Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy criticized the Karnataka government, alleging that it engages in extortion by using liquor shop licences to raise funds for guarantee schemes and replenish the state treasury. Kumaraswamy expressed concern over the high licence fee of Rs 1.95 crore per liquor shop, calling it a form of exploitation that promotes excessive alcohol consumption.
He further accused the state government of misappropriating funds allocated for various schemes, such as the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP). Kumaraswamy sarcastically referred to the government’s practice of auctioning liquor shops as a “New Year gift” to the public, highlighting the financial burden it imposes.
Questioning the whereabouts of Rs 5,000 crore intended for the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, Kumaraswamy criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for failing to account for the funds. He criticized the government’s lack of transparency and accountability, especially in financial matters, despite boasting about budget presentations.
Kumaraswamy also lamented the state’s deteriorating development status, attributing it to the government’s focus on guarantees rather than effective governance. He criticized the administration’s neglect of infrastructure, particularly the poor condition of roads, and emphasized the need for responsible leadership to address these issues.
