Guarantees implementation: Karnataka CM holds meeting with officials ahead of June 1 Cabinet meet
Bengaluru, May 29: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday held a meeting with officials of various departments regarding the implementation of guarantees announced by the Congress party before the elections, ahead of the Cabinet assembling together on June 1 to decide on it.
The chief minister today held consultations with senior officials of finance, transport, food and civil supplies, energy and other departments and asked them to prepare a report on the implementation of the guarantees.
Siddaramaiah will hold a consultation with all the ministers on Wednesday regarding the implementation of the guarantee schemes, the Chief Minister's office said in a statement, adding that an official decision will be taken in this regard at the Cabinet meeting to be held on Thursday.
Senior officials of various departments including Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma participated in today's meeting and made presentations on the proposed implementation of the guarantees.
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The Congress had promised in its election manifesto to implement the guarantees 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya), Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) (YuvaNidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti), on the very first day of assuming power in the state.
There is mounting pressure on the new Congress government from opposition parties and various sections of people from across the state, to fulfill its five poll guarantees.
After having accorded in-principal approval for the guarantees in the first cabinet meeting on May 20, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said they would "most likely" be implemented after the next Cabinet meeting. He had also said that initial estimates indicate it would cost the exchequer Rs 50,000 crore annually.
Earlier in the day today, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said there is a "responsible government" in the state which will fulfill all the guarantees made to the people ahead of the Assembly polls.
He, however, did not specify any timeline to implement the guarantees, but said the Cabinet meeting on June 1 will discuss fulfilling them.
"There is a Cabinet meeting on June 1. The Chief Minister has the responsibility of the Finance department. He will discuss with officials and bring the relevant information to the Cabinet. We will keep up our promise. We will have to do it systematically and preparations are on," Shivakumar said.
He said, "There is a responsible government in the state and it will keep up the promises made to its people and there is no need to worry."
However, senior BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai accused the Congress of cheating voters after coming to power by trying to attach conditions to the guarantees that it had promised to fulfill.
Expressing doubts about the ruling Congress implementing the guarantees fully as promised, the former CM said their true colours will be exposed in a few days.
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Lokayukta ADGP M. Chandrasekhar calls Kumaraswamy’s allegations ‘false, malicious’
Bengaluru: Lokayukta ADGP and Special Investigation Team (SIT) chief M. Chandrasekhar has strongly refuted the accusations of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and termed it ‘false and malicious.’
"HD Kumaraswamy, an accused in SIT's case no.16/14, made false and malicious allegations and threats in a press conference today," said Chandrashekar.
Chandrasekhar stated that these allegations were aimed at intimidating SIT officers, particularly as the SIT has sought legal action against Kumaraswamy, who is currently out on bail. "These accusations were made to prevent us from fulfilling our duties," Chandrasekhar remarked, adding that no matter the status of the accused, they will be treated fairly and according to the law.
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He further mentioned, “By attacking me, they may have intended to strike fear in the minds of the SIT officers. However, Chandrasekhar said that no matter how high in position and mighty an accused is, he is just an accused. We will not be deterred by such accusations and threats. I work fearlessly and impartially as SIT head, and promise to give justice to all. I also promise to protect you from criminals and accused in our cases and from external influences.”
Retorting to Kumaraswamy's allegations, Chandrashekar cited George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote, "Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it," explaining that although they may have to face criminals and accusations in their line of duty, they must remain steadfast in their mission.
“Never lose hope. Because truth always wins. Let us believe in truth, God and our law.Satyameva Jayate,” the letter read.
