Congress MLA wants guarantees rolled back, DKS warns of action | India News – Times of India

VIJAYANAGARA/BENGALURU: Congress govt in Karnataka, riding high after its success in recent bypolls, faced an embarrassment after party’s Vijayanagara MLA H R Gaviyappa urged CM Siddaramaiah to cancel some flagship guarantee schemes, citing need for fiscal prudence.
As per Gaviyappa, the financial strain in running these schemes is turning out to be an impediment in ensuring an efficient delivery of housing projects to the underprivileged. While the CM is yet to react to Gaviyappa’s suggestions, deputy CM and state Congress president D K Shivakumar was quick to condemn the proposals.
Terming them out-of-line with the party’s commitment to people, he said a show-cause notice will be issued to Gaviyappa. “No MLA of Congress should question guarantee schemes. We will initiate action if anyone does so,” Shivakumar said. His comments came after a video of Gaviyappa seeking withdrawal of some of the schemes was widely circulated online.
Addressing a public meeting in his home constituency recently, the MLA said, “It has become difficult to provide houses to people due to guarantee schemes. I request the CM to cancel two-three guarantee schemes that are not needed. Then, at least, we will be able to provide houses. Let’s see what the CM says.” Gaviyappa in his speech expressed frustration at insufficient funds allocated to his constituency. Reports suggest Vijayanagara received only Rs 22 crore compared to Rs 60-70 crore allocated to its neighbouring constituencies.
Disapproving of the views, Shivakumar was stern in warning the MLA. “He cannot do this. There is no question of stopping any guarantee scheme. We are committed to people of the state. We will continue it, and no one can raise their voice,” he said.
The controversy comes soon after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge castigated the state brass for comments suggesting a rollback of some guarantees, with Shivakumar being pulled up. Pointing out that he had highlighted Karnataka’s five guarantees in Maharashtra during his campaign in the state, Kharge said: “Now, you’ve (Shivakumar) said you would cancel one of those guarantees.”