A statement by senior Congress MLA and former minister R.V. Deshpande has caused a significant stir in Karnataka’s political circles. Deshpande openly expressed that if he had been the Chief Minister, he would not have implemented the Congress government’s prominent ‘five guarantees.’ This statement has been seized upon by opposition parties and has also generated discussion among members of the ruling party.
During a public event in Dandeli, Deshpande raised concerns about the economic and social implications of these welfare schemes. He pointed out that they have potentially altered gender dynamics and placed a considerable strain on the state’s finances. Elaborating on his concerns, Deshpande remarked, “The Siddaramaiah government provided five guarantees, including ₹2,000 monthly for women, which is akin to a lottery. The situation for men has worsened. If men speak up too much, they risk being penalized.”
Deshpande, an eight-time MLA for Haliyal, specifically criticized the ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ (monthly cash aid for women) and ‘Gruha Jyothi’ (free electricity for households) programs, labeling them as populist measures enacted without adequate forethought. He stated, “Only God knows who advised Siddaramaiah. If I were the Chief Minister, I would not have implemented these.”
He also voiced his skepticism about the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which offers free bus travel to women. Deshpande humorously, yet critically, observed, “Buses, oh my God! Women are traveling extensively to Dharwad, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, and Yellamma temple. These are exclusively women’s buses. These are Siddaramaiah’s programs.” He further commented on the ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme, which provides 10 kg of free rice per person monthly, and alluded to plans for distributing an ‘Indira Kit’ containing essential cooking items. “Let women take them and enjoy. We don’t even know what else he plans to give. I can’t comprehend the magic Siddaramaiah is performing; it’s beyond my understanding,” he added.
The five guarantees – Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, Anna Bhagya, Yuva Nidhi, and Shakti – were introduced in May 2023 and are projected to cost the state exchequer ₹51,034 crore in the current fiscal year. While the government champions these initiatives as pro-poor measures, many within the Congress party have privately expressed worries that these extensive guarantees leave minimal room for crucial development spending.
Deshpande’s candid remarks quickly elicited responses from across the political spectrum. The Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, echoed Deshpande’s sentiment, calling the comments “the truth” and predicting that more Congress leaders would eventually recognize the detrimental impact of these guarantees. Chalavadi Narayana Swamy, the Council Opposition Leader, added, “Bankruptcy is happening in the name of guarantees. Congress members are internally opposing these guarantees.”
In defense of the government’s schemes, Home Minister G. Parameshwara responded, “When he becomes the Chief Minister, he can stop the guarantees if he wishes. How can anyone claim that development is being stunted?”