Bengaluru, Nov 2 (IANS): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has claimed that BJP-led states are replicating Congress's welfare schemes while dismissing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticisms of the programs as “unrealistic promises.” Responding to Modi’s remarks, Shivakumar argued that Congress's initiatives are "reforming the country" and supporting the public, adding, "The entire country is looking at our model. Many BJP states are copying our model."
Speaking from Mangaluru International Airport, Shivakumar emphasized the importance of the Congress-led state’s initiatives, such as pensions for the elderly and widows, as well as support programs for landless families. He asserted that these initiatives are "life-building" measures that go beyond mere sentiment-driven politics, contrasting Congress's policies with BJP’s approach. Shivakumar argued that despite BJP’s past efforts, Congress’s welfare programs have endured, with states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra now implementing similar schemes, a trend he views as a form of political validation.
In addressing concerns over the financial sustainability of these programs, Shivakumar contended that Karnataka’s economy is robust enough to support these initiatives, countering claims that the guarantees are economically unrealistic. He also dismissed recent remarks from BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal about nationalizing Waqf properties as inconsequential, attributing such statements to what he described as "mental instability."
Shivakumar further reiterated Congress’s commitment to maintaining and expanding its welfare programs, despite opposition scrutiny, and asserted that any administrative errors leading to injustice for farmers will be promptly corrected.