparaging remarks made by former Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha against Siddaramaiah during a campaign in Bagalkot.

Simha had made quips about Siddaramaiah eating meat during Diwali and Ugadi festivals.

Surjewala alleged that the remarks were made to disparage Siddaramaiah, “the most senior leader of a backward community — with the sole intent of sending the message that backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and minorities are seen as inferior and subservient through their Manuvaadi lens.”

Surjewala also called for legal action, demanding that an FIR be registered against Simha and that strict measures be taken.

Warning of "political consequences", he said the electorate in the bypoll-bound constituencies would respond decisively if the BJP failed to apologise, asserting that voters would "teach the BJP a befitting lesson" in the elections.

Simha made the remarks while campaigning for BJP candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath. Congress has fielded Umesh Meti.