BENGALURU: Stating that the Congress party and its schemes have always been pro-poor, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday accused the Opposition of nitpicking.
“It was Congress party and not the BJP which gave several pro-poor schemes such as ration cards, pension, food grains, sites under Ashraya scheme, title to the tiller, etc. Our party would always protect the interest of the poor. The BJP is trying to find stones in the curd,” he said while speaking to media at the KPCC office.
Asked about criticism of BPL cancellations by the Opposition, he said, “BJP and Kumaraswamy have run out of issues to talk about. They were the ones who did nothing for the poor during their term. Some government employees, income taxpayers and economically well-off people are holding BPL cards. We are only trying to review such cases. The Centre has set guidelines to determine poverty and we will decide basis that. In case BPL cards have been cancelled wrongly, it will be restored. This has been decided by the Chief Minister.”
Further, when asked about Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s statement that the state government was taking several cost-cutting measures as the financial situation had worsened, he said, “What did Kumaraswamy do when he was in power? Has he improved the finances of the state? We are bringing in investments and improving the state’s finances. Let him say what industries he has brought into Karnataka as the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel.”
Responding to MLA’s allegations that they are not getting funds for developmental works in their constituency, he said, “There are procedures for that. Some of them ask for Rs 100 crore grant, how is it possible to allocate so much? We are giving as per the norms.”
When asked if he had any information on offers made to MLAs, he said, “Media is not discussing issues pertaining to BJP. Why is the media not discussing the issue of Rs 1000 crore raised by Yatnal. Report as to where that Rs 1000 crore is. The BJP has not issued a show-cause notice to Yatnal if he was wrong, why is that?”
Replying to queries on protest planned by Wine Merchants Association against Excise Minister R B Thimmapur, he said, “The Chief Minister has given time to them for a discussion. He will listen to their grievances. It is our government’s duty to ensure no business is troubled.” (ANI)