Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, April 19: Dr Pushpa Amarnath, Women's President of KPCC, highlighted the significance of Guarantee schemes while criticising the BJP government for failing to fulfill their promises over the past decade.
Speaking at a media briefing on Friday, April 19, at the Congress office in Malikatte, Dr Pushpa Amarnath emphasised, "During elections, much attention is given to candidates, but I am here to underscore the importance of women and their pivotal role in nation-building. This election saw a notable increase in the number of women voters. Dakshina Kannada, known as the land of the educated, sought change in 2014. Despite winning two consecutive terms with a majority, the BJP government has fallen short on its promises."
She further stated, "The BJP pledged in their manifesto to reduce petrol and diesel prices and repatriate funds from Swiss banks within 60 days of assuming power. However, have the promised 'achhe din' arrived? The Congress government fostered manufacturing across various sectors, yet the BJP administration sold off these assets. Over the past 33 years in power, the BJP has failed to address the challenges faced by the people of Dakshina Kannada, including those in the areca nut and fisheries industries."
"The BJP may deceive the public once or twice, but not thrice. The 5 guarantees have been communicated to the public, with dedicated Guarantee Ministers appointed in all districts. The BJP's manifesto is riddled with falsehoods. After a decade in power, they should have showcased their achievements—lowered prices, increased job opportunities—and sought votes on that basis. Instead, they seek another chance for change. Criticizing Guarantee schemes as 'free money,' the BJP fails to recognize the joy felt when this money is used by women to educate their children or make personal purchases. Real 'achhe din' are evident when positive changes occur after a decade, and the Guarantee schemes will speak for themselves, prompting the public to reject those who make empty promises," she added.
Responding to questions about the promotion of Guarantee schemes, Dr Pushpa Amarnath clarified, "The delay in reaching the public was due to logistical issues, but we are committed to distributing them to every household. In the previous election, Siddaramaiah and DK. Shivkumar endorsed Guarantee papers, whereas this time, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have endorsed the 'Nyaay patra.'"
Addressing concerns about the Congress government's focus solely on Guarantee schemes, she refuted the notion, citing the allocation of 58,000 crore rupees in the budget for various initiatives. She highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana's efforts to provide affordable housing, lamenting the minimal benefit received by the public due to excessive taxation by the central government. She also criticized the merger of profitable banks with struggling ones during the BJP's tenure.
Regarding the recent Hubli attack and the father's plea for justice to Prahalad Joshi, Dr Pushpa Amarnath empathized with the father's anguish, emphasizing the need for swift action and justice, regardless of political affiliations.
Responding to queries about an unresolved compensation issue from previous years, she affirmed the party's commitment to provide assistance to the affected family.
During the event, BJP corporators Akshatha P Sudhir and Sunitha Purushottam defected to the Congress party. Several others, including Chandrakala Rao, Shailaja Amarnath, Chandrakala Jogi, Vrinda Poojary, Sashikala Jayalakshmi, Roopa Chetan, Shantala Gatty, Sarika Poojary, and Manjula Nayak, were also present.