‘There is a counter-eect of guarantees because of how they are being implemented’
The former CM says the way the schemes are being projected is dierent from how they are actually being implemented on the ground
BJP leader and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Haveri, claims that the way the Congress’ guarantee schemes are being projected is completely dierent from the manner in which they are actually being implemented on the ground.
In an interview with The Hindu, Mr. Bommai maintained that there is a ‘counter-eect’ of guarantees because of the ‘improper’ manner in which they are being implemented. He also alleged that the State is suering because the Congress government is implementing massive guarantee schemes without proper preparations.
Excerpts from the interview:
You are an MLA. What made you contest the Lok Sabha elections?
Why should I not enter the Lok Sabha? I want to use all the rich experience from Karnataka at the Centre for the sake of development of the State and the country.
What are the main issues in these polls?
The poll issues are all PM Modi-centric. Those who are desperate to come back to power at the Centre are opposing him.
What is the political impact of the Congress’ guarantee schemes?
The way the guarantee schemes are being projected is completely dierent from the manner in which they are actually being implemented on ground. For example, the Congress had promised 10 kg of rice. But they are able to provide only ve kg. They promised 200 units of power to all households. I challenge this government to claim that they have given 200 units to even 1% of households in Karnataka. Under Gruha Lakshmi, only 30% of the registered women heads of families are getting ₹2,000 per month. Yuva Nidhi has remained a non-starter. With respect to free bus service for women, transport authorities are abruptly cancelling services. Students, who have to regularly use buses, are facing hardship due to this.
What about work on development projects?
No new development work has been taken up in any Assembly constituency. The ruling Congress MLAs themselves are openly expressing resentment. During these elections, they have been saying that it is dicult for them to go to the people as nothing has been done in the last 10 to 11 months.
What is your take on the Congress accusing the Centre of meting out injustice to Karnataka in devolution of funds and drought relief?
It is a political strategy to cover up their failure in handling nances and ghting drought. If you take away ₹52,000 crore (for guarantee schemes) from capital expenses, how can you sustain it? They should have prepared themselves for this.
What is your vision for development?
For my constituency, I want to focus on irrigation and industrialisation. I have laid the foundation for a few lift irrigation schemes.
There is a huge pool of skilled and talented manpower in Karnataka. We have to bring in investments in the niche sectors and in new enterprises.