Bengaluru, Nov 16: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today said that the BJP had announced guarantee schemes in Maharashtra on the same lines as Congress party’s guarantee schemes in Karnataka as it was feeling the heat of inflation.
Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence before departing for election campaign in Maharashtra, he said, “The BJP has understood the impact of inflation now and hence it is offering Rs 1500 for women in Maharashtra. The BJP-led Mahayuti has promised to pay Rs 2,100 to women if it wins. They are also following the Karnataka welfare model. We have offered Rs 3000 to women, Rs 4000 and life insurance of Rs 25000 to youth.”
Displaying the advertisement issued by the BJP in Maharashtra about Karnataka guarantees, he said, “The BJP issued false advertisements stating that the Congress party had not implemented the guarantee schemes in Karnataka. We extended an open invitation to their ministers to visit Karnataka and see the guarantee schemes for themselves. We offered to organise chartered buses and flights.”
“As per our internal survey, we are likely to win 160 seats. I campaigned in Maharashtra on Friday and I will continue my campaign on Saturday and Sunday too,” he added.
BJP trying to disturb communal harmony
Asked about BJP’s campaign against Waqf, he said, “It is stupidity. The process of mentioning Waqf name in the pahani (RTC) started during BJP’s regime. We have all the documents but we can’t disclose them due to Model Code of Conduct. The BJP is trying to create communal disturbance. The media is projecting only BJP’s allegations but not Congress’ stand. The CM has already given a clarification regarding this. We will expose the BJP’s conspiracy on Waqf.”
Asked about two factions in Waqf campaign led by Vijayendra and Yatnal, he said, “I don’t know about the factions. Our CM has said Congress MLAs were offered Rs 50 crore by the BJP to defect.”
“The BJP has asked if the MLAs were sheep to be bought. Were the MLAs they purchased a few years ago sheep? C P Yogeshwar told the Assembly that he along with Ashwathnarayan had gone to Srinivas Gowda’s house to deliver the money,” he said.
Replying to R Ashok demanding proof of Operation Lotus, he said, “Yatnal has to give proof of the Rs 1000 crore which is earmarked to buy the Congress MLAs. The Police have registered a case regarding this and the investigation is on. Ashok has to reveal who went and gave a statement.”
“Yatnal had made allegations that Rs 2500 crore was paid for the CM’s post during the BJP rule. He is making similar allegations while sitting in the Opposition. He is a senior politician. Is he dumb to make such allegations openly?” he asked.
Covid 19
Asked if Covid scam would be raised in the Parliament, he said, “We have received the report submitted by Justice Cunha. We are going through the report. The report talks about recovering the scam money, we will discuss it.”
