BENGALURU: In a scathing rebuttal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address in the city, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned the Prime Minister’s conduct, accusing him of lowering the dignity of his office by delivering “street-style” political speeches.
“Dignity of the PM’s Chair at Stake”
In a press release issued on Monday, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the tone of the Prime Minister’s remarks. Comparing him to predecessors like Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Siddaramaiah stated, “PM Modi is destroying the dignity, seriousness, and propriety of the Prime Minister’s chair through speeches filled with lies and hatred. He must clarify if he was speaking as the Prime Minister or as a state-level BJP leader.”
Economic Reality Check
Siddaramaiah used the opportunity to present a comparative analysis of Karnataka’s economic performance versus the national average, dismissing the PM’s allegations of poor governance:
| Economic Indicator | National Average | Karnataka |
|---|---|---|
| Per Capita Income | ₹2.11 Lakh | ₹4.33 Lakh |
| GDP Growth Rate | 7.4% | 8.1% |
| GST Collection | – | 2nd Highest in India |
| “The Prime Minister, who promised a $5 trillion economy, is now pleading with people to reduce the use of petrol and fertilizers. Is this the ‘development’ he boasted about?” the CM questioned, attributing the current economic hardship to a “confused foreign policy.” |
BJP’s Internal Turmoil
Taking a dig at the internal rift within the Karnataka BJP unit, Siddaramaiah compared the opposition party to “crabs trapped in a basket.” He alleged that despite multiple factions openly opposing veteran leader B.S. Yediyurappa, the “56-inch chest” leadership lacked the courage to take disciplinary action.
“Secure Your Own House First”
The Chief Minister concluded by advising the Prime Minister to focus on his own party’s “collapsing house” before attacking the Congress. He listed several regional parties—including the Shiv Sena and Akali Dal—as victims of the BJP’s “history of betrayal,” turning the Prime Minister’s allegations of “Vishwasghata” (betrayal) back on him.
