Anna Bhagya scheme introduced to alleviate starvation: Ex-CM Siddaramaiah
“I don’t worry about defeat, but it’s haunting me”
Mysuru, June 12: “I don’t worry about the defeat. But it is haunting me as to why I was defeated despite so much of development works”, said former chief minister Siddaramaiah.
Speaking at a thanks giving programme for the voters of the Varuna Assembly constituency here on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah said that “I don’t worry about the defeat. Victory and defeat is common in democracy. I would accept both defeat and victory equally. But I could not understand as to why people have not accepted me despite achieving development in many sectors. They might have considered the small issues. But I am contended for what I have given for the financial empowerment of the poor, dalits, backward classes and farmers”, he said.
“What mentality I had when I started my political career, the same mentality I had when I was the Chief Minister. Till now, I have the same mentality. In my 40 years political career, I have seen both defeat and victory. I have said I would not contest the election again. But I would work for my supporters and followers”, he said.
“I accept the people’s verdict. The people had defeated Ambedkar, Indira Gandhi. When look at the history, good people face difficult situation. People of the state are like our family. People have false propaganda against me as I am anti-Hindu and have divided Lingayat community. I have never divided the Lingayat community. Basavanna had called Lingayat as a separate religion around 800 years ago. I have just recommended it to the centre. I am not against any caste. But I have belief in human relationship and humanity. Even then, I was targeted”, he said.
“I have introduced an ambitious programme like Anna Bhagya with a concept of making Karnataka hunger-free to ensure that no person should sleep without food. Anna Bhagya, Manasvini, Mythri, Krishi Bhagya, waiver off farm loans, Vidya Siri, nutritious food for pregnant women, Ksheera Bhagya, free education for girl children from primary education to higher education, laptops, free bus pass, 50 per cent reservation for SC/ST in contracts and other programmes were introduced. I have tried to empower SC/ST communities financially. I have not done all these for votes. I have done this for the welfare of the people”, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks as ‘Bhaiyo aur behno’. Yeddyurappa and Shobha Karandlaje bring food from hotels and have it in the houses of dalits saying that ‘BJP nadige Dalitara Mane Kadege’. As to why the BJP, who claim that the ration for the Anna Bhagya is being given from the Centre, has not introduced Anna Bhagya in BJP ruling states like Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other states? It was his dream. So, he had introduced it in Karnataka, he said.
BJP people are bluffs. They do not want development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had come to state and lied. Amith Shah did the same. People did not give clear mandate to any political party. Though BJP has emerged as the single largest party, the Congress has got more per cent of vote sharing. BJP has got more seats, but less votes. But the Congress got more votes and less seats. This is the beauty of the democracy, the former chief minister analysed.
The BJP bite the dust in the by-elections held in other parts of the country. In 2019 Lok Sabha election, the Congress would get majority and Rahul Gandhi would become the Prime Minister, he exuded confidence.
I’m indebted to Varuna constituency people
“Voters of Varuna constituency have elected Dr Yatindra Siddaramaiah with a huge margin of 58,000 votes. Thank you for your concerns. I have cleared some of your obligation. But now, it is increased again. My son and I would serve you people forever”, he said.
People force to become PM
The people gathered there were seen shouting throughout the programme that Siddaramaiah should contest the Lok Sabha election and become the Prime Minister.
Varuna MLA Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah presided over the programme in which Minister Puttaranga Shetty, MP Druvanarayan, MLCs R Dharmasena and Ivan D’Souza, former MLA MK Somashekar and others were present.
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Trump unveils fast-track ‘Gold Card’ visa scheme for wealthy foreigners
Washington: President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa programme that offers wealthy foreigners an expedited path to US citizenship in exchange for a minimum payment of $1 million. Announcing the initiative on social media on Wednesday, Trump described the offering, called the Trump Gold Card, as a “direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people.”
According to the scheme’s official website, the Gold Card is aimed at individuals who can demonstrate they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States. The programme promises residency in “record time” and requires a $1 million fee as proof of that benefit. Businesses sponsoring foreign employees will need to pay $2 million, with additional charges depending on the applicant’s circumstances. A “platinum” version with special tax incentives is expected to be introduced for $5 million.
Applicants must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their documents are reviewed.
BBC reported that the scheme has drawn criticism from Democrats since its first announcement earlier this year, who argue that it unfairly prioritises the wealthy. When Trump initially outlined the plan, he likened the visa to a green card but stressed that it targeted “high-level” professionals. “We want people that are productive,” he said, adding that those who can pay $5 million “are going to create jobs.”
The launch of the programme comes at a time when the administration has sharply intensified its immigration crackdown. The US has increased fees for work visas and expanded efforts to deport undocumented migrants. Immigration applications from 19 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East which are covered under the administration’s travel ban remain paused.
The government has also halted decisions on asylum cases and announced a review of thousands of approvals issued during President Joe Biden’s tenure. In September, Trump signed an order introducing a $100,000 fee for new applicants to the H-1B programme for skilled workers, prompting concern among international students and technology companies. The White House later clarified that the fee applies only to applicants currently living outside the United States.
