From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jun 23: The Congress party's flagship program of Anna Bhagya, for supplying 10 kg of rice per head per month to each BPL family, will definitely be implemented, even if it is slightly delayed, reiterated Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in Bengaluru on Friday.

Speaking to media persons near his residence, he said, "Only those who have a full stomach are protesting over the Anna Bhagya scheme and not the poor and hungry."

"The people are happy with the Congress government and know the party keeps its promises," he added.

Shivakumar said, "The people, especially the poor and women, are happy at the Congress guarantees." He further stated, "Women in large numbers are utilizing the free bus travel facility under the Shakti scheme and have started going on pilgrimages to all temples, which has worried BJP, whose main agenda was polarisation of people based on religion."

Shivakumar, who is also the KPCC chief, said, "The BJP leaders are worried about the government's rising popularity with former chief minister B S Yediyurapppa threatening to stage protest even if a little less than 10 kg rice is provided. He is welcome to stage his protest as he has been an expert on staging dharnas. Let him do it in the assembly. We know how to handle the protests."

"Food Minister K H Muniyappa will be meeting Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Karnataka’s request for rice. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has promised to talk to Goyal," he added, asking the BJP to ensure that FCI honors its earlier promise to supply rice at the rates fixed by it.

Shivakumar made it clear that he will be meeting leaders of all political parties, including former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, and ask him for suggestions. He said, "I have already met all former chief ministers starting with H D Deve Gowda, S M Krishna, Veerappa Moily, and Yediyurappa as well as Jagadish Shettar, who is now our leader. I could not meet JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy and seek his suggestions. I need the benefit of his experience and suggestions. Political differences are different."

"I could not meet JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy and seek his suggestions. I need the benefit of his experience and suggestions. Political differences are different," he reiterated.

Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru Development Minister, said, "The scams involving BJP leaders 'looting' money by creating bogus bills without undertaking any works are huge. If all details are out, do you know how many people will go home? Bommai and Yediyurappa are aware of all these things. I am not going into all this now."

When asked about the delay in the launch of Gruhalakshmi, he admitted, "I myself requested the chief minister to delay the launch due to technical glitches on receiving applications online."

"We are simplifying the registration process for both online and offline registrations. There are complaints of people demanding Rs 200 to Rs 300 for online registration. If any complaint is received on these unauthorized demands for money, people must lodge a complaint with the toll-free number and action will be taken," he assured, emphasizing that Congress' goal is a "corruption-free administration."

He received a delegation of Panchamasali's led by Sri Jayamrithyunjaya Swamiji for including the community under the 2A backward class category. He promised to take up the issue with the chief minister.

Telangana MP Komatireddy Venkatareddy met the Deputy Chief Minister at the Kumarakrupa Guest House and held cordial discussions.