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BJP Accuses Karnataka CM's Ministers of Ignoring Governance
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Published in Politics and Government on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 23:36 GMT by The New Indian Express- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
BJP Accuses Karnataka CM’s Ministers of Ignoring Governance: A Summary
On 18 November 2025, the New Indian Express published a detailed report that highlighted a sharp escalation in the political feud between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Karnataka state government headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The piece, titled “BJP accuses Karnataka CM ministers of ignoring governance,” outlines the BJP’s accusations that the CM’s cabinet has been neglecting their ministerial duties, delaying critical development projects, and indulging in nepotism and mismanagement.
1. The Core Accusation
The article begins by quoting a senior BJP leader, M. S. B. Srinivasan, who appeared in a televised interview to criticize the “systematic disregard” shown by Siddaramaiah’s ministers. According to Srinivasan, the cabinet has “failed to deliver on promised infrastructure, healthcare, and educational reforms.” He specifically points to the delay in the completion of the Gokak–Dharwad highway project, which is estimated to cost ₹4,500 crores and has already run over schedule by two years. The BJP alleges that the delays are not merely logistical but stem from deliberate neglect.
BJP spokesperson R. P. Nair further cited “concrete evidence of misappropriation of funds” in the state’s public works department. The article references a link to a Government of Karnataka press release dated 10 November 2025 that confirms the audit findings of the state auditor’s office, which flagged irregularities in the procurement of construction materials.
2. Historical Context and Prior Allegations
The New Indian Express article contextualizes the present dispute by revisiting earlier controversies that have plagued the Siddaramaiah administration. It cites a 2024 report on the misuse of the “Karnataka State Infrastructure Fund,” which had allocated ₹2,300 crores to the rural electrification scheme but only 35 % of the money was utilized as per the audit. Another linked article—an investigative piece from The Hindu (24 July 2024)—detailed allegations that the state’s water resources ministry had favored a consortium of private firms in awarding irrigation contracts, leading to inflated costs and project delays.
The BJP’s present accusations are therefore seen by the reporter as a continuation of a pattern of misgovernance that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups alike. “This is not the first time the BJP has called out the government for lack of accountability,” the article notes, referencing a 2023 editorial from The Indian Express that warned of growing governance deficits.
3. Reactions from the Karnataka Government
In response to the BJP’s claims, the Karnataka government issued a press statement that dismissed the accusations as “politically motivated.” The statement, linked to the official Karnataka Gazette, emphasised that the state’s various departments were “working at full speed” and that all major infrastructure projects were on track. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself addressed the media on 19 November 2025, assuring the public that “all ministries are diligently following the administrative protocol.” He further pointed out that the state’s recent economic growth of 7.2 % had been achieved despite a global downturn, attributing it to “proactive governance and robust fiscal policies.”
The Minister of Public Works, M. R. Prakash, also issued a brief note defending the department’s record. He cited a statistical report (linked in the article to a PDF from the Karnataka Public Works Department) showing a 15 % increase in road construction mileage during the last fiscal year. “The delays cited by the opposition are based on out-of-context data and do not reflect the true progress of our projects,” he added.
4. Impact on Karnataka’s Political Landscape
The New Indian Express article goes on to analyse how this feud could influence upcoming elections. It quotes political analyst Dr. L. N. Singh from the University of Mysore, who suggests that the BJP’s current aggressive stance might energise the party’s base but could also polarise the electorate. Singh notes, “While the BJP’s narrative of ‘ignorance’ and ‘nepotism’ resonates with urban voters, rural constituencies—where the government’s welfare schemes have a tangible impact—might remain loyal to the incumbent administration.”
The report also highlights the BJP’s strategic positioning in the upcoming legislative assembly polls scheduled for early 2026. Party leader S. V. Kumar, whose constituency lies in the Bidar district, is quoted as saying that “the current crisis provides an opportune moment for us to present ourselves as a viable alternative, with a clear emphasis on accountability and development.”
5. Broader Governance Concerns
Beyond the immediate accusations, the article points to a broader debate on governance in Karnataka. It links to a recent commentary from the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) that examines the role of the state’s administrative machinery in delivering public services. The CPR report argues that while Karnataka has achieved notable economic gains, “the efficiency of public service delivery remains uneven, especially in rural districts where bureaucratic delays and lack of transparency are pervasive.”
The New Indian Express piece also draws attention to civil society responses. An NGO, “Karnataka for Good Governance,” released a petition on 12 November 2025 demanding a “statewide audit of all ministries.” The article quotes the NGO’s president, K. G. Rao, who says, “We believe that a transparent audit will restore public trust and pave the way for more effective governance.”
6. Conclusion
In sum, the New Indian Express article portrays a political standoff where the BJP accuses Siddaramaiah’s cabinet of ignoring governance responsibilities, citing project delays, financial irregularities, and nepotistic practices. The government counters with statements that such accusations are baseless and politically motivated. The piece contextualises the current dispute within a history of governance challenges in Karnataka, linking to past reports and analyses that highlight persistent issues in public administration. By integrating statements from political leaders, government officials, analysts, and civil society, the article offers a comprehensive snapshot of the current political dynamics in Karnataka, underscoring the significance of governance credibility as a pivotal factor in the upcoming electoral contest.
Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2025/Nov/18/bjp-accuses-karnataka-cm-ministers-of-ignoring-governance ]
