Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, on Wednesday, 27 May launched a pointed attack on the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that the administration had delivered 'zero' development and was unlikely to survive its full five-year term. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Narayanaswamy charged that the government had leaned entirely on its five guarantee schemes as a political crutch while failing Dalits and tribal communities.

Guarantee Schemes Fell Short, BJP Alleges

Narayanaswamy alleged that the Congress government had not fulfilled its pre-election promises despite public claims to the contrary. 'They claim that they have fulfilled every promise made to the people. But it is unclear where the guarantee schemes have actually reached,' he said. He alleged that ministers who had challenged the Opposition in the Assembly over fund transfers were later 'left embarrassed and emotional' when documents were released, claiming that money had still not reached beneficiaries properly.

He further predicted that the Siddaramaiah government may not complete even three years in office, let alone the full term — a charge the ruling Congress has not publicly responded to as of this report.

Anna Bhagya Scheme Under Scrutiny

The BJP leader specifically targeted the Anna Bhagya free rice scheme, alleging a significant downgrade from the original promise. He claimed that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already been providing 5 kg of food grains to beneficiaries, the Congress government had promised 10 kg but subsequently shifted to disbursing cash — reportedly ₹170 to some beneficiaries — instead of grain. 'The Siddaramaiah government had promised to provide 10 kg of food grains. Later, they started giving ₹170 to some beneficiaries and are now trying to justify it by talking about the Indira Kit scheme,' he alleged.

SCSP and TSP Funds Allegedly Diverted

Narayanaswamy alleged that funds earmarked under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) had been misused. He claimed that while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced an allocation of ₹42,000 crore for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, nearly 50 per cent of that amount was being directed towards departmental works, with the remainder allegedly diverted to fund guarantee schemes. 'This is a betrayal of Dalits,' he charged.

He also cited recent media reports alleging inadequate food supply in government hostels for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students, accusing Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa of failing to commit to immediate corrective action. 'Mahadevappa only said he would inspect the issue regarding food shortage in hostels. He did not immediately promise corrective measures,' Narayanaswamy said.

Food Minister Accused of Rebuking Media

Narayanaswamy also criticised Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa, alleging that instead of addressing questions on ration distribution and welfare implementation, the minister had taken to rebuking journalists. 'When questioned about ration distribution, Minister Muniyappa scolds media persons instead of answering. It is difficult to understand how people are tolerating the arrogance of this government and its ministers,' he said. He also accused Mahadevappa of mishandling the issue of internal reservation and creating confusion around it.

BJP Presence at the Presser

The press interaction was attended by several BJP leaders and office-bearers, including city president L. Nagendra, media coordinator Mahesh Raj Urs, SC Morcha city president Karthik Mariyappa, SC Morcha rural president Anil Kumar, former Deputy Mayor Shailendra, and other party functionaries. The Congress government in Karnataka is yet to formally respond to the specific allegations raised at the press conference.