BENGALURU, 11 MARCH

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has defended the government’s decision to reward Congress party workers with positions and benefits through government programmes. His comments came in response to MLA MT Krishnappa, who questioned the representation of party workers in the guarantee implementation committees during a discussion in the Legislative Assembly.

Shivakumar stated, “There is nothing wrong in accommodating the party workers who brought the party to power. The committees are designed to ensure the effective delivery of the Rs 52,000-crore guarantee schemes to the public. The Opposition seems unable to accept this reality.”

In the discussion, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka raised concerns about the allocation of Rs 187 crore of government funds to party workers, proposing the matter should be addressed in the House. Shivakumar responded, emphasising that positions in committees result from discussions in the Cabinet and not solely his decision.

He further reiterated that the Congress government is committed to implementing the guarantee schemes despite opposition criticism. “The schemes will continue as long as we are in power. They are essential for alleviating the distress caused by rising prices and inflation,” he affirmed.

Addressing Ashoka's comments labelling the payouts as ‘manehalu’ (destroyer of homes), Shivakumar challenged this perception, asserting that their efforts are aimed at building homes and supporting families in Karnataka.