PM Modi Slams Congress Over ‘Unfulfilled’ Poll Promises, Kharge Reacts

Last Updated:November 01, 2024, 21:30 IST

The PM’s remark came days after Shivakumar indicating about revisiting the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which provides free bus travel for all women domiciled in Karnataka

He said that the developmental trajectory and fiscal health of Congress-ruled states is turning from bad to worse. (PTI file)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Congress is exposed in front of people as their so-called guarantees remain “unfulfilled”. He said that the developmental trajectory and fiscal health of Congress-ruled states is turning from bad to worse.

The Prime Minister’s remark came days after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar indicated about revisiting the ‘Shakti’ scheme, which provides free bus travel for all women domiciled in the state.

“The Congress Party is realising the hard way that making unreal promises is easy but implementing them properly is tough or impossible. Campaign after campaign they promise things to the people, which they also know they will never be able to deliver. Now, they stand badly exposed in front of the people,” he said.

The Prime Minister also remarked that the developmental trajectories and fiscal health of Congress-governed states is turning from bad to worse along with unfulfilled guarantees. “The victims of such politics are the poor, youngsters, farmers and women, who are not only denied the benefits of these promises but also see their existing schemes diluted,” he added.

He also accused the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of indulging in “intra-party politics and loot” instead of focusing on delivering on development. He also said the state government was going to roll back existing schemes.

“The people of the country will have to be vigilant against the Congress sponsored culture of fake promises! We saw recently how the people of Haryana rejected their lies and preferred a Government that is stable, progress oriented and action driven. There is a growing realisation across India that a vote for Congress is a vote for non-governance, poor economics and unparalleled loot,” he said.

‘Lies, Deceit And Fakery’: Kharge Reacts To PM Modi’s Remarks

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reacted to PM Modi’s statements, attacking the BJP’s promises on employment, inflation and more. “Lies, Deceit, Fakery, Loot & Publicity are the 5 adjectives which best describe your Govt!” he said.

Kharge claimed India’s unemployment rate was at a 45-year high and household savings have plunged to a 52-year low. “Why are stampedes witnessed wherever there are vacancies for a handful of jobs? Who is responsible for 70 paper leaks in 7 years? Who snatched 5 Lakh Govt jobs by selling stake in PSUs?” he said.

Further taking aim at Modi’s ‘Acche Din’ and ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’, the 82-year-old Congress President said the rupee was at an all-time low, economic inequality was at a 100-year-high and crimes against backward communities had increased. He also accused the BJP government of giving clean chit to China post the Galwan clash and ruining relations with neighbouring countries.

“Modi ji, before finger-pointing, please note that – MODI KI GUARANTEE is a cruel joke on 140 Crore Indians!” Kharge said. Meanwhile, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal also said the PM’s statements were “wrong” and chastised the Centre for not delivering on what it promised and blaming the opposition party.

“We are implementing everything in Karnataka in a greater way. Anybody can check. We are implementing our promises, which is a clear model of Congress’ promises. We are implementing in Karnataka whatever we promised. Anybody can examine it,” he told reporters on Thursday.

“What PM said is wrong…Basically, the Govt of India is not delivering what they promised. They promised the employment of over 2 crore people. They did not deliver anything and they are blaming us for non-delivery. But on our part, we are delivering on our promises,” Venugopal added.

What Is The Shakti Scheme Row?

The ‘Shakti’ Scheme, which provides free bus travel for all women domiciled in the state, was launched on June 11, 2023, within a month of the government assuming office as one of the five guarantee schemes by the Congress. As of October 18, the state spent Rs 7,507.35 crore on the Shakti scheme for the 311.07 crore free rides by the women.

Noting that many women had tweeted and emailed him about their willingness to pay for travel and that they don’t want free rides, Shivakumar had said during an event, “Let’s see, we will all sit and discuss it. They are a section (of women), they may be 5-10 per cent. Let’s see, some have honestly expressed they are ready to pay. Ramalinga Reddy (Transport Minister) and I — we will discuss in the government, what to do.”

After Shivakumar indicated about revisiting the scheme, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said there is no such proposal before the government to do the same. “He (Shivakumar) only said what some women are saying. I don’t know, I was not there,” he said.

Facing backlash over his statement, Shivakumar on Thursday ruled out withdrawing or revisiting any of the five guarantee schemes including Shakti, and accused media and opposition parties of distorting his statement. Leader of Opposition in Assembly and BJP leader R Ashoka and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy accused the government of trying to remove their five guarantee schemes.

Home Minister G Parameshwara, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and a few other ministers too said there was no proposal before the government to review Shakti or any other guarantee schemes.

(with agency inputs)