Jan 23 || TC – Reacting to reports of internal conflicts within the Congress party, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Thursday that there is no factionalism within the party, and there are no differences between him and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar.
“We are both here together. There are no factions in the party,” the Chief Minister said during a function after offering Bagina at the Vanivilasa reservoir in Hiriyur town, Chitradurga district.
Siddaramaiah further asserted that the Congress-led government would complete its full term of five years and would return to power in 2028.
Addressing the issue of infighting in the BJP, Siddaramaiah claimed that the BJP has more factions within its ranks.
“There is no factionalism in our party. The BJP is fighting among themselves. The Congress is united, and the Congress-led government is stable in Karnataka. We will complete our five-year term and win the Assembly elections in 2028,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s focus on irrigation, announcing a scheme worth Rs 1,274 crore that is ready for implementation. He emphasized that once executed, the scheme will ensure water reaches every acre of farmland in the region.
Targeting the BJP, Siddaramaiah criticized BJP MP Govinda Karajol for making false promises about making the Upper Bhadra Project a national project, only to later betray the people.
“Despite Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing Rs 5,300 crore for the project in the Union Budget, not a single rupee has been released. This is a betrayal of the people by the Central government and the BJP,” he said.
The Chief Minister also challenged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to fulfill her promise and release the Rs 5,300 crore for the project.
“Unlike the BJP, which deceives people with empty promises, we deliver on our commitments. Our government has successfully implemented the five guarantees, earning the trust of the poor and middle-class citizens,” he added.
Speaking about the historical significance of the Vanivilasa reservoir, Siddaramaiah noted that it is the first dam built in Karnataka, with a history spanning 115 years.
“This dam, constructed during Maharani Kemparajammanni’s reign by selling her jewelry and spending Rs 45 lakh, now irrigates 30,000 acres of farmland. We remember and express our gratitude for her vision and sacrifice,” he said.