As Prime Minister Narendra Modi was preparing to inaugurate the Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line on Sunday, the Karnataka Congress launched a sharp criticism, accusing the BJP of 'credit chori' or 'credit theft.' Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge alleged that the BJP is taking undue credit for the project, despite what he claims was a significant reduction in central funding over time.
In a detailed social media post, Minister Priyank Kharge outlined the project's funding history to 'set the record straight.' He began by welcoming the Prime Minister to Karnataka but quickly pivoted to the 'Vote Chori' allegation—a reference to Congress's claim that the BJP manipulated voter lists in Bihar and Maharashtra—before transitioning to the 'Credit Chori' accusation.
Kharge stated that the Metro project was originally launched under the UPA government led by Dr Manmohan Singh. During its initial phase, the central government contributed a larger share of the costs compared to the state. But Kharge claimed that "their commitment to the project dwindled, with the Central Government's share decreasing drastically in subsequent phases" after the BJP took power. He asserted that this made the Karnataka government pay the lion's share of the costs.
The Karnataka government has contributed more than Rs 12,000 crores, including land acquisition and other additional expenses, according to the minister's specific figures. In stark contrast, he alleged the central government has provided only a "paltry Rs 8,000 crores," forcing the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to take out loans to cover the remaining costs.
Also Read: Kerala govt introduces 'help box' in schools to curb child abuse
Kharge further argued that this disparity is a 'glaring example' of a broader trend where Karnataka's financial contributions to the central government have grown, while the state's returns have steadily declined.
Despite the political controversy, the inauguration of the Yellow Line marks a significant milestone for Bengaluru. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the much-awaited Phase 2 Yellow Line of Namma Metro and take a metro ride to the Electronic City station. The new line runs from RV Road (Ragigudda) to Bommasandra and is 19 km long with 16 stations. An estimated Rs 7,160 crore was spent on the project's construction.
Bengaluru's operational metro network will reach over 96 km with the opening of the Yellow Line, which should reduce traffic on important thoroughfares like Hosur Road, Silk Board Junction, and Electronics City Junction. The Prime Minister will also lay the cornerstone for the metro's 44-kilometer Phase 3 (Orange Line), which is expected to cost Rs 15,611 crore and connect 31 elevated stations in a number of commercial, industrial, and residential areas.
Also Read: Karnataka CM vows legal action over alleged LS poll fraud
Follow us
