Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jul 16: Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar has hit back at critics of the state’s guarantee schemes, stating that while the Congress received fewer votes in Mangaluru and Udupi, it is BJP supporters in these regions who have queued up to avail the benefits.
“In Mangaluru and Udupi, we didn’t get many votes, yet BJP leaders themselves stood in line to receive benefits from our guarantee schemes. A majority of the beneficiaries are from these areas. That’s why I challenge the opposition — if you don’t want these schemes, return the benefits,” said Shivakumar during a meeting of the BBMP guarantee scheme implementation committee at the KPCC’s Bharat Jodo Bhavan.
Criticising those who enjoy the benefits but still complain about the schemes, Shivakumar said, “How can someone be a beneficiary and then criticise the very scheme that helped them? I trust the youth and women, which is why our schemes are focused on these groups. Women have been entrusted with responsibilities in the guarantee committees.”
He added that opposition leaders may criticise the government’s work, but those criticisms will fade while the Congress government's work will endure.
Shivakumar urged party workers to organise guarantee scheme meetings in every ward and panchayat. “This will empower our grassroots workers,” he said, addressing former candidates, block presidents, and ex-councillors. “Your future depends on how actively you engage with the scheme. If you think taking a photo with me or H M Revanna will get you a BBMP election ticket, get that idea out of your head. You must prove your commitment at the local level.”
He added that the government will soon finalise ward reservations and only those with strong public connect at the booth level can expect to win. “Get in touch with BBMP officials to obtain your guarantee committee ID card. That will give you the authority to go door to door and meet people. Show me one other state where guarantee committee chairs are given offices — it’s happening only here. I came up the ranks as a worker from NSUI to state Congress president. I understand your struggles.”
He concluded by assuring the workers that while not everyone can be accommodated in positions of power at once, they would be given suitable roles when the time comes.