From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jun 3: The 5 pre-poll Congress Guarantees, whose implementation commences from June 11, are aimed at helping people to tide over their difficulties and lessen their financial burden due to price rise and inflation, claimed Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Speaking to media persons near his residence, he said the government is not bothered over the criticism from BJP leaders and commented that opposition’s job is to criticize the government.

However, Shivakumar said the BJP leaders must always remember their unfulfilled promises starting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise of crediting Rs 15 lakh in each person’s bank account, creating 2 crore jobs annually or doubling of farmers income.

“I don’t want to comment on what BJP promised people in 2018, including waiving farm loans up to Rs 1 lakh and several such broken promises,’’ he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister, who is also the State Congress President, reminded the BJP leaders that they will be facing their biggest challenges in the assembly polls in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and other States this year and next year’s Lok Sabha polls.

“Let the BJP leaders unearth all the black money stashed abroad and in the country and credit Rs 15 lakh in each person’s bank account, double the income of farmers, solve the unemployment problem and bring down the prices of petrol and diesel. We are also waiting and watching,’’ he said.

Answering questions from reporters, Shivakumar said there was nothing wrong in people living in rented houses getting the benefit of Gruhajyothi of free power up to 200 units per month.

“Aren’t people living in rented houses poor? All domestic consumers, whether they are living in own or rented houses are eligible for the benefit, will get the benefit as promised by the party,’’ he said making it clear that those consuming an average of up to 100 units per month cannot suddenly start consuming 200 units and expect the government to allow them the benefit.

Asked whether the government will allow the people to opt out as was done by the Centre in Give it Up for LPG subsidy, he said: “We are certainly doing it. It is for the people to voluntarily give up. In fact, several officials, media bosses and government servants as well as well-off middle classes have already made it clear that they do not want free power.’’

To a question on JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy’s remark that Congress has fooled people by applying ghee to their foreheads, Shivakumar shot back: “He is a big leader and has lot of experience. I don’t want to comment on what he said. Let him have his say, we will discharge our work.’’

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed his grief and sorrow over the death of over 230 persons in the ghastly train accident at Balasore in Odisha. “I offer my condolences to the bereaved families,’’ he said.