Congress MLA RV Deshpande says he wouldn’t have implemented guarantee schemes if he was CM, retracts later

KARWAR: Senior Congress leader and Haliyal MLA R V Deshpande sparked controversy by criticizing the party’s own government’s flagship guarantees schemes, stating that if he were the Chief Minister, he wouldn’t have implemented them. After a call from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to explain his statement, Deshpande claimed that his remarks were misinterpreted.

Speaking at a party programme in Dandeli to expose ‘vote chori’, Deshpande expressed concerns over the financial burden these schemes have placed on the state. Deshpande argued that the schemes have put a strain on the state’s finances, making it difficult to run the government.

He also pointed out that while women are benefitting from the schemes, men are being left out, with no specific programmes to support them. Deshpande criticized the creation of multiple committees to implement these schemes, stating that managing them has become a challenge. He claimed that the focus on these schemes has slowed down the pace of development in the state.

After Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sought an explanation on Monday, Deshpande has clarified his comments on the government’s guarantee schemes were misinterpreted and that he was actually praising the CM’s people-centric policies and the guarantee schemes.

In a statement, Deshpande said was appreciating CM Siddaramaiah’s initiatives, highlighting his experience and commitment to the welfare of the poor. He emphasized that his intention was not to criticise the guarantee schemes, but to acknowledge the CM’s efforts in implementing people-centric policies.

He expressed disappointment over the misinterpretation of his words, stating that he never said the guarantee schemes were causing financial strain on the government. The controversy arose after Deshpande’s sarcastic remarks about the schemes, where he jokingly suggested that people could buy and sell the goods provided under the schemes.

Deshpande’s comments have sparked debate within the party and among the public, with many questioning the implications of his statements on the party’s policies and the potential impact on the upcoming elections.