Bengaluru, April 9: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday regarding questions raised about the release of funds under the state’s guarantee schemes during the ongoing by-elections in Davanagere and Bagalkot districts.
In response to the ECI’s inquiry, Siddaramaiah emphasized that the state’s guarantee schemes are ongoing welfare programs, not mere electoral announcements.
He stated that these initiatives are part of the promises made by the Congress during the 2023 assembly elections and are being implemented in a systematic and transparent manner.
The Chief Minister stressed that funds are being regularly transferred to beneficiaries in accordance with the scheme’s guidelines. He described these programs as governance systems designed to ensure human dignity, family stability, and economic participation, rather than mere inducements.
Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Siddaramaiah alleged that the party is applying double standards regarding welfare schemes.
He pointed out that while BJP leaders criticize Karnataka’s guarantee programs as “freebies,” they had adopted similar measures while in power. He further claimed that the Karnataka model has set a precedent for welfare governance in the country.
Siddaramaiah also expressed concern over the ECI’s “selective approach.” He cited examples from states like Maharashtra and Bihar, where cash transfer schemes were either announced before elections or implemented swiftly, providing direct financial benefits to voters.
He accused the Election Commission of not investigating these cases equally.
Describing the ECI’s actions as collusion rather than impartiality, the Chief Minister alleged bias, stating that the Commission scrutinizes initiatives in Karnataka while overlooking actions in BJP or NDA-ruled states.
He added that targeting the state’s guarantee schemes is anti-poor, anti-women, and against the interests of Karnataka.
Reiterating his government’s stance, Siddaramaiah affirmed that the administration remains committed to its promises and will continue welfare measures for the people of the state.
Notably, the Election Commission had written to the state’s Chief Secretary on Tuesday, requesting detailed information regarding the release of funds for the guarantee scheme in Davanagere and Bagalkot, where by-elections are currently underway.
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