Wed Mar 12 06:08:27 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Congress Government Faces Backlash Over Funding of Guarantee Scheme Panel

**Bengaluru:** The Karnataka government is embroiled in a major controversy over the appointment of Congress party workers to oversee the implementation of its pre-election “guarantee” schemes. The opposition BJP and JD(S) have accused the ruling Congress of misusing taxpayer money to pay party workers salaries and allowances, sparking heated debates in the state assembly and protests outside the Vidhana Soudha.

The Siddaramaiah government has allocated significant funds – estimated at Rs 52,000 to Rs 56,000 crore (20% of the state budget) – for the guarantee schemes, which aim to address issues like inflation and rising prices. However, the decision to appoint Congress workers to a dedicated panel responsible for overseeing these schemes, with salaries ranging from Rs 25,000 for constituency-level appointees to Rs 40,000 for the state president, has ignited a firestorm.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the move, arguing that Congress workers who helped bring the party to power have the right to monitor the schemes’ implementation. He also highlighted the BJP’s past criticism of the guarantee schemes and their implementation in other BJP-ruled states.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka vehemently criticized the move, calling it a misuse of taxpayer funds and accusing Shivakumar of blurring the lines between the government and the Congress party. BJP MLAs staged a protest, while JD(S) MLA M.T. Krishnappa raised concerns in the assembly about the unnecessary expenditure. Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra alleged that the appointed Congress workers are holding parallel meetings, undermining the role of elected MLAs.

The BJP has accused the government of “looting” taxpayer money and plans to submit a memorandum to the Governor. The controversy is expected to further escalate political tensions in Karnataka as the opposition parties vow to continue their fight against what they see as a blatant misuse of public funds.

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