I am not in contention for opposition leader post in Karnataka assembly: Basavaraj Bommai

BENGALURU: Even as BJP, the principal opposition in Karnataka, seems to have tied itself into knots over the selection of the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) and its state unit chief, former CM Basavaraj Bommai exuded confidence the party had overcome the jitters of its state polls debacle and was gearing up for Lok Sabha polls. Bommai, while denying that he was a frontrunner for the LOP, told Manu Aiyappa: "When I am not even in contention, how can I be a frontrunner? That doesn't mean that I am not interested.I will take up the job only if the party leadership asks me to."
The BJP leadership is expected to announce the name of the leader of opposition (LOP) anytime soon as the two observers have submitted a report after eliciting the views of senior leaders and legislators. One of the frontrunners for the post is former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai. In an interview with STOI, Bommai shared his views on Siddaramaiah's budget and the delay in the appointment of the LOP. Excerpts:
Why is there an inordinate delay in picking an opposition leader?
There have been several instances in different states in the past where sessions have been held without an opposition leader. Our leadership has been weighing various pros and cons before announcing the names. The process got slightly delayed as they were busy with preparations for assembly polls in various states. It will happen in the next few days.
You seem to be the front- runner for the opposition leader's post in the legislative assembly. How confident are you?
Not really. When I'm not even in contention, how can I become a frontrunner? That doesn't mean that I'm not interested. I will take up the job only if the party leadership asks me to. I'm certainly not lobbying for it.
HD Kumaraswamy (JDS) is making more noise than the BJP in opposition by raking up the cash-for-transfer issue...
Ours is a national party. We will make an accusation against a government only if we have proper evidence. Kumaraswamy has something and therefore, is making noise.
JD(S) seems to be cosying up to the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Are you open to an alliance with the regional party?
No one has so far discussed the alliance issue at the local level. JD(S) is indicating that they are keen to join us and several other parties at the national level. While opposition parties are consolidating at the national level, several parties also want to join the NDA and support (PM) Modi. In Karnataka, there should be a dialogue between the PM and the former PM (HD Deve Gowda) to take this forward. Otherwise, it's all speculation.
Siddaramaiah has been too critical about what he calls fiscal indiscipline during your tenure...
After two years of the pandemic, which had hurt the economy badly, I presented a revenue-surplus budget in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Our revenue grew by 17%, the state's growth rate was 7.8%, and the state stood second in GST collection. If this is considered fiscal indiscipline, then Siddaramaiah's record of presenting 14 budgets is nothing but mockery.
The chief minister was also blaming the Union government for devolution of funds...
The Centre has been benevolent to Karnataka. It recently released Rs 4,314 crore as part of tax devolution. Yet Siddaramaiah is blaming it for political reasons. He only highlighted the devolution of funds but did not talk about the huge funds in central schemes. This is because Siddaramaiah is upset that he cannot divert central funds to his poll guarantees now. All funds that come to us must be pooled in the State Nodal Accounts (SNA), and the funds must be utilised with a matching grant within 40 days after being credited. If the state government does not put a matching share of central funds within 40 days of the credit of central funds in the SNA, 75% of the unused funds get returned. The Centre has given Rs 3,339 crore in incentives to improve capital expenditures. It also extends funds for the development of highways, PM Gatishakthi, and rural development, among others.
Siddaramaiah has allocated Rs 52,000 crore for the poll guarantees, leaving no scope for some big-ticket projects...
The allocation of Rs 52,000 crore is expected to stagnate the growth of the state, as it will escalate by 10-15% every year, virtually leaving no money for developmental projects. Taking care of poor and marginalised sections of the population is the duty of the welfare state, yet, while giving freebies, the fiscal capability of the government is a key factor. Congress completely ignored it and chose to come out with irrational populism to win an election where even the rich were going to benefit from their schemes. Having done that, it is struggling to implement them and has betrayed the voters. This is bound to take a heavy toll on the state's financial health in the long run.
Karnataka BJP is virtually in shambles after the assembly elections, riddled with infighting and camp politics...
The BJP has overcome its losses and is now gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls. The party is now in the process of rebuilding, and it's just a matter of time.