“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed Member of Legislative Assembly Basavaraj Rayaraddi to tell the people that there is no money with the Congress government in the State,” BJP MP Ramesh Jigajinagi said in Vijayapura on Monday.
“There are media reports that Mr. Rayaraddi told the crowd at a public programme in Koppal district that the people can ask either for guarantees or roads and not both as the government has resources for only one of them. On the face of it, it may seem that the statement was made by a local Congress MLA (Rayaraddi),” he said.
“But then, Mr. Rayaraddi is no ordinary MLA. He is the Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister. When a person in such a responsible position makes such a statement, it means that he has been instructed by the Chief Minister to spread this message among the masses. When the Chief Minister’s Economic Advisor makes such a statement, we should take it seriously. At least that is what I think,” he told reporters at his home office.
Funds delayed
Mr. Jigajinagi also accused the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department of deliberately delaying funds for payment to contract workers like watermen and MGNREGA supervisors.
“I am told that these contract workers have not got salaries for six-seven months now. That is why, watermen have gone on strike in some villages. MGNREGA workers are suffering. This is nothing but irresponsible behaviour by Minister Priyank Kharge who heads the Ministry. He should stop criticising the Sangh Parivar and instead, learn how to run his department efficiently,” Mr. Jigajinagi said.
“The Minister concerned is also facing allegations of giving human resource contracts to companies that have been blacklisted. All this should be investigated and rectified,” Mr. Jigajinagi said.
Asked if the delay in payments was due to delay in funds release from the Centre, the MP said that he will not accept the charge till it is made by the Chief Minister with documentary proof.
