Siddaramaiah says guarantee schemes will continue, highlights challenges in Centre-State relations
Bengaluru (PTI): Amid pressure from within the ruling Congress to do a "rethink" on the ambitious five guarantees schemes, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday asserted that it will continue and highlighted the "Karnataka model" of development with focus on social justice and economic equality, thereby contributing to nation-building.
Accusing the Centre of 'deviating' from the principle of the federal system in recent years, leading to discrimination in the allocation of funds to states, he urged it to understand the fact that the nation can develop only if states are developed and release a fair amount of grants for their development.
In a democratic system, the opposition parties are expected to function responsibly in tandem with the principles of the Constitution, by respecting the mandate given by the people of the state, the Chief Minister noted.
The electorate with their political acumen has made it clear in the last Lok Sabha elections that "democracy cannot be a puppet in anyone's hands".
The CM was delivering his address on the occasion of 78th Independence Day, after hoisting the national flag at the Manekshaw Parade Ground here.
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"... we are working towards achieving comprehensive development in the state, with a special focus on social justice and economic equality, thereby contributing to nation-building. This is the Karnataka model of development. Our government, which came to power in 2023 with a clear majority, has taken decisive steps in this direction over the past fifteen months," Siddaramaiah said.
Noting that the government's five guarantee schemes have brought relief to the lives of people who have suffered due to the rising financial inequality, he said, "On one hand our government is giving impetus to the redistribution of wealth through these schemes and on the other we have taken up programmes for sustainable economic development of the state with equal commitment."
Referring to the five guarantee schemes - Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya and Yuva Nidhi, he said each beneficiary family receives direct and indirect benefits amounting to an average of Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per month.
"This is the concept of Universal Basic Income, which provides direct financial assistance to poor families. Karnataka is the only state implementing such a programme in a big way, which is being implemented in developed countries to help the poor and we are proud of it."
"These programmes will continue and we will give a befitting reply through economic growth of the State to those who made the prophecy that the State will go bankrupt by these schemes," he said.
Siddaramaiah said his government is all set to make innovations and help these beneficiaries further. "... we are providing Rs 2,000 to every woman head of the beneficiary families. We are thinking of helping them organize as Stree Shakti women self-help groups and encourage them to take up income generating activities by facilitating assistance from financial institutions."
Siddaramaiah's assertion to continue five guarantee schemes has come amid voices emerging within the Congress government to do a "rethink" on the programme, with calls to exclude 'rich' beneficiaries.
On the challenges in Centre-State relations, the Chief Minister said, "In recent years, the central government has been deviating from this principle (federal system), leading to discrimination in the allocation of funds to states."
By ignoring constitutional principles, there is a tendency to delay the financial share due to the states, which is not in the interest of the people, he said. "Unfortunately, states are compelled to seek legal recourse to obtain their rightful share from the Centre. On this occasion, I urge the union government to understand the fact that the nation can develop only if States are developed and to release a fair amount of grants to States for development."
Pointing out that history has always shown that the people never forgive backdoor politics that disregard the people's mandate, Siddaramaiah said in a democratic system it is expected that opposition parties function responsibly in tandem with the principles of the Constitution, by respecting the mandate given by the people of the state.
Terming the Constitution as protection shield for the dynamic, responsive democracy of the country, he said Ambedkar had forewarned about the situations that may prevent our democracy from being lively and being a substantive part of our life.
"Firstly we must keep away divisive forces that play politics based on caste and creed. Secondly, we must keep people with a mindset to subvert the constitutional institutions and the values away from power and finally he (Ambedkar) had warned that political democracy cannot survive without social democracy," he added.
Stressing on the need to remember the contributions of freedom fighters and national heroes, who laid a strong foundation for modern India based on scientific temperament and secularism, the CM said, "We must be conscious about the fact that failing this, we will end up witnessing disturbing developments like the ones happening in our neighbouring countries."
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Sanjay Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls
Mumbai, Nov 25: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded a re-election in Maharashtra using ballot papers, claiming there were irregularities with the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged several complaints about EVMs malfunctioning and questioned the integrity of the recently held elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly elections, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 out of 95 seats it contested.
"We have received nearly 450 complaints regarding EVMs. Despite raising objections repeatedly, no action has been taken on these issues. How can we say these elections were conducted fairly? Hence, I demand that the results be set aside and elections be held again using ballot papers," Raut said.
Citing some instances, he said a candidate in Nashik reportedly received only four votes despite having 65 votes from his family, while in Dombivli, discrepancies were found in EVM tallies, and election officials refused to acknowledge the objections.
The Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the credibility of the landslide victories of some candidates, saying, "What revolutionary work have they done to receive more than 1.5 lakh votes? Even leaders who recently switched parties have become MLAs. This raises suspicions. For the first time, a senior leader like Sharad Pawar has expressed doubts about EVMs, which cannot be ignored."
Asked about the MVA's poor performance in the elections, Raut rejected the idea of blaming a single individual.
"We fought as a united MVA. Even a leader like Sharad Pawar, who commands immense respect in Maharashtra, faced defeat. This shows that we need to analyse the reasons behind the failure. One of the reasons is EVM irregularities and the misuse of the system, unconstitutional practices, and even judicial decisions left unresolved by Justice Chandrachud," he said.
Raut stressed that though internal differences might have existed within the MVA, the failure was collective.
He also accused the Mahayuti of conducting the elections in an unfair manner.
"I cannot call the elections fair given the numerous reports of discrepancies in EVMs, mismatched numbers, and vote irregularities across the state," Raut said.
