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The upcoming bypolls in Karnataka on November 13th, in the constituencies of Channapatna, Shiggaon, and Sandur, are being seen as a crucial test for the Congress-led state government. These elections represent a significant opportunity for the Congress to gauge the public's perception of their five guarantee schemes, promises that played a pivotal role in their victory in the 2023 assembly elections. These schemes, which include free bus rides for women, financial assistance for women heads of households, and unemployment benefits, have been a focal point of debate, particularly with the BJP, the main opposition party, launching a scathing critique of their effectiveness and delivery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the lead-up to state elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, has targeted the Congress, accusing them of making unrealistic promises to voters and failing to deliver on their guarantees. He has pointed to the states governed by Congress, including Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, highlighting what he perceives as a deteriorating economic situation and unfulfilled promises. Modi asserts that the poor, youth, farmers, and women are the most affected by these broken promises, not only denied the benefits promised but also witnessing the dilution of existing schemes.
However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, have strongly refuted these claims, insisting that the guarantee schemes are not mere election gimmicks but are intended to genuinely improve the lives of the people. They have highlighted the significant financial investment in the schemes, exceeding Rs 52,000 crore, with an additional Rs 52,903 crore allocated for infrastructure development. They assert that these investments are a testament to their commitment to building a better future for Karnataka.
HM Revanna, the chairman of the Five Guarantee Schemes Implementation Commission, has expressed confidence in the success of the schemes, citing a 98% achievement rate in their implementation. He points to the positive feedback received from beneficiaries, citing the example of the Shakthi scheme, which provides free bus travel to women, and the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which offers financial assistance to women heads of households. While acknowledging minor technical issues and documentation delays, Revanna maintains that these have been rectified and the schemes are now stable and operational.
The BJP, however, remains skeptical, with Chalavadi Narayanswamy, the opposition leader in the legislative council, questioning the effectiveness of the schemes. He points to concerns regarding the Yuva Nidhi scheme, which provides unemployment benefits, highlighting a lack of clarity on who received the benefits. He also expresses concerns about delays in the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, with beneficiaries waiting months for financial assistance. He alleges that the Congress government has failed in its delivery of these schemes, leading to disappointment not only among the people but also Prime Minister Modi.
Despite the BJP's criticism, Saleem Ahmed, the Congress chief whip in the Upper House, maintains confidence in their ability to win all three bypoll seats. He emphasizes the Congress' commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people of Karnataka, highlighting that the guarantee schemes are not just election-driven initiatives but are designed to be long-term solutions. The bypolls will serve as a crucial test for the Congress government's credibility, as it attempts to demonstrate the tangible benefits of its guarantee schemes to the people of Karnataka.
Source: Karnataka Bypolls: Congress' Guarantee Schemes Face Critical Test Amid BJP Criticism