Karnataka minister Santosh Lad alleges BJP in talks to replace PM Modi: Report

Santosh Lad alleged that BJP leaders are concerned about Modi's leadership and the economy but hesitate to speak out.

Updated on: Feb 6, 2025, 17:04:28 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad claimed on Wednesday that several BJP leaders were internally discussing the poor state of India's economy and the possibility of replacing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reported Deccan Herald. However, he alleged that these leaders were reluctant to voice their concerns publicly due to fear.

Also Read - Bengaluru hotels in high demand as Aero India Show and Invest Karnataka 2025 set to kick off

Lad reportedly stated that during his recent visit to New Delhi, he learned that BJP members were considering Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari as a potential replacement for Modi.

"There is a suffocating atmosphere within the party, but BJP leaders do not have the freedom to openly speak about Modi and his failures," Lad remarked.

Also Read - Transport truck crashes into toll booth in Karnataka's Hospet, one died. Video

He also referred to veteran politician Subramanian Swamy’s recent criticisms of Modi, where Swamy accused the PM of lacking economic expertise and being an unsuitable leader. "Why aren’t BJP leaders countering Swamy’s remarks? They remain silent because they know he is telling the truth. The same BJP leaders who once supported Swamy’s attacks on Sonia Gandhi are now unwilling to challenge his statements on Modi," Lad was quoted as a saying by the publication.

Addressing other issues, Lad questioned the lack of reliable data regarding the stampede at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. "The NDA government seems to stand for ‘No Data Available.’ Instead of addressing national concerns, the Prime Minister is busy performing ‘aarti’ throughout the day. Why hasn’t the GST rate been reduced? A lower GST would have benefited everyone," he said.

Regarding Karnataka’s government schemes, Lad dismissed concerns that the ₹60,000 crore allocated for state guarantee schemes was affecting other development projects. "MLAs who felt that development was being impacted have requested additional funds," he stated.

Lad further emphasized that the Congress government had allocated more funds to all sectors compared to the BJP. "Government finances will always have constraints, but the issue is not caused by the guarantee schemes. These schemes are an integral part of our development vision," he asserted.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.