Thursday brought clarity to Karnataka Congress’s guarantee scheme row, with MB Patil slamming DK Shivakumar’s ‘burden’ quip. The Industries Minister hailed them as growth enablers, calling on the affluent to yield space for the vulnerable.
‘Not a fiscal albatross but a promise redeemed at Rs 60,000 crore,’ Patil stated confidently, attributing seamless execution to Siddaramaiah’s oversight. The schemes’ reach has transformed lives across strata.
Home chief G Parameshwara defended the deputy CM: ‘Manifesto was our shared vision; his comment reflects insider fiscal realities.’
Regarding opulent takers, Parameshwara explained, ‘Launch assumed self-selection by the rich, yet 100-acre owners now draw aid.’ He cited Modi’s subsidy appeal as precedent, mirroring the CM’s stance.
Shivakumar, at a rare disease initiative, conceded pressures but reaffirmed welfare primacy over budgets. As BJP decries impending ruin, Karnataka’s guarantees test the government’s mettle.
Observers watch closely: Will these initiatives propel inclusive development or precipitate crisis? Patil’s rebuttal fortifies the narrative of purposeful expenditure.