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Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy expressed strong displeasure against Deputy CM DK Shivakumar over his statement about the 'Shakti Scheme', which provides free bus services for the women of the state.
Speaking to the media while campaigning in Tittamarahalli village in the Channapatna constituency on Thursday, Kumaraswamy criticized Shivakumar's statement. "Did women appear in a dream to DKShivakumar and ask him to stop the Shakti Scheme? Or did God tell him to do it? This is just the first step in their plan to halt the five guarantees, one by one. Soon, they'll end schemes like Anna Bhagya, Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, and Yuva Nidhi, all under the pretense of review," said the minister. "Who is tweeting, claiming that women are demanding the end of the Shakti Scheme? Have women suddenly become economically empowered, according to them? Have they achieved financial strength in just one and a half years?" Kumaraswamy questioned. Kumaraswamy argued that the so-called review of the Shakti Scheme is just the beginning of phasing out the guarantees one by one. "This "review" is simply a pretense to halt the guarantees. Since coming to power, the government has been using these guarantees to brainwash people, thereby halting development projects entirely. The CM has instructed tax officials to collect an additional Rs 10,000 crore, which Kumaraswamy argued essentially means more exploitation," he said, questioning, "What purpose does this serve?" He further criticized the government for burdening people in the name of guarantees, taking their money, and distributing it in bits. "With unrealistic promises made to win the election, they have put the state in ruin, while the government devours it like vultures." Kumaraswamy said he is not against giving guarantees but urged the government not to ruin the state's economy in doing so. "Don't destroy the future of the next generation. Even Anna Bhagya now has conditions, and restrictions have been applied to Gruha Lakshmi, with the rice quantity reduced. Let's see where this will ultimately lead," Kumaraswamy added. "We do not envy these guarantees. If you want guarantees, double them. But do not push the state into bankruptcy. Development has come to a halt under this government. Economic disorder seen in other countries should not come to our state," Kumaraswamy said. Former minister BC Patil and several leaders from JD(S) and BJP were present with the central minister. (ANI)
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