Center trying to impose 'one-history', 'one-language', 'one-lifestyle' ideology: Chidambaram
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram yesterday alleged the BJP and RSS were trying to impose autocratic rule in the nation and their main aim was to destroy the federal system and build a Hindu nation. He said BJP-led government at the Center wanted to impose the ideology of "one history, one language, and one living style," which was a dangerous threat to Indian culture.
BJP changed Chief Minister thrice in Karnataka during their term
Chidambaram said the previous BJP rule in Karnataka was the worst in the state's history. "During their term, they changed Chief Ministers thrice. They have no achievements to boast of, so now they are attacking CM Siddaramaiah. My question is why aren't they campaigning based on their achievements?" he questioned. "BJP is trying to enter South India through Karnataka...we should stop them," he added.
PM Modi said everything wrong about Field Marshal Cariappa: Chidambaram
Sharply criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chidambaram said he should maintain the dignity of his post. Every single statement regarding Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya that he made the other day in a campaign speech was wrong, he said. "He (Modi) should not do this. He should not speak whatever comes to his mind like a BJP spokesperson," Chidambaram said.
Petrol and diesel prices should be brought under GST purview
The former Union Finance Minister said petrol and diesel should be brought under the GST. He alleged that the Modi government was not doing this because it wanted to loot the people. Chidambaram said the Indian Oil Corporation chairman has said people were panicking over hike of fuel prices and so they had put a break on price hike for a short time.
Karnataka's GDP showed growth of 8% in last 5 years
The Congress leader said the entire nation was looking at Karnataka elections eagerly and asked the people to vote for a stable government led by the Congress to sustain developmental works initiated under the Siddaramaiah rule. He said that in the last five years, the GDP of Karnataka increased from Rs. 6,43,292 crore to Rs. 9,49,111 crore, recording an 8% growth.
Per capita income increased by 1.25% during Congress rule
The per capita income increased by 1.25% in five years of Congress rule, and revenue surplus was 0.8%, "which is a record in entire India," Chidambaram said. He said Karnataka has the lowest unemployment rate of 2.6%. Infant mortality rate had been reduced and electricity reached villages. The development could be provided since the state had a stable government led by Congress, he said.
Siddaramaiah, the first Karnataka CM to complete full 5-year term
"Development and welfare programs went hand-in-hand under the Siddaramaiah-led government. Siddaramaiah is the first Karnataka Chief Minister to have completed a full five-year term after Devaraj Urs," Chidambaram said.
