The five guarantee schemes will not be stopped under any circumstances. Not just for the next two years - we will return to power in the next election, and the schemes will continue even after that. From the very beginning, we have been working to correct the shortcomings noticed in their implementation, and that process continues even now. Beneficiaries of these schemes need not be anxious by listening to the Opposition’s false propaganda.
The BJP is fundamentally an anti-poor party. It has opposed the guarantee schemes from day one. First, they said it was impossible to implement them. Later, they claimed that the government would go bankrupt due to a lack of funds. Now, they are spreading rumours that the guarantee schemes will be stopped. This only reflects their political frustration.
As Chief Minister, I have not only successfully implemented all five schemes in the state, but have also ensured that they do not adversely affect Karnataka’s economy. Today, Karnataka ranks first in the country in per capita income and stands second only to Maharashtra in GST collection. If the treasury were empty and the government were bankrupt, would these achievements have been possible?
The BJP, which has been opposing our guarantee schemes, has copied the same model in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal to come to power. What moral right do they have to oppose guarantee schemes? Although the BJP has promised such schemes ahead of elections in some states, it has not been able to implement them fully.
These schemes must reach the truly eligible beneficiaries. When ineligible people misuse them, it is the duty of an elected government to prevent it. Our people must also think about this. Cheating the government out of greed to avail the benefits of guarantee schemes is not only a violation of the law, but also a betrayal of the people of the state. Instead of spreading false propaganda for political gain, the Opposition must help the government ensure that these schemes reach the eligible beneficiaries.