Former Member of Parliament, Prathap Simha, delivered a scathing critique of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his address following the 'Bheema Nadege' program in KGF (Kolar Gold Fields). The core of Simha's verbal assault focused on the Chief Minister's decorum, specifically condemning his use of a casual and singular mode of address ('ekavachana') while referencing the Union Finance Minister.
Challenging the Chief Minister's respect for the high office, Simha demanded clarification: "As a seasoned Finance Minister yourself, do you genuinely not know the name of the Union Finance Minister? Or are you knowingly speaking with such utter arrogance?" This public confrontation immediately set the stage for further accusations regarding the state of Karnataka's governance and economy.
Demand for Case Under Proposed Hate Speech Law
Prathap Simha escalated his criticism by demanding legal action against the Chief Minister. He asserted that if the proposed Hate Speech Bill were to be passed, the very first case should be filed against Siddaramaiah. Simha argued that the CM had shown blatant disrespect toward a national female minister and demanded a case be registered against him for disrespecting a woman representing the country. Simha further lashed out at the CM by drawing a comparison: "If we start referring to you as, 'Who is that fellow who grabbed 14 sites in Mooda in his wife's name?' how would you feel?"
Dismissing Claims of Siddaramaiah's Full Term
The former MP also reacted to the recent statement by the CM's son, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, suggesting that his father would continue as Chief Minister for the full remaining two and a half years. Simha cynically remarked, "The son thinks if his father continues, his own coffers will be filled." He further alleged that Siddaramaiah is not only getting his son to make such statements but is also using other figures, noting, "Saying such things has cost some people their ministerial positions." He specifically mentioned that the CM is attempting to provoke leaders like Satish Jarkiholi in Belagavi.
Guarantees Slammed as Flawed and Economic Disaster
Prathap Simha ridiculed the state government’s five guarantee schemes, sarcastically suggesting, "They are merely beating the drum, even claiming the schemes are 'free' for the CM’s wife." He painted a picture of economic disarray, citing rising milk bills, deterioration of the public bus transport system, and delays in the Gruha Lakshmi scheme payment.
Simha squarely placed the blame on the CM, stating that the state's economy is ruined. He mockingly labeled Siddaramaiah as a "world-notorious economist who presented 16 budgets" and accused him of holding the dubious distinction of accumulating an eight lakh crore debt for the state.
Government is 'Dead': Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah Conflict
Pratap Simha declared the Congress regime a "dead government". He used a vivid analogy to describe the power struggle within the ruling party: "Siddaramaiah is carrying the carcass of this dead government from the front, and D.K. Shivakumar is carrying it from the back." He alleged that D.K. Shivakumar desires to carry the government from the front, but Siddaramaiah is insistent on retaining the lead role. Regardless of who is carrying the load, Simha concluded, "The government is dead." He asserted that the people of the state have already decided to remove this government and that the electoral mistake of giving the Congress 140 seats must be borne by both the public and the BJP, who were momentarily complacent.
