Congress holds statewide protest against Centre to demand rice for ‘Anna Bhagya’

BENGALURU: The state Congress staged a protest at Freedom Park on Tuesday to protest against the alleged non-cooperation of the central government and to demand the release of rice for the ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme.

The Congress leaders and party workers expressed their outrage by boiling rice at the protest venue.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, addressing the protesters, said, “Registration process for ‘Gruha Jyothi’, 200 units of free electricity, has started, but people need not rush as the server is also down. We have taken some more time for the Gruha Lakshmi Yojana. Our workers should ensure that the schemes reach all people, without discrimination among communities”.

Taunting BJP MLC Narayanaswamy, Shivakumar said, “If he wants to take his family out, let him go. I don’t say ‘no’ to my family members, if they apply. Those wanting to enlist for the Gruha Lakshmi scheme to get Rs 2,000 monthly should first apply. If any official asks for a bribe, a case will be filed against them”.

“No one should ask for a bribe. We will set up a call centre soon and we won’t hesitate to file case against Congress workers in case they made a mistake or took money for any work. Karnataka should become a corruption-free state”, Shivakumar said.

The Deputy CM further said, “Initially, the central government agreed to give rice; now it has been cancelled by FCI. They do not need to give it away for free. Former chief ministers Basavaraj Bommai and Yediyurappa told people not to accept ration if card holders find any shortfall in distributed rations. Mainly, they have not given employment to youth. Why didn’t farmers’ income double? Why didn’t they debit Rs 15 lakhs in people’s accounts? People should protest against this”.

He said BJP has no moral right to protest against Congress. “Let them talk to the central government about supplying rice instead of playing politics. We are not afraid of rain or cold. We’ll protest against the central government”, he said.

Protests were held in all districts by the Congress over the Centre’s decision to suspend sale of rice in the open market.