Daijiworld Media Network – Ballari

Ballari, May 19: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar hit back at critics over the delay in payments under the Griha Lakshmi scheme, clarifying that the Congress government never promised monthly disbursals.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Congress Sadhana Samavesha in Ballari, Shivakumar responded to a journalist's question on the delay in Gruha Lakshmi payments.

“Look, we never said we would provide the money every month. You must continue to pay taxes, and we’ll do our part in distributing benefits. Even contract workers don’t get paid overnight. Sometimes it takes 2, 3, or even 5 years. Similarly, this will also take time,” he explained.

Addressing criticism from the Opposition regarding the Congress' public outreach event, Shivakumar retorted, “Am I here on a Hampi tour? Should I not respond when Kumaraswamy and Ashoka launch attacks?”

Responding to allegations of real estate mafia dominance under the pretext of Greater Bengaluru development, the deputy chief minister defended his party by stating, “Our guarantees are Congress guarantees. But BJP’s guarantees aren't from the party, they’re Modi’s guarantees. Ironically, the BJP is now copying our guarantees. They once criticised MNREGA, but did they scrap it? Did the landowner remove the ploughman? Criticisms may die, but work continues,” he remarked.

Commenting on the Telangana chief minister’s remarks on bearing the burden of guarantees, Shivakumar declined to delve into the matter, saying, “That is an issue concerning their state.”