Karnataka's guarantee schemes now a national model: Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar
'Our popular guarantee schemes are now a model. The BJP called our schemes a big lie, and even the Prime Minister said that Karnataka would go bankrupt if they were implemented. But today, the same party has copied our schemes in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and now in Bihar,' said Mr. Shivakumar, addressing the gathering at the 'Sadhana Samavesha' in Mysuru.
Taking a dig at the BJP and the JD(S) for their constant criticism of the Congress government, he said, 'Our work will speak. So, we don't give a heed to their criticism and continue to work for the people and the State, fulfilling promises we have made.'
'Congress has silenced critics'
Stating that the Congress has silenced the Opposition parties with its works, Mr. Shivakumar said the 'hasta' (party's hand symbol) has given strength to women through guarantees. 'The government has given a befitting reply to its critics with its works. Each family gets around ₹5,000 a month through guarantees, ensuring financial stability,' he noted.
'Prosperity to State'
The Deputy Chief Minister said that besides bringing development, the Congress party has brought prosperity to the State. 'Thanks to good rains, 'bagina' was offered to Krishnaraja Sagar in June, which is historic since it happened after a gap of 90 years. Tomorrow, we are offering 'bagina' to Kabini, which is also full,' he added.
Continuing his tirade against the opposition, Mr. Shivakumar said that the BJP and the JD(S) could not organise 'Sadhana Samaveshas' as they could not fulfil promises like the Congress. 'Along with guarantees, we are implementing development works, and the 'samaveshas' speak of our resolve,' he argued.
'The 'samaveshas' are nothing but a way of repaying our debt to the people for electing this government. We are indebted to them,' he added.
Development works
Clarifying that the government has money for development works, Mr. Shivakumar dismissed accusations of the Opposition regarding the same. 'We launched works worth ₹5,000 crore in Kalyana Karnataka, and also in Indi this week. We announced works worth ₹3,000 crore during the Cabinet meeting in M.M. Hills, and today, in Mysuru, we are launching works worth ₹2,578 crore. Is this not development?' he said.
The Deputy Cheif Minister that said government schools are being developed with CSR funds of nearly ₹2,000 crore.
'Elect us in 2028'
Mr. Shivakumar concluded his speech by urging the people to bring Congress back to power in 2028 so that the party continues to work for them and fulfil their aspirations. 'Please elect us with a massive majority in 2028. The by-election results last year showed the people's faith in the party,' he said.

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Indian Express
39 minutes ago
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'Rahulji said that it has always been a presumption that if the BJP has to be defeated, one has to work hard in UP, Rajasthan and Karnataka. But the fact is that the BJP's gangotri (origin) is in Gujarat and one has to work hard in the state and bring out the truth about their bad governance. The cleaning of the Ganga of politics can be done from Gujarat…,' GPCC Spokesperson Manish Doshi said. GPCC President Amit Chavda said Gandhi has urged the leaders to 'go in the midst' of the people and 'raise voice' in the support of those fighting injustice. 'The three-day camp (in Anand) is part of Sangathan Srujan Abhiyan and Rahulji has urged that the party must be strengthened from root to top in Gujarat and that it should be oriented towards service to people. New leaders should be given the opportunity to work… The party wants to go in the midst of the people to fight the battle against injustice as in the last 30 years of the BJP's rule in the state, there has been a government of fear, coercion and corruption with officer-raj and commission-raj going on in Gujarat,' Chavda said. 'The presence of Rahulji on the first day of the three-day training camp shows how important Gujarat is for him. He has made it clear that in any district, any complaint of the people or any injustice must be taken up by the Congress. Wherever it is necessary, the state leaders, or Rahulji himself, will be by the side of the people… He told the leaders to go to the people. Take up issues related to misadministration and injustice and raise voice against it. On the last day of the Shibir (camp), the party will also put forth the entire roadmap for the state before the high command as well as the people,' Chavda added. Gandhi, Congress leaders said, also met the members of the milk cooperative unions and urged them to 'inform him whatever is needed to be done and if they need him to raise pressing issues related to cooperatives in the Lok Sabha.' Gandhi is the LoP in the Lok Sabha. The families of some of the 21 victims of the Mujpur-Gambhira bridge collapse also arrived at the venue in Anand, where the Congress leader was meeting the milk cooperatives, to make representations to him. According to Congress leaders, the kin of the victims were 'stopped by the police' from meeting Gandhi but later, they were allowed to proceed and make petitions regarding the incident. Doshi said, 'The police said that the victims could not be allowed to meet Gandhi as they did not have a security pass… At first, they were turned away but eventually, we managed to get them to meet Rahul ji, who expressed his solidarity with the families and assured them of assistance in their fight for justice in the incident.'