From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Chikkamagaluru, Jan 18: In a bid to counter opposition Congress party’s Second Poll promise of providing Rs 2,000 cash to each housewife per month under the ‘Grihalakshmi’ scheme announced by AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the ruling BJP is coming out with its own ‘Grihinishakti’ scheme to woo women voters.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who spoke to media persons before participating in the Chikkamagaluru Habba on Wednesday, said the State Government is finalising the details of the Grihinishakti scheme.

The State Government is planning a comprehensive programme to help the poor families for purchasing essential commodities,’’ Bommai said.

It may be recalled that the ruling BJP had issued full page newspaper advertisements ahead of Priyanka Gandhi’s arrival in Bengaluru to participate in Congress party’s ‘Naa Nayaki’ programme, where she announced the cash payment offer of Rs 2000 each per month to every woman housewife to minimise the burden due to price rise.

The Congress party has already promised to supply 200 units of free power to all domestic households if it comes to power.

The Chikkamagaluru Habba is a festival to celebrate nature as the district is famous for its diversity and environment. The government wants to energise the people and youth, he said.

Answering questions, Bommai said the government has no confusion on the reservation issue, especially demand of Panchamasali Lingayats, who are demanding greater reservation benefits.

“The government is waiting for the final report of the Backward Classes Commission. The interim report is already before the State Cabinet,’’ he said pointing out a decision will be taken after getting the final report.

The final report will give a clear picture on the different categories of backward classes desering reservation benefits and the extent of reservation and all connected issues, he said.

The Chief Minister later inaugurated the ‘Jnana Vaibhav’ agriculture and industrial exhibition organised as part of the Chikkamagaluru Habba at the AIT College campus.

Chikkamanagalur district in charge and Urban Development Minister Bhyrati Basavaraj, Council Deputy Chairman M K Pranesh, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary D N Jeevaraj, BJP National Secretary C T Ravi and others were present.