'K'taka Will Suffer For 2 Years': Bommai Says Fissure In Congress Party After Shivakumar's 'No Fund' Remark

Shivakumar stated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had also stated this during the budget preparation process, and he had also asked the ministers to be patient. 

Within the Karnataka Congress party, BJP leader and former state Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has predicted a bleak future for the state, predicting two years of stagnation and potential decade-long setbacks. The squabble was sparked by state Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's recent admission of financial constraints, attributing them to the implementation of five poll guarantees, which could stymie development prospects.

"Without development, the state will suffer for at least two years, and two years of no development will set the state back ten years. There is an internal squabble (in the Congress government)," BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. 

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar stated candidly that the Congress government in Karnataka faces financial constraints in providing funds for development this year due to the implementation of electoral promises. Shivakumar, the state Congress President, emphasised the importance of understanding the situation among party legislators who have high expectations. He urged them to be patient during this difficult time financially.

"We will be unable to fund development this year. We will not be able to provide -- either in the irrigation or PWD departments -- but there is much expectation (from MLAs). We have asked them to be patient. We will inform them of the situation at the legislature party meeting," he was quoted as saying by PTI.  

Shivakumar stated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had also stated this during the budget preparation process, and he had also asked the ministers to be patient. 

According to a PTI report, some Congress MLAs have expressed their dissatisfaction with CM Siddaramaiah and the party leadership. Several MLAs reported difficulties getting necessary work done in their respective constituencies, and their requests for government employee transfers were ignored. It said they have also expressed concerns about ministerial cooperation and an alleged lack of support.

Both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister, have denied any internal discontent within the ruling Congress. Shivakumar acknowledged that certain MLAs had requested a legislature party meeting to discuss specific issues, the report said. He expressed the government's willingness to discuss financial matters with them, as an estimated Rs 40,000 crore is required to fulfil electoral guarantees.