BENGALURU, 20 MAY 

Despite continuous slander from BJP, State government's guarantee schemes have reached the people's doorsteps in a year during Congress rule, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah here on Monday. Siddaramaiah dismissed BJP's allegations that the five guarantees implemented by the government would be discontinued after Lok Sabha elections.

A total of Rs 52 crore have been earmarked for guarantees for 2024-25 and the government will continue to keep its promises, Siddaramaiah said at Meet the Press programme organised by Press Club of Bangalore on the occasion of the government completing one year in office.

Siddaramaiah predicted that Congress will secure between 15 and 20 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the State. “We are not considering any Cabinet reshuffle after the Lok Sabha elections," he said. 

Accusing BJP of spreading lies following the success of Congress government, Siddaramaiah said, “BJP leaders Vijayendra and R Ashoka claimed that the state coffers are empty. The government spent Rs 56 crore on development projects, exceeding the budgeted Rs 54 crore. Additionally, irrigation expenditures were Rs 18 crore against a planned Rs 16 crore, and Rs 96 crore was spent by Public Works Department and such expenditures would not be possible if the treasury was empty.”

He called on BJP and Modi to refrain from spreading lies for electoral gains, asserting that the public is aware of their falsehoods. The Chief Minister detailed ongoing development work across sectors, including health, education, irrigation, social welfare and agriculture. Siddaramaiah also noted the government's commitment to social welfare by reserving contracts up to Rs 1 crore for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe contractors, and challenged BJP's lack of implementation of SCSP/TSP Act.

Regarding the caste census report, the Chief Minister acknowledged that there was pressure not to accept the report but the government will uphold the values of social justice, equal share and equality for all. “Modi introduced EWS reservation for the economically backward. There is no caste or class in the entire country that does not get the benefit of reservation. This is why Congress has announced that if it comes to power at the Centre, it will conduct a national caste census. What is wrong with this?” he asked.

On law and order, the Chief Minister condemned the murders of two girls, Neha Hiremath and Anjali Ambigera, in Hubballi, which had triggered public outrage. He said a special court has been set up for the speedy trial of the accused in the cases and two Deputy Commissioners of Police, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, and an inspector have been suspended in connection with these. —Salar News