Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on January 23 defended Karnataka's absence at the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, citing budget preparation as his priority in response to criticism from the BJP.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said: “I didn’t visit Davos last year, and I’m not going this year either. I was supposed to go, but I didn’t. I don’t have any specific reasons, but I need to prepare for the budget, so I am not attending.”
Also, read: Davos 2025: Karnataka BJP slams Congress-led government for skipping World Economic Forum
While all southern states except Karnataka are participating in the WEF summit, the Karnataka government explained that it decided to skip the event to focus on the upcoming ‘Invest Karnataka Global Investors Meet’, scheduled for February 12–14 in Bengaluru. Critics, however, pointed out that Kerala is hosting its ‘Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025’ in Kochi on February 21–22 but is still attending the WEF.
Opposition leader and BJP MLA R. Ashoka criticized the Congress-led government on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “When the Chief Ministers of all major states are in Davos making a strong pitch for investments in their respective states, neither Karnataka CM @siddaramaiah nor any of his cabinet colleagues are interested in representing the state on this important world stage.”
Also, read: WEF 2025: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala gear up to woo global investors at Davos
He further alleged: “Thanks to the mysterious power-sharing agreement, CM Siddaramaiah and his entire cabinet, including DCM @DKShivakumar, are engrossed in dirty power politics and one-upmanship, which has completely paralyzed Karnataka's economy and governance.”
BJP Karnataka also took to X to attack the Congress government, posting: “While ministers of NDA states are busy focusing on investments and job creation, Karnataka’s IT Minister @PriyankKharge is busy holidaying and bullying people. BJP handed over an economic powerhouse to Congress, but @siddaramaiah’s government has destroyed Karnataka’s economy, driving businesses away and ruining the investment climate”. "Crime is rampant, and Karnataka is no longer safe for investors. Instead of governance, @INCKarnataka prioritizes looting public resources, appeasing minorities, and empowering thugs. Karnataka deserves better leadership!”.
Also, read: One Nation, One Pavilion: Six Indian states to share a joint space at the World Economic Forum in Davos
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
