Bengaluru: MB Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, on Thursday slammed the BJP for its apparent double standards in criticising Karnataka’s five guarantee schemes while adopting similar models in other states.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, he said, “The BJP, which ridicules our guarantee schemes in Karnataka, has now promised 125 units of free electricity per month in Bihar. This clearly reveals the party’s duplicity in its attempt to woo voters.”
Patil pointed out that the BJP had earlier criticised the Congress-led Karnataka government’s Gruha Lakshmi scheme. “Ironically, the same party has implemented an identical programme under the name ‘Ladli Behen’ in Maharashtra and has replicated the model in Delhi as well,” he remarked.
He further accused BJP leaders of hypocrisy, stating, “They call our schemes a burden on the exchequer, but defend them as fair when implemented by their own governments. This double standard is unjustified. In fact, our guarantee schemes have now become models for the entire country.”
Patil also said that a convention would be held in Mysuru on Saturday to mark the successful completion of two years of the Congress government. “ Chief Minister has said that he is open to a public debate about the governments’ performance on any platform . Let the BJP leaders come to discuss. We know very well, what they did while in power and what we have delivered. We are ready to present our performance before the people,” he said.
He added that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is widely regarded as the most prominent leader representing the OBC communities. “Considering his stature, Congress party’s OBC Advisory Council meeting was held under his leadership to deliberate on the future course of action for the welfare of OBCs,” Patil noted.
