Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of misusing public funds to organize the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session in Belagavi, calling it “totally unfair” and “condemnable.”
Bommai’s Allegations
Speaking to media, Bommai claimed that the Congress government is using taxpayer money for a political event, an action he deemed unprecedented and inappropriate. He demanded Chief Minister Siddaramaiah provide an explanation on the legal basis for allocating state funds to the event.
“Congress is conducting its AICC session which is being funded by the Karnataka government. This is totally unfair, using public money for political purposes, is unheard of and uncalled-for. The CM should explain to the people of Karnataka under which provision the money has been sanctioned and is going to be released,” Bommai stated.
DK Shivakumar’s Response
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed these concerns during a press conference, emphasizing that the event is not merely a Congress function but a historic commemoration marking the centenary of the 1924 Congress convention presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.
“We have declared this area as Mahatma Gandhi Navanagara. The Congress Working Committee meeting will be held near Gandhi Well, the venue where Mahatma Gandhi presided over the Congress convention in 1924. It is a matter of pride that our own Mallikarjun Kharge is presiding over this convention,” Shivakumar said.
Details of the Convention
Shivakumar outlined the significance of the event, named the Jai Bapu-Jai Bhim-Jai Samvidhan Convention, and stated that it would discuss national challenges. Leaders from across India have been invited to participate.
Key highlights of the program include:
- Unveiling of a Mahatma Gandhi statue at Suvarna Soudha by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi on December 27.
- A mega public meeting to be held at 1 PM.
- The event to be chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah under the joint leadership of Speaker U.T. Khader and Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti.
Shivakumar reiterated that the convention is being held on the same 80-acre site that hosted the 1924 Congress convention, symbolizing a historic legacy.
Cross-Party Invitations
According to Shivakumar, invitations have been extended to leaders from all political parties, signaling an inclusive approach to the commemoration.