Kharge Censures Karnataka Congress Over 'Reconsidering' Shakti Scheme: 'You Have Given BJP An Opening'

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge publicly admonished the Karnataka government on Thursday after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar hinted that a key government pledge might be reconsidered.

"Don't bite off more than you can chew," Kharge warned, using the Karnataka situation to advise other Congress units in election-bound states like Jharkhand and Maharashtra to balance their pledges with fiscal responsibility.

Photo Credit: PTI

"You promised five guarantees in Karnataka. Inspired by you, we made a promise of five guarantees in Maharashtra. Today, you mentioned that you might cancel one of those guarantees. It seems that you all don't read the newspapers, but I do, so I'm telling you this," Kharge said at a press conference, where he was joined by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Kharge referred to Shivakumar's comments on Wednesday that the state would reconsider the 'Shakti' scheme, one of the five guarantees, which provides free bus rides to women on non-luxury state-run buses.

Kharge advised Congress state units to carefully weigh all factors, warning that an unplanned approach could lead to financial strain, even bankruptcy, and "impact future generations."

He emphasised financial responsibility, saying that if governments failed to fulfil their guarantees, it would bring them into disrepute.

"I advised Congress leaders in Maharashtra not to make multiple promises of five, six, seven, or eight guarantees. Instead, make promises that fit within your budget. Promises made without regard for the budget could lead to bankruptcy; there wouldn't even be money to pave the roads. If this government fails, it will impact future generations and cause reputational damage, possibly leading to restrictions for the next decade," Kharge stated.

Responding to the Congress President's criticism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that Shivakumar had only said the scheme would be reviewed.

Kharge retorted, "Whatever you've said (DCM) has given the BJP an opening."

The BJP quickly seized upon Shivakumar's remark about the 'Shakti' scheme, accusing Congress of making extravagant promises in states it governs - Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana - that were not fiscally sustainable, thereby misleading the public. They also demanded apologies from Rahul Gandhi and Kharge.

"The BJP respectfully wishes to inform voters in Maharashtra and Jharkhand to question Congress leaders when they make reckless promises, and ask them, 'Your President has said this. How will you achieve it?'" BJP's Ravi Shankar said.

DKS defends Karnataka model

Following Kharge's reproach, Shivakumar altered his stance, expressing pride in Karnataka's guarantee model.

"Karnataka's guarantee model is an example for the entire country. BJP and other parties are also adopting it, and we are proud to have implemented and delivered it. The people of Karnataka and the country are pleased with our model," he stated.