Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that his government will launch investigations into all the alleged scams and irregularities that took place during the previous BJP regime. He assured the public that his government would fulfill all the promises made during the elections. The implementation of Congress’ five guarantees is expected to cost the exchequer Rs 59,000 crore annually. The Chief Minister mentioned several specific cases that will be probed, including the construction of medical colleges, allegations of commission, irregularities in health-related procurements during COVID-19, irregularities in irrigation projects, and Bitcoin scams.
Siddaramaiah also revealed that the investigation into the Police Sub Inspector (PSI) recruitment scam by the CID is ongoing and will be further intensified. He promised that those found guilty would be punished accordingly. Additionally, the deaths that occurred in Chamarajanagara hospital allegedly due to a shortage of oxygen supply during the COVID-19 pandemic will also be thoroughly investigated. He accused the former Health Minister, K Sudhakar, of lying about the number of casualties.
Addressing criticism from opposition parties regarding the implementation of poll guarantees, Siddaramaiah highlighted that one guarantee, providing free rides for women in public transport buses, has already been implemented. Under the ‘Gruha Jyothi’ scheme, from July 1, households will receive up to 200 units of free electricity. Furthermore, the ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ scheme, providing Rs 2,000 to women heading the family, will be rolled out after August 15, with applications currently being invited for it.
Regarding the ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme, which aims to provide an additional 5 kgs of rice to every member of a BPL household, Siddaramaiah mentioned the challenges faced in procuring the required quantity of rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and accused the BJP government at the Centre of conspiring against the state’s poor. He assured the public that efforts are being made to source rice through other agencies and that the scheme will be rolled out as soon as the necessary rice is available.
Siddaramaiah also addressed the ‘YuvaNidhi’ scheme, which pledges to provide Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduates and Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders, who graduated in 2022-23, if they do not find jobs within six months. He clarified that the financial assistance will be provided for 24 months, after which it will be discontinued once the individuals secure employment. He further announced that approximately 2.5 lakh vacancies in government departments will be filled gradually.
Regarding the criticism from the BJP, Siddaramaiah questioned the party’s moral right to protest against the government, asking whether they had implemented their own poll promises while in power. He accused the BJP of engaging in political gimmicks and spreading hate instead of working for the welfare of the poor. The Chief Minister urged the BJP to obtain rice from the Centre if they are genuinely concerned about the welfare of the people instead of resorting to protests.
