Congress Confident of Victory in Karnataka By-Polls, Claims Unprecedented Deliverables Under Government’s Guarantees
New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday expressed confidence that its government in Karnataka will retain the people’s trust in the upcoming by-elections, asserting that it has successfully delivered on the promises made to the state’s citizens. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in-charge of communications, highlighted the party’s track record of fulfilling its five key guarantees introduced during the May 2023 election campaign, which he claimed have brought prosperity, equity, and justice to the people of Karnataka.
Ramesh emphasized that the Congress government, which took office 18 months ago, has delivered these commitments on an unprecedented scale. He listed the major initiatives as part of the party’s promise to uplift the state’s citizens:
- Gruha Lakshmi: An annual transfer of ₹25,407 crore to the bank accounts of 1.22 crore women in Karnataka, empowering them economically.
- Anna Bhagya: An annual transfer of ₹8,433 crore to 4.08 crore citizens. Ramesh noted that this initiative had been hindered by the refusal of the Food Corporation of India to allow the Karnataka government to procure rice, despite the state’s need.
- Gruha Jyothi: A significant ₹9,455 crore annual transfer to 1.64 crore households for providing 200 units of free electricity to families across the state.
- Shakti Free Bus Travel: Since May 2023, women in Karnataka have taken over 320 crore free bus rides, at a cost of ₹7,310 crore, as part of the Shakti initiative aimed at making travel more accessible for women.
- Yuvanidhi: Under this scheme, five lakh youth who are graduate or diploma holders receive ₹3,000 (for graduates) or ₹1,500 (for diploma holders) per month for two years after completing their education.
Ramesh asserted that the Congress government has not only fulfilled its promises but has also created a tangible impact on the lives of Karnataka’s people, citing the wide-reaching success of these initiatives. “This is a government that has delivered on its promises and brought unprecedented prosperity to its people,” Ramesh said, adding that the upcoming by-elections would be a decisive moment for the party.
The by-elections for the Channapatna, Sandur, and Shiggaon constituencies will take place on November 13, with results expected to be declared on November 23. The Congress is hopeful that voters will reward the party for its deliverables in these key constituencies, continuing their support for the guarantees that have resonated with the electorate.
As the state prepares for the bypolls, Ramesh emphasized that the people of Karnataka would vote for the guarantees and vote for Congress, reinforcing the party’s belief in a bright future for the state under its leadership.
