Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar defends the "Karnataka guarantee model" amid controversy over remarks about reviewing the Shakti scheme for free women's bus travel. Congress leaders respond to backlash, with chief minister Siddaramaiah clarifying there's no plan to alter guarantees, while the BJP criticises the management of Congress's schemes. New Delhi: Facing backlash from both the opposition BJP and Congress leadership, Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Friday asserted that the state’s “guarantee model” serves as a blueprint for the entire country, receiving praise from various parties, including the BJP.
“We are proud that we could implement this model and deliver on our promises. The people of Karnataka and the country are very happy with our model,” Shivakumar stated. This declaration comes amid rising tensions within the Congress party, particularly following Shivakumar’s comments about a potential review of the Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women in state-owned non-luxury buses.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge publicly reprimanded Shivakumar for his remarks, joking, “You (Shivakumar) said you will drop one guarantee.” A claim and a clarification from Shivakumar On Wednesday, Shivakumar had indicated that several women had reached out to him via social media and email, expressing a desire to pay for their tickets. He added that soon he would hold a meeting with transport minister Ramalinga Reddy on this.
Later.
