Bengaluru: Responding to Opposition's uproar over cancellation of BPL card, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that the poor are not troubled with the Congress government and that the opposition is trying to find stones in the curd.

Furthermore he said, "It is the Congress government, not the BJP, that has implemented important schemes for the people including ration card, rice, pension, land for the poor, shelter scheme, land for the ploughman."

Addressing the media at the KPCC office, Shivakumar criticized the BJP and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, claiming their tenure did little to support the underprivileged.

"The BJP and Kumaraswamy have no substantial criticism to offer. During their time, they did injustice to the poor and failed to implement meaningful programs. Our government, however, ensures that the genuine poor are supported," Shivakumar asserted.

He clarified that some government employees, income tax payers, and financially well-off individuals possess BPL cards, which violates the central government’s criteria for poverty classification. "If the card of a genuinely poor person has been canceled, it will be corrected, and a new BPL card will be issued. This is a decision taken by the Chief Minister and our government," he added.

Responding to Kumaraswamy’s claim that the state’s economic situation has worsened, Shivakumar retorted, "Kumaraswamy's contributions to the state are negligible. His remarks are baseless. During his tenure, did he strengthen the state's economy or attract investments? In contrast, we are focusing on capital investments and job creation, as evidenced by initiatives like the Tech Summit."

When asked about allegations of BJP attempting to purchase MLAs, Shivakumar criticized the media for neglecting the issue. "Why isn’t the media discussing BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s ₹1,000 crore claim? Did the BJP issue a notice to Yatnal, or call his allegation false? Let the discussion begin there," he challenged.

Shivakumar reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening the state's economy and uplifting the poor, urging the opposition to focus on constructive criticism rather than baseless allegations.

Get all the latest, breaking news from Karnataka in a single click. CLICK HERE to get all the latest news from Karnataka.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Jhabua (MP), Nov 19: A total of 16 children fell sick on Tuesday after eating food at an anganwadi in Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua district, an official said.

The children complained of abdominal cramps and started vomiting after eating kheer puri at the rural child care centre in Gopalpura village.

"16 children fell ill after eating kheer-puri at Vasunia Faliya Anganwadi in Gopalpura. They started vomiting and complained of stomachache two hours after eating Kheer-puri and were taken to the hospital at 5 PM," said Kalyanpura Community Health Centre's medical officer Dr Mahendra Jharia.

Their health condition is being monitored, he said, adding that at least 5-6 children are more dehydrated.