BJP-JD(S) want to remove Cong govt in Karnataka: DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru, Apr 27 (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday alleged that the BJP and JD(S) want to somehow remove the Congress government in the state and are dreaming about it, but won't succeed.
He also asserted that the Congress would once again come to power in the state in the 2028 Assembly polls.
The Karnataka Congress chief was addressing a gathering at an event organised to commemorate the government's achievements in the two years since coming to office and to launch various developmental works in the Bengaluru rural district.
"We cannot forget the strength you (the people) have given us. The Karnataka government is today known for its administration. We have presented a budget of over Rs 4 lakh crore, and with the motto of equal rights and equal life for all, we are taking everyone together and implementing programmes," Shivakumar said.
Addressing the event, he asked the BJP and JD(S) what they had done for the welfare of people, women, farmers, youth, and job creation, adding that they were unable to speak about it and were "jealous".
"Somehow, they want to remove this government. Some central ministers are dreaming about it. Both parties have formed an alliance; let them add four more and expand their alliance. Remember one thing: In the 2028 Assembly election, Congress will once again come to power in the state. Have this confidence; we have worked for it," he added.
His comments came days after AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of trying to capture power in Karnataka by overthrowing the Congress government, urging his party members and leaders in the state to be cautious and stay united, overcoming internal differences.
Earlier, pointing out that the BJP had alleged that the state's treasury was empty because of the implementation of guarantee schemes, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed there was no truth in it.
"In that case, how could projects worth over Rs 1,000 crore be inaugurated or foundations laid for them in Bengaluru rural today? This could not have been done if the treasury were empty. The BJP is spreading lies," he alleged, addressing a gathering.
Dubbing the BJP's 'Janakrosha Yatre' as "baseless" and "full of lies," Siddaramaiah claimed the BJP-led government at the Centre has raised the prices of essential commodities over the last eleven years.
"Despite crude oil prices coming down in the international market, the Centre has raised the prices of gas, petrol, and diesel. The central government and PM Narendra Modi are responsible for the price rise in the country. Meanwhile, the Congress government led by me in the state has not only implemented developmental works but also guaranteed schemes," he claimed.
The Karnataka BJP is holding the 'Janakrosha Yatre,' a statewide campaign against the Congress government in the state, over the hike in the price of essential commodities, alleged Muslim appeasement, and the alleged diversion of funds meant for Dalit welfare.
The CM claimed that the BJP has always come to power through backdoor methods, without the support of the people.
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TN polls: Vijay announces Rs 2,500 monthly assistance, 8 gm gold for women
Chennai (PTI): TVK chief Vijay on Thursday unveiled sweeping assurances in the party manifesto ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu that included Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women below 60 years, 8 gm gold for marriage and six free cooking gas cylinders a year, per family.
The actor-turned-politician also assured a quality silk saree in addition to gold for indigent brides and interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh for women-run SHGs. He assured corruption-free good governance if voted to power in his maiden electoral fight.
The manifesto also laid importance on education. To prevent school dropouts, mothers or guardians of children studying in government and state-aided schools will receive Rs 15,000 annually.
Vijay promised 100 special residential schools named after iconic leader K Kamaraj, credited with revolutionising education in the state, and higher education loans of up to Rs 20 lakh. The TVK founder also assured AI Ministry, AI University and AI City.
The manifesto placed a strong emphasis on agrarian welfare, too.
The party promised a full waiver of agricultural cooperative crop loans for farmers owning less than five acres of land, while those holding more than five acres will receive a 50 per cent waiver. Additionally, the party promised a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 3,500 per quintal for paddy and Rs 4,500 per tonne for sugarcane.
Addressing youth unemployment, Vijay pledged to create five lakh new government jobs and offer as many stipendiary internships. Unemployed graduates will be provided a monthly aid of up to Rs 4,000. For government employees, the party assured consideration of the Old Pension Scheme and the regularisation of contract workers, including nurses.
On the health front, he promised a drug-free Tamil Nadu. Vijay also committed to modernising hospitals, providing free annual health checkups, and introducing a Rs 25 lakh family health insurance scheme.
The manifesto also included a Rs 3,000 monthly pension for the elderly and the differently-abled, 200 units of free power, patta (land deed) regularisation, and 100 per cent piped drinking water supply for all households.
Some of the policy intereventions promised by TVK include a legal guarantee to provide essential government services like community certificates, and land pattas, within a strictly specified timeframe.
Vijay also promised doorstep delivery of governance by implementing a system to deliver services, such as ration supplies, directly to the people. He also assured that ease of doing business will be paramount to his government and promised a strict guarantee that business licences will be issued within 21 days.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and outcome known on May 4. Vijay is facing his maiden electoral battle, billing it as a direct fight between the ruling DMK and his TVK.
