Siddaramaiah hits back at BJP over Brand Bengaluru

NT Correspondent

Belagavi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hit back against the principal Opposition BJP for its criticism of the State government’s Brand Bengaluru initiative, adding that the saffron party had no moral right to talk about the topic.

The CM pointed out that the BJP had been in power for four years and that the party had been reprimanded for not filling potholes in Bengaluru by no less an authority than the Karnataka High Court.

He made the remarks before mediapersons at the Belagavi airport.

Reacting to BJP’s accusation that the works had not been carried out under Brand Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said: “It has only been six months since we came to power. Did the BJP create Brand Bengaluru?”

“The High Court had reprimanded the BJP government for not filling the potholes. What moral right do they have to talk about Bengaluru?” he asked.

The CM also pushed back against the Opposition claim that ministers were camping in Telangana when the winter session was being held in Belagavi.

“All ministers are not there. One or two have gone and they have other obligations as well. Only Zameer Ahmed and DK Shivakumar are yet to return. Most of the people have come back,” he said.

He also denied the Opposition charge that he had been appeasing the Muslim community.

Responding to JD(S) legislature party leader HD Kumaraswamy's remark that Siddaramaiah had ignored development, he said: “The interests of all communities including Muslims will be protected.”