'Jobs don't get created by chanting Basava's verses'

Bengaluru: Jobs don’t get created just by references to Basaveshwara’s “work is worship” verses, the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition in Karnataka said on Friday, as Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman often mentioned the 12th-century social reformer in her budget speech.

While Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said he had great expectations from Sitharaman’s maiden budget, but was left disappointed, state coalition coordination committee chief Siddaramaich took a dig at references to Basaveshwara, saying the FM should note jobs will not be created just by doing so.

“By tricks one may win elections, but jobs don’t get created, Minister!” “Budget in a nutshell- Everything under the sun, but nothing to catch it,” Siddaramaiah said. During her budget presentation in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman, a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, said the government recognizes and follows the teachings of Lord Basveshwara, in particular the principles of Kayaka and Dasoha (sacrament).

Kumaraswamy, now on a tour in the US, said in a series of tweets that “though creation of FPOs and strengthening e-NAM and promoting traditional industries are welcome moves, more morale boosting programmes were desirable for the farming sector.

He said the budget has given a big blow to the state’s economy by reducing GST state share. “For Karnataka, it will be cut down by around Rs 1600 crore. The cess hike on fuel will also reduce scope for states to levy cess. Moreover, the fuel price hike will hit everyone directly and indirectly as well. “I expected more from Smt.@nsitharaman who represents Karnataka, for railways, especially suburban railways, but very disappointed as no projects/aid were announced.

Yeddyurappa also expressed happiness about the budget being inspired by Basavanna, who in the 12th century itself had propagated the Kayaka and dashoa philosophy, “which is nothing but an equality based society or prime minister’s slogan of Sabka Saath Sab Ka Vishwas.” The Veerashaiva-Lingayat community that owes allegiance to Basavewshwara is a dominant community in Karnataka and is considered a strong vote bank of BJP.