BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday took the opportunity of his Independence Day speech to stress that the five guarantee schemes of the Congress will continue.
Addressing the Independence Day celebration at the Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru, the CM refuted that there will be any relook at the guarantee schemes.
The CM said the five guarantees are helping the beneficiaries with about Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 directly and indirectly. He took a dig at critics who had warned that the guarantees would bankrupt the state saying that the Congress government has answered them with the economic growth of the state.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also indirectly attacked the Union government over the Bangladesh crisis saying such a situation may occur in the country too. He also targeted the Centre saying injustice was done in allocation of central funds.
Earlier, the CM hoisted the Tricolour and inspected a guard of honour in an open jeep. The Benglauru Urban DC K A Dayananda and Police Commissioner B Dayananda were also present. A police band also presented the national anthem. Before commencing his speech, the CM asked the police commissioner to remove a bulletproof shield that was placed at the podium.
Several cultural groups also presented performances. The Naada Geethe and Raitha Geethe were performed by Manjunath, Nagachandra Bhat, Siddarajaiah, Sabbanahalli Raju and group. The state song ‘Jaya Bharati’ was presented in dance form by a group of 750 students of the Government PU College, Yelahanka.
Volunteers from NCC, NSS and sportspersons presented a dance highlighting the five guarantee schemes of the Congress government. About 700 students from the BBMP college at Pillappa Garden presented a dance performance on freedom fighter Rani Abbakka.
Havildar Sombir and team also presented a paragliding show with the Tricolour. Vinayak Pawar and team from the Maratha Regiment presented the Mallakhamba while Subedar M K Singh and team presented daredevil stunts on motorcycles. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also presented certificates to organ donors.