On Monday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed that his government is contemplating legal action against the Maharashtra administration for allegedly publishing false advertisements about the state’s “guarantee” schemes. He accused the Maharashtra government of using these ads to mislead voters ahead of elections, claiming that the false claims were intended to sway public opinion.
Siddaramaiah defended the Karnataka government’s expenditure on its guarantee schemes, which amounts to Rs 56,000 crore annually, and questioned why similar schemes were not implemented in BJP-ruled states. He also raised concerns about the Maharashtra BJP spreading lies about the schemes, asserting that legal action was being considered as a result.
Karnataka Chief Minister Questions BJP on Welfare Initiatives in States
In addition, Siddaramaiah criticized JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy for commenting on the guarantee programs, arguing that during his tenure, Kumaraswamy did not introduce such initiatives. He further pointed out Karnataka’s tax contributions to the central government, which receive minimal returns, and urged Kumaraswamy to push for more funding for the state.
Siddaramaiah also expressed alarm over a sharp decline in farmers’ loans from NABARD and criticized Union Ministers for their inaction. He pledged that the state would continue offering favorable loans to farmers and addressed concerns regarding Below Poverty Line ration cards, assuring that only those who were ineligible would be affected.
