Karnataka Government Defies Predictions on Welfare Initiatives: Governor Addresses Assembly
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Synopsis
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot praised the Congress government for its progress despite predictions that welfare schemes would harm the economy. He emphasized the commitment to ensure benefits reach all societal levels. The budget session began with various discussions, including leadership conflicts and significant budget projections.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Governor confirms success of welfare schemes.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to present his 16th budget.
- BJP protests against perceived disrespect to the Governor.
- Budget session expected to involve heated discussions.
- Internal conflicts within both Congress and BJP continue.
Bengaluru, March 3 (NationPress) Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot remarked on Monday that the Congress government is advancing positively and has successfully disproved claims regarding the state’s welfare initiatives, which were said to weaken the economy and hinder progress.
During his address to the joint session of the Assembly on the inaugural day of the budget session, he stated, “With great pride, I can affirm that my government is excelling in accelerating development and fortifying finances. In line with Mahatma Gandhi's vision, our government is devoted to delivering the advantages of the schemes to the most marginalized individuals in society,” the Governor declared.
“Certain individuals had anticipated that the launch of the government’s ambitious welfare programs would adversely impact the state’s economy and impede development. This prediction has been proven incorrect by our government,” the Governor elaborated.
The budget session, lasting 15 days, began on Monday with discussions surrounding the viability of guarantee schemes, leadership conflicts within both the Congress and BJP, along with worries about the government’s intention to acquire a Rs one lakh crore loan in the 2025-26 budget.
CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar warmly welcomed Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at the Vidhana Soudha entrance, granting him a red-carpet reception. Speaker U.T. Khader and Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti presented him with bouquets and accompanied him into the House for the joint session.
On March 7, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to unveil his 16th state budget, marking a record for any leader in Karnataka. The budget session is anticipated to be dynamic, with the opposition BJP and JD(S) gearing up to challenge the Congress-led government on multiple fronts.
Prior to the joint session, all BJP MLAs, led by Opposition Leader R. Ashoka, staged a foot march from the Legislators' Home to Vidhana Soudha, protesting against the alleged disrespect shown by the state government towards the Governor and Raj Bhavan. The BJP has asserted that the government tried to limit the Governor’s authority.
State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra, along with Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and JD(S) leaders Suresh Babu and Bhojegowda, joined the demonstration.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stirred controversy by criticizing the absence of Kannada film industry artists at the International Film Festival inauguration. Opposition members condemned Shivakumar for his comment that he “knows how to tighten the screws” on film artists. Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and H.D. Kumaraswamy, along with the state BJP, labeled his statement as toxic and unacceptable.
The budget session is also expected to feature intense debates on various matters, including the police station attack incident, allegations of Muslim appeasement, metro fare increases, and proposed hikes in water and milk prices.
As internal divisions persist within the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP, it will be intriguing to observe how both parties engage in political rivalry.
Within the Congress party, former Union Minister and senior leader Veerappa Moily defied the high command’s directive to avoid discussions on power sharing, asserting that no one could prevent Shivakumar from ascending to the Chief Minister position.
Shivakumar's supporter, MLA Basavaraju Shivaganga, further claimed that the Deputy CM would assume the Chief Minister role by December and lead the party in the upcoming Assembly elections. This assertion has reportedly outraged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his faction.
Meanwhile, despite the intervention of the BJP high command calming the rebellion against state President B.Y. Vijayendra, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has continued to display open defiance, previously targeting former CM B.S. Yediyurappa in the House.
BJP MLAs S.T. Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar have collaborated with Congress leaders, defying party directives in prior sessions.
The projected budget for 2025-26 is expected to reach Rs 4 lakh crore. CM Siddaramaiah has previously presented 15 budgets—eight as Chief Minister and seven as Deputy CM and Finance Minister—setting a record in the state, surpassing former CM Ramakrishna Hegde, who presented 13 budgets.
