Scams, price hikes have become Congress govt.’s guarantees, says C.T. Ravi

BJP MLC C.T. Ravi criticized the Congress-led State government for failing to meet its promises, stating that corruption scandals and rising prices have become the government's main guarantees. During a press conference in Kalaburagi, Ravi expressed that the high taxes and increasing costs have made life challenging for ordinary citizens in the state.

He alleged that the government is diverting attention from various controversies, such as the MUDA case, the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, and the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), rather than addressing the allegations against them.

Ravi called for an impartial investigation into a sting operation controversy, questioning why Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar only warned against the operation without urging his ministers and party leaders to maintain integrity. He urged for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter to reveal the truth. Regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Ravi challenged Congress leaders to provide documentary evidence to support their allegations of electoral malpractice, stating that the inclusion and deletion of names are handled by Election Commission rules and electoral officers.

He dismissed the claims of fake voters added to the rolls and names deleted as contradictory and requested Congress leaders to present evidence of vote theft in Kalaburagi. Ravi demanded an explanation from the State government for the delays in pension payments to approximately 23 lakh beneficiaries and criticized the government for its inadequate response to drought conditions, farmers' distress, and rising agricultural costs.

He pointed out the proposed hike in milk prices and increased charges for obtaining electricity transformers.

When asked about the State government's handling of farmers' problems and sugarcane prices, Ravi suggested that discussions should include key issues concerning the State's development. He emphasized that the Centre's minimum support prices (MSP) for crops should be compared with those fixed in previous years. Ravi also maintained that the Union government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has protected farmers' interests without neglecting Karnataka.