Bengaluru: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called on the Karnataka government to ensure that its guarantees are financially sustainable, emphasising the need to "make promises that align with your budget."
His comments come in light of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's recent suggestion that the government would review its 'Shakti' guarantee, which offers free rides for women on non-luxury government buses.
On late Thursday evening, the Congress Chief responded to Shivakumar's comments, asserting that, despite the Deputy Chief Minister's suggestion to cancel one of the guarantees, it seemed not everyone was keeping up with the news.
Kharge’s critique focused on the potential fallout from failing to uphold financial commitments, warning that such failures could lead to a loss of credibility for the government.
He advised party leaders to refrain from over-promising without considering budgetary constraints, saying, "Making promises without considering the budget could lead to bankruptcy; there wouldn’t even be money to put sand on the roads."
The Congress President further cautioned that failing to deliver on guarantees could have dire consequences for future generations, potentially leading to disrepute for the government and restrictions for years to come. "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 added.
Sitting alongside him, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar chuckled at the remarks, with Siddaramaiah clarifying that the Deputy Chief Minister had merely indicated a review of the guarantee. In response, Kharge pointed out, "Whatever (DCM) you have said has given them (BJP) a chance."
Kharge emphasised the importance of unity within the party, urging Congress members to remain steadfast and avoid divisions that could undermine their position.
Meanwhile, the BJP seized the opportunity to criticise the Congress, calling its promises in Karnataka and other states "fiscally unrealistic." BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad remarked, "Today, through its President, the Congress has admitted to deceiving the public... Will Kharge Ji apologise for what his party has done in Telangana, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh?"
The ongoing political discourse underscores the challenges facing the Congress government in Karnataka as it seeks to balance ambitious promises with fiscal responsibility.