Bengaluru, April 7 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reached out to the Chief Secretary of Karnataka to request information regarding the disbursement of funds from the guarantee scheme in the Davanagere and Bagalkot districts, which are currently undergoing bye-elections.

This initiative follows the state government’s allocation of funds from the guarantee scheme during the bye-election phase. In this regard, ECI Secretary Pawan Diwan has addressed a letter to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, seeking further clarification.

As per the official correspondence, the Commission has demanded a comprehensive report detailing the funds allocated in both districts, including the identities of the officials who sanctioned the payments.

This notice is issued amid the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Commission has emphasized that no new funds should be allocated for welfare initiatives without prior authorization during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. It has also instructed that any pending approvals or payments should not proceed without the Commission's consent.

In response to this situation, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has accused the BJP of trying to obstruct the state government’s guarantee initiatives by leveraging the mechanism of the Election Commission. He labeled this approach as an assault on the marginalized and unemployed youth, promising that voters will react accordingly.

While speaking to reporters at Bapuji Guest House in Davanagere today, Shivakumar asserted that the state government has enacted welfare programs that serve as a model for the nation.

He also expressed discontent over remarks attributed to PM Modi, who claimed that these guarantees haven’t been implemented in Karnataka and that the Congress government has failed to deliver on its promises.

Shivakumar argued that individuals in high positions should be better informed and accused the BJP of copying similar schemes in other states after facing criticism.

He further alleged that the BJP has been consistently working to undermine initiatives aimed at supporting youth and women since the outset.

Clarifying that these schemes were not specifically created for electoral purposes, he noted that the government has invested over Rs 1.25 lakh crore in public welfare over the past two and a half years.

Describing the Commission’s correspondence as indicative of political pressure, Shivakumar asserted that all funding disbursements were conducted within legal parameters.

He criticized the BJP's position as an attempt to obstruct relief efforts for the economically disadvantaged affected by soaring prices.

Shivakumar confirmed that installments for the schemes had been disbursed until last month and that further payments would follow after the elections conclude.

He reassured beneficiaries that the programs will persist and encouraged voters not to succumb to what he termed as efforts to instill fear.

He emphasized: “Those who are inciting panic among voters will not succeed in these elections. Their government will not regain power in the future.”