Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar

Karwar, Feb 22: Karnataka state BJP MLA and former minister Shivaram Hebbar has defended the Congress government's controversial guarantee schemes, asserting that they are essential for creating an equal society. Despite strong criticism from within his own party about these schemes driving the state towards bankruptcy, Hebbar has stressed their inevitability.

Speaking to reporters in Sirsi town, MLA Hebbar stated, "The guarantee schemes had initially affected development work, but now everything is progressing in the right direction. An equal society must be created, and it is inevitable to implement such schemes to achieve that goal."

He also responded to criticisms from local BJP leaders, questioning, "If BJP leaders are criticising the guarantees, what did the party do in Maharashtra and Delhi?"

In addition to his comments on the guarantee schemes, Hebbar addressed the ongoing factionalism within the BJP's Karnataka unit. He said, "I am unable to understand how many factions the party is divided into; I am still counting. Due to the existing system, I am distancing myself from the party's affairs."

Hebbar further pointed out that in the coming days, it would become clear whose stance was correct. "When I and BJP MLA from Yeshwanthpur, S. T. Somashekar, decided to distance ourselves from the party, State president B.Y. Vijayendra and senior MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said it was wrong. Those who said we chose the wrong path are now making mistakes," he claimed.

He also refrained from making any statements on the controversy surrounding the State President's post, adding, "I am keeping quiet and not willing to stir controversies. When I find it appropriate, I will talk about the controversial matters."

Representing the Yellapur constituency in Uttara Kannada district, Shivaram Hebbar joined the BJP in 2019 after quitting Congress and served as Labour Minister during the BJP's previous government. Currently, Hebbar and MLA Somashekar are identifying with the Congress, with Somashekar even describing Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar as his "godfather."