Last Updated:
The PM’s remark came days after Shivakumar indicating about revisiting the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which provides free bus travel for all women domiciled in Karnataka
He said that the developmental trajectory and fiscal health of Congress-ruled states is turning from bad to worse. (PTI file)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Congress is exposed in front of people as their so-called guarantees remain “unfulfilled”. He said that the developmental trajectory and fiscal health of Congress-ruled states is turning from bad to worse.
The Prime Minister’s remark came days after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar indicating about revisiting the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which provides free bus travel for all women domiciled in the state.
“The Congress Party is realising the hard way that making unreal promises is easy but implementing them properly is tough or impossible. Campaign after campaign they promise things to the people, which they also know they will never be able to deliver. Now, they stand badly exposed in front of the people,” he said.
The Prime Minister also remarked that the developmental trajectories and fiscal health of Congress-governed states is turning from bad to worse along with unfulfilled guarantees. “The victims of such politics are the poor, youngsters, farmers and women, who are not only denied the benefits of these promises but also see their existing schemes diluted,” he added.
In Karnataka, Congress is busier in intra-party politics and loot instead of even bothering to deliver on development. Not only that, they are also going to rollback existing schemes.In Himachal Pradesh, salaries of Government workers is not paid on time. In Telangana, farmers…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 1, 2024
He also accused the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of indulging in “intra-party politics and loot” instead of focusing on delivering on development. He also said the state government was going to roll back existing schemes.
“The people of the country will have to be vigilant against the Congress sponsored culture of fake promises! We saw recently how the people of Haryana rejected their lies and preferred a Government that is stable, progress oriented and action driven. There is a growing realisation across India that a vote for Congress is a vote for non-governance, poor economics and unparalleled loot,” he said.
Congress Hits Back on PM’s ‘Wrong’ Statements
Responding to PM Modi’s remarks, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said his statements were “wrong” and chastised the Centre for not delivering on what it promised and blaming the opposition party.
“We are implementing everything in Karnataka in a greater way. Anybody can check. We are implementing our promises, which is a clear model of Congress’ promises. We are implementing in Karnataka whatever we promised. Anybody can examine it,” he told reporters on Thursday.
#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: On PM Modi’s tweets on Congress party, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal says, “…We are implementing everything in Karnataka in a greater way. Anybody can check. We are implementing our promises, which is a clear model of Congress’ promises.… pic.twitter.com/CEFLXXuWs9— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2024
“What PM said is wrong…Basically, the Govt of India is not delivering what they promised. They promised the employment of over 2 crore people. They did not deliver anything and they are blaming us for non-delivery. But on our part, we are delivering on our promises,” Venugopal added.
What Is The Shakti Scheme Row?
The ‘Shakti’ Scheme, which provides free bus travel for all women domiciled in the state, was launched on June 11, 2023, within a month of the government assuming office as one of the five guarantee schemes by the Congress. As of October 18, the state spent Rs 7,507.35 crore on the Shakti scheme for the 311.07 crore free rides by the women.
Noting that many women had tweeted and emailed him about their willingness to pay for travel and that they don’t want free rides, Shivakumar had said during an event, “Let’s see, we will all sit and discuss it. They are a section (of women), they may be 5-10 per cent. Let’s see, some have honestly expressed they are ready to pay. Ramalinga Reddy (Transport Minister) and I — we will discuss in the government, what to do.”
After Shivakumar indicated about revisiting the scheme, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said there is no such proposal before the government to do the same. “He (Shivakumar) only said what some women are saying. I don’t know, I was not there,” he said.
Facing backlash over his statement, Shivakumar on Thursday ruled out withdrawing or revisiting any of the five guarantee schemes including Shakti, and accused media and opposition parties of distorting his statement. Leader of Opposition in Assembly and BJP leader R Ashoka and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy accused the government of trying to remove their five guarantee schemes.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and a few other ministers too said there was no proposal before the government to review Shakti or any other guarantee schemes.
(with agency inputs)
