Karnataka guarantee schemes a model for other states: Minister

Karnataka's five guarantee schemes, costing over Rs 50,000 crore annually, have become a model for other states and improved the lives of crores of families, Backward Classes Welfare Minister Shivraj Tangadagi said on Saturday. Hoisting the flag at the 80th Independence Day event in Koppal, he said the state government has spent Rs 1.34 lakh crore on the schemes so far. Beneficiaries include more than 3.12 lakh under Gruha Lakshmi in Koppal district, with Rs 1,853 crore credited directly to their accounts.

The Deccan Herald reports that BJP leader R. Ashoka has demanded a white paper on the guarantee schemes, accusing Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of misleading the public with figures that contradict official records. Ashoka posted on social media: 'One govt, one scheme, three numbers: Karnataka’s Numbers Don’t Add Up.' Tangadagi dismissed BJP criticism, saying the party introduced similar schemes in states it rules. He also said the Congress will return to power in 2028 and Shivakumar will continue as Chief Minister.