‘Could lead to bankruptcy,’ Congress chief scolds Karnataka minister for reviewing key poll promise

The chief of India’s main opposition Congress party publicly slammed the government of Karnataka, a state ruled by the grand old party, over poll promise made without considering fiscal prudence. Mallikarjun Kharge warned all Congress state units not to bite off more than ‘you can chew.’ His words of caution came a day after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar suggested that one of key poll promises made by the party would be reviewed in view of financial constraints.

Kharge’s advice came ahead of elections in states like Jharkhand and Maharashtra, where Congress is banking on similar poll guarantees to outshine rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“You promised five guarantees in Karnataka. Inspired by you, we made a promise of five guarantees in Maharashtra. Today, you mentioned that you would cancel one of those guarantees. It seems like you don’t all read the newspapers, but I do, so I’m telling you this,” Kharge rebuked CM Siddaramaiah and the deputy CM at a press conference.

Notably, Shivakumar on Wednesday (Oct 30) said that the Karnataka Congress government would review the ‘Shakti’ scheme, a poll promise that guaranteed free rides to women on non-luxury government buses.

The minister blamed the decision on financial constraints.

Kharge warned Congress state units against ‘an unplanned approach’ that could lead to bankruptcy and ‘impact’ on ‘future generations’.

“I advised Maharashtra Congress leaders not to keep making promises of five, six, seven, or eight guarantees. Instead, make promises that align with your budget. Making promises without considering the budget could lead to bankruptcy; there wouldn’t even be money to put sand on the roads. If this government fails, it will impact future generations. It could lead to disrepute, and the government might face restrictions for the next ten years,” Kharge said.

When CM Siddaramaiah argued that deputy CM Shivkumar had only talked about reviewing the scheme and not withdrawing it, Kharge retorted, “Whatever (DCM) you have said has given them (BJP) a chance”.

Shivkumar’s remarks were quickly criticised by BJP, which earlier alleged that Congress state governments were making promises that were not fiscally doable.

“The BJP would like to very respectfully convey to the voters of Maharashtra and Jharkhand that whenever Congress people go and make reckless announcements, ask them, “Your President is saying this. Aap kahaan se karoge (How will you do it)?” BJP’s Ravi Shankar said.

(With inputs from agencies)