Karnataka Floods: Bommai Slams CM Siddaramaiah, Says 'He Is Busy In Politics To Save Position'

Belagavi: Targeting the Congress government in Karnataka over its handling of rain and flood situation in the state and in providing relief to those affected, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday alleged that those in power are busy in politics to save their position. Most of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's time is utilised in "resolving conflicts" within the ruling party, he said and alleged the entire government indulged in "transfer business."

The BJP leader claimed "there is competition and bargaining" in the government eyeing "transfer corruption business" (transfer of government employees), while law and order situation has deteriorated. The recent "confusion" in the Congress Legislature Party meeting was due to "competition for corruption in transfer business." The state government is not paying attention to damages caused due to rain.

"Other than the Chief Minister holding a video conferencing, no action has happened," Bommai, the former Karnataka chief minister said while addressing the media persons here.

Immediate relief of Rs 10,000 has not reached people whose houses have been damaged.

Initial assessment on crop damage has not yet been done and no one is paying attention to the loss of lives, and ministers have not visited rain or flood-affected areas, he claimed.

Further, he said no measures have been taken to provide seeds and fertilizer to farmers for alternative cropping in drought-affected areas and those in government are busy in politics, aimed at saving their position.

The Chief Minister is utilising most of his time in resolving the conflict between ministers and legislators, he said.

"At a time when people are in distress, the state government has not come forward to rescue them. So, I urge the government to ensure that ministers visit affected areas, and provide relief to those in distress," Bommai said.

"During our (BJP) government, we had provided Rs 5 lakh for those whose houses have been fully damaged. It should be continued and Rs 10,000 should be given as immediate relief," he said and added that additional relief given to farmers by the state government last time in addition to Central relief should be continued this time as well.

"If the government does not do this, what is the use, whether it exists or not," he asked.

Claiming that anti-social elements are functioning in the state without any fear, he said it was due to support from the ruling party. "There is no fear of law, and the law and order situation has deteriorated.

This government has completely failed in maintaining law and order. If actions are not taken against errant officials, and those involved in such activities, people will themselves take action, he said.

Noting that preparations are on in the state BJP for Lok Sabha polls, the former Chief Minister said general secretary in-charge (Arun Singh) has reviewed and district-level preparations are also on.

Responding to a question, Bommai said there is an expectation that the announcement of the new state BJP president will be made soon.