BJP and Karnataka have a longstanding emotional connection, says Nirmala Sitharaman.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a press conference said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not have anything to hide when it comes to the Adani controversy.
“All Congress-ruled states have given contract to Adani for development projects. Rajasthan gave the contract for the solar power project to Adani. I challenge Rahul Gandhi to cancel these orders,” said Sitharaman, who was in the city for the BJP Foundation Day.
Aishwarya Mahadev, National Media Panelist, All India Congress Committee (AICC) and General Secretary for Media Communications for Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) said that Gautam Adani is involved in every sector of the country; from sports to airports. “If the BJP has nothing to hide, they should allow a judicial probe or a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe on the issue.”
Parts of Rahul Gandhi’s speech regarding the Adani issue that was delivered in Lok Sabha on Feb 7 was expunged. Mahesh Pandey, a political analyst said “It is a lapse of democracy. How can they just delete Rahul Gandhi’s parliamentary speech? I do not think they are ignoring the Adani issue but it is their intention to not address it and demolish the democratic structure.”
In response, Sitharaman added that herself and the party were ready to answer all questions on the budget during the budget session in the Parliament but it was the opposition who walked out and hindered the debate. “Opposition had a role to ask me questions. I was ready to answer and clarify. The Congress culture is to accuse the government. When we stand up to answer, they walk out,” she said.
Sitharaman also highlighted the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Karnataka a total of 32 times since 2015. In 2023 alone, he has visited Karnataka seven times already. This shows the party’s commitment towards the state, she said. She also spoke about various infrastructure projects undertaken and announced in the state. “This shows the importance given by the center to the state and the benefits of having a double engine government.”
However, Mahadev said, “The double engine government sarkar has been an absolute failure in Karnataka and it is a sham.” Bringing up the issue of flood relief, she said, “B S Yediyurappa, as the chief minister had to go cry, asking for the flood relief.”
BJP Foundation Day
Earlier in the day, Narendra Modi and BJP party President JP Nadda addressed party workers across the country on the occasion of the party’s Foundation Day. Modi stressed on the importance of having a futuristic vision for the party.
“We must make a team to monitor new innovations and technology. We should harness the power of social media and make sure new technology advancements reach the people and teach them how to use it,” he said in a virtual address.
Modi also said that the party should hold social media training session for the party workers and also collaborate with youth and women’s wings of global parties to share best practices.
JP Nadda also spoke about forming region-wise zilla parishad workshops to grow the party.
The BJP is also set to release its list of candidates by Apr. 7 or Apr. 8. Prema Manavalan, Bangalore Central Secretary said that this time they will have more women candidates. “Around 35 percent will be reserved for women candidates,” she said.
