Bengaluru, Aug 20 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that the Congress-led administration has effectively "put Rs 1 lakh crore directly into the hands of the impoverished" through a variety of public welfare initiatives.

Shivakumar, who also leads the Congress state unit, made these statements during a commemoration event at the party's state office, celebrating the birth anniversaries of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs.

"Our government has been implementing guarantee schemes for the last two years. It is crucial for people to be reminded of these schemes. We have designed these initiatives to empower you, and they need to be utilized effectively. For instance, Rs 20,000 crore is earmarked for free electricity for farmers, Rs 10,000 crore for pension plans, and Rs 52,000 crore for five guarantee schemes. When combined with other social welfare initiatives, our government is channeling approximately Rs 1 lakh crore into the pockets of the poor," Shivakumar remarked after paying respects to the portraits of these leaders.

"What programs did the BJP or other parties implement? During my time as an MLA, when J.H. Patel served as CM, panchayats were allocated Rs 1 lakh. Under CM S.M. Krishna's leadership, we increased this to Rs 5 lakh, involving 27 departments under panchayats. This is how Congress strengthens local governance," he emphasized.

“As for the JD-S, what contributions have the Gowdas made? And the BJP—what role did they play in the freedom struggle? After assuming power, did they secure food for the underprivileged? Did they allocate land to farmers? Regarding free electricity for farmers, we initially increased it from 6 hours to 7 hours, and now we are allocating Rs 20,000 crore from an earlier Rs 800 crore spent annually," he elaborated.

"Today marks an inspiring day for youth. Our youth leader B.V. Srinivas recently organized the ‘Run for Rajiv’ marathon, attracting around 15,000 participants at 5:30 a.m., including numerous citizens. Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions remain in public memory," he stated.

"I recall my student days in a general hostel, where telephone connectivity was virtually non-existent in my village. It would take years to get a phone. Today, everyone has two or three. Rajiv Gandhi transformed the landscape of computers and telecommunications in our country," Shivakumar shared.

The Deputy Chief Minister noted that the former Prime Minister championed the 74th Amendment to the Constitution, ensuring leadership flows from panchayats to Parliament. "Yesterday, BJP leaders raised concerns about the 74th Amendment. To implement it effectively, we are establishing five municipal corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)," he noted.

“Rajiv Gandhi had a particular concern for youth, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18... We honor such visionary leaders,” he concluded.

"Rajiv Gandhi instructed Bangarappa to guarantee youth from all communities receive opportunities. During communal clashes in Channapatna, he personally visited the state. I was an MLA from a part of Channapatna then. He discussed numerous matters with me in his car... At that time, CM Veerendra Patil's health was failing, and due to health circumstances, a decision was made to appoint Bangarappa. He also mandated that opportunities must be available for youth from all communities. Instead of senior leader Chikke Gowda in the district, I was appointed as a minister," Shivakumar recounted.

"Numerous leaders currently serving as Chief Ministers in various states rose during Rajiv Gandhi’s era. No other party leaders can equate to the sacrifices made by Congress leaders for national integrity and peace. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has written to hold student elections; a committee will decide the method of conducting them," he concluded.