Madikeri: Former MLA Appachhu Ranjan Thursday accused the Congress of pushing the state govt towards bankruptcy due to administrative failure and making hollow announcements despite a budget deficit of Rs 24,000 crore.Speaking at a protest organised by the BJP in Kushalnagar, Ranjan lashed out at the state govt and accused it of corruption.He levelled allegations against home minister Priyank Kharge, claiming that the minister has been involved in getting the land for a trust.He remarked sarcastically that chief minister DK Shivakumar is the wealthiest chief minister in the country and could uplift the state using his own personal funds if he chose to do so.“During the BJP govt’s tenure, we provided compensation to growers on three occasions. We directly delivered sums of Rs 38 crore, Rs 66 crore, and Rs 103 crore—amounting to Rs 56,000 per small grower right to their doorstep,” he stated.Ranjan also said the order issued by former forest minister Eshwar Khandre to transfer C and D land to forest department is condemnable. He said the move has caused injustice to over 15,000 families in Shanthalli, Bettadalli, Thorenuru, Shettalli and Surlabbi in Kodagu. Former MLA KG Bopaiah also addressed the protesters.
