Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had initially disregarded the plight of ordinary people and women grappling with the steep increase in prices of essential commodities and petroleum products, has now been forced to reduce the prices of domestic LPG cylinders by Rs 200 per cylinder. He is currently portraying this move as a 'Raksha Bandhan gift to women,' according to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Speaking to media persons near his residence in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Shivakumar stated that the Rs 200 reduction in domestic LPG prices was a result of the pressure exerted by the Congress government through its guarantees.

"If the Prime Minister was genuinely concerned about women, why did he remain silent until now? What about the poor, middle class, and farmers who depend on petrol and diesel?" he questioned.

Shivakumar, also the KPCC Chief, asserted that the Congress government has successfully implemented its Gruhalakshmi scheme, which provides Rs 2000 per month to every woman heading a family. "This amount includes Rs 500 earmarked for covering the cost of LPG cylinders. Suddenly, just months before the assembly polls in the north and next year's Lok Sabha polls, a Rs 200 per cylinder reduction has been announced," he noted.

The deputy chief minister took a dig at the BJP and queried Modi about why BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh has introduced a Rs 1500 per month benefit for women, especially when they had previously claimed that the Congress party's guarantees would financially drain Karnataka.

"We don't oppose BJP-governed states offering financial assistance to the underprivileged and women. They are free to do so, and we appreciate any aid extended to the needy," he emphasized, while clarifying that the BJP and Modi are apprehensive of the "Karnataka model" of guarantees.

The official launch of the Gruhalakshmi scheme in Mysuru is a historic event, anticipated to benefit over 1.10 crore women. Shivakumar highlighted that the total number could reach or exceed 1.3 crore women.

When questioned about the BJP's chargesheet against the government's 100-day rule, Shivakumar challenged the BJP leaders to substantiate even a single allegation. "Just wait, and we will expose all the misdeeds and corruption during the BJP's rule in the State," he declared.