Are Anna Bhagya Scheme Dues Exposing the Congress Government?

Bengaluru, July 8 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the outstanding dues of Rs 250 crore owed to truck owners, who have initiated a strike, disrupting rice transportation under the Anna Bhagya scheme intended for free distribution throughout the state.

The party emphasized that following the strike, countless impoverished families have been left to 'wash their hands in empty plates'.

The Leader of Opposition, R. Ashoka, remarked on Tuesday, 'Due to the government's inability to settle bills for the last six months, truck owners responsible for food grain transport have commenced an indefinite strike, which has effectively halted food grain supplies across Karnataka.'

'Honourable CM Siddaramaiah, it's been six months since you have failed to disburse Rs 250 crore to the truck owners. How are they supposed to pay their drivers? How will they refuel their trucks with diesel? If this strike disrupts food grain supply and delays ration distribution to the needy, who will take responsibility?' Ashoka queried.

The BJP leader stated that when the opposition labels the government as bankrupt, he dismisses it as 'false' while defending the state's financial health. 'However, the truth is you've left Rs 250 crore pending for six months. How much longer will this charade persist? Resign and save Karnataka,' Ashoka demanded.

BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra also criticized the Congress administration, asserting that CM Siddaramaiah, who proudly refers to himself as 'Annaramaiah' (provider of food), has effectively brought the Anna Bhagya free rice initiative to a standstill.

'Your continuous assertions that the state treasury is not empty are untrue and completely ridiculous. By neglecting to pay rent for months to the truck owners (approximately 4,500 trucks) who play a vital role in executing the Anna Bhagya scheme, you have severely impacted their livelihoods.' Vijayendra stated emphatically.

'Consequently, from now on, countless underprivileged families depending on the Anna Bhagya scheme will face the harsh reality of 'washing hands in an empty plate',' he criticized.

Vijayendra further remarked that the Congress-led Karnataka government has reached a financial crisis where it cannot even pay rent to the trucks transporting food grains under Anna Bhagya. 'This clearly shows that the state’s financial situation is headed towards bankruptcy.'

'Under the Anna Bhagya scheme, the state government is not solely liable for transport costs. The Central government, under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is already providing 5 kilograms of free rice under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and covering transportation costs. Yet, your government continues to harass truck owners by withholding their payments.' he criticized.

'To support your government's corrupt practices, you're burdening citizens with price increases and unreasonable taxes. At the very least, pause your commission-driven agendas. Clear the pending dues to truck owners immediately so that people do not suffer from hunger. Save yourself from the curses of truck owners, drivers, and their families who depend on this livelihood,' Vijayendra urged.

Meanwhile, truck owners have resolved to maintain their protest until the outstanding amount is paid, despite assurances from Minister for Food K. H. Muniyappa that the pending sum would be settled within two to three days.

The President of the Retail Transport Contractors’ Association, Shanmugappa, announced on Monday that trucks ceased transporting rice as of midnight on Sunday.

'Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have not honored their promise to settle transportation dues for trucks that delivered rice across the state from February to June. The outstanding amount remains at Rs 250 crore.' he stated.

'Truck drivers and owners are currently facing severe challenges. They are acquiring loans and facing the risk of losing their livelihoods. Many are managing to sustain operations by pledging their jewelry to purchase diesel and cover transport expenses,' Shanmugappa added.

He further indicated that financial institutions providing vehicle loans are now seizing trucks since the owners cannot meet their EMI obligations. He condemned the government, stating that the Secretary of the Food Department had guaranteed payments would be made by June 19, but nothing has materialized.

The trucks have delivered 25 lakh tonnes of rice to district and taluk centers across the state. Due to the government's negligence, approximately 3,500 to 4,000 truck drivers are now in crisis, he asserted.