Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 14: Senior Congress MLA R V Deshpande has issued a clarification after reports surfaced that he had criticized his own government’s guarantee schemes. In a press release, Deshpande stated that his comments were misinterpreted and that he had, in fact, praised the government’s welfare initiatives, not criticized them.
Referring to a newspaper report about his speech at a meeting held in Dandeli, Deshpande clarified, “I did not speak against the five guarantee schemes. On the contrary, I appreciated the state government’s guarantee programmes. Chief minister Siddaramaiah has introduced several welfare schemes for the poor, and I had acknowledged his efforts in my speech.”
He further added, “Siddaramaiah is an experienced leader who has implemented these people-centric schemes with the intention of helping the poor. I only highlighted that these guarantees are a reflection of his leadership and public concern.”
Stressing that his words had been wrongly understood, Deshpande said, “My intention was never to criticize the guarantee schemes. I have only praised the Siddaramaiah-led government and its pro-people administration. At no point did I say that the guarantees have caused financial distress to the government. It is unfortunate that my words have been misinterpreted.”
However, earlier reports had claimed that Deshpande had remarked that the guarantee schemes had imposed a financial burden on the state. He was quoted as saying that while the schemes benefited the public, they had made governance difficult. He had also reportedly joked, “We don’t know what the chief minister will give men—after Indira kits, dal and coconuts for women, there seems to be no scheme for men.” Deshpande had also expressed concern that the pace of development in the state had slowed down, as committees were primarily focused on implementing these schemes.
Following his remarks, home minister Dr G Parameshwara expressed displeasure, saying, “If he becomes the chief minister, he can stop the guarantee schemes if he wants. Where has development stopped? The chief minister is laying foundation stones for projects, visiting districts, and establishing institutions like government nursing colleges. Isn’t that development?”
Meanwhile, BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy defended Deshpande’s earlier statement, saying, “Deshpande has spoken the truth, and even Rayareddy did the same. In time, Congress leaders themselves will realize the truth.”
He added, “The Congress government is heading towards bankruptcy in the name of guarantees. Loot and mismanagement are happening under the guise of these schemes, and even Congress leaders are internally opposing them.”