Former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai. (File photo/News18)
Bommai said that the people of Karnataka had high hopes from the new government but were disappointed
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday criticized the Congress for not fulfilling its five guarantees on the first day of coming to power in the state.
Newly appointed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Karnataka cabinet, headed by him, in its first meeting today gave “in principle” approval to implement five guarantees of the Congress party and initial estimates indicate that it would cost the exchequer Rs 50,000 crore annually. Will be
The first cabinet meeting took place soon after Siddaramaiah was sworn in as chief minister, and DK Shivakumar became a minister along with eight MLAs as deputy chief minister.
“It has been agreed upon. We will not back down (from the promises),” the chief minister said, adding that the assurances would be fulfilled irrespective of the financial implications, if any.
Addressing a press conference here, he said the promises made before the elections would be implemented “most likely” after the next cabinet meeting.
The party has five election guarantees, 200 units of free electricity to all households (Griha Jyoti), Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the female head of every household (Griha Lakshmi), 10 kg rice free to each member of a BPL family (Anna Bhagya), Rs 3,000 per month for unemployed graduate youth, Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders (both in the 18-25 age group) for two years (Yuvanidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti).
Bommai said that the people of Karnataka had high hopes from the new government but were left disappointed.
He alleged that these proved to be mere promises as the Congress did not study the beneficiaries, estimated expenditure, conditions and when these guarantees would be rolled out.
“The government says it will be implemented in the next cabinet meeting. We do not know when it will be implemented in the next cabinet meeting or not. Bommai alleged that the true colors of this government would be known only after the order is passed.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI,