BJP Protests Karnataka Financial Bankruptcy and Demands Shivakumar Resign

The Bharatiya Janata Party staged multiple protests in Bengaluru on September 23, accusing the Congress-led Karnataka government of financial bankruptcy and severe economic mismanagement. Demonstrations at the Vidhana Soudha and the Kengal Hanumanthaiah statue centered on allegations that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has pushed the state into a debt trap totaling approximately Rs 8.24 lakh crore.

Opposition leaders R Ashoka and B.Y. Vijayendra demanded Shivakumar's resignation, claiming the state treasury is depleted and unable to fund drought relief, pensions, or teacher salaries. BJP MLA Bharat Shetty cited a Finance Department circular warning that the state has exhausted its borrowing capacity, with a fiscal deficit approaching 3% and roughly Rs 34,000 crore in pending bills. Additionally, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy accused the administration of diverting funds intended for Dalit, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe communities to cover other expenses.

In response, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge countered that the central government has withheld statutory grants and provided the state with an empty box. Kharge criticized the Modi government for refusing farmer loan waivers while waiving loans for large businesses. While the BJP continues to demand a white paper on the state's economic health, the government has not yet provided a detailed response to the specific allegations of bankruptcy.