Tue Oct 14 13:23:35 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Karnataka Minister Shivraj Tangadagi has defended the state government’s guarantee schemes, dismissing criticism from Congress MLA R.V. Deshpande as a personal opinion. Tangadagi asserted the schemes are essential for helping the poor and will continue despite any opposition. Deshpande later clarified that his comments were misunderstood and that he actually praised the schemes and the Chief Minister’s efforts to support the poor.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Minister Rejects Criticism of Guarantee Schemes, MLA Clarifies Remarks**

**Belagavi, October 14, 2025** – Karnataka Minister for Kannada and Culture and Backward Classes Development Shivraj Tangadagi today strongly defended the state government’s guarantee schemes, dismissing recent criticism as the personal opinion of senior Congress MLA R.V. Deshpande.

Speaking in Belagavi, Minister Tangadagi stated, “The State government’s guarantee schemes will continue, irrespective of what anyone says. These schemes have been planned and are being implemented to help the poor. We kept our pre-poll promises and implemented them. We have succeeded in reaching the benefits to most of the poor in the State. Some of the guarantees have won global fame. No matter what statement anyone makes, the schemes will not be abandoned.”

The guarantee schemes, a key plank of the Congress party’s election platform, aim to provide financial assistance and social security to vulnerable sections of society.

Following the Minister’s remarks, MLA R.V. Deshpande issued a clarification, stating that his earlier comments had been “misunderstood.” In a press release, Deshpande asserted, “I did not make any such statement. My words have been misunderstood. I did not speak against the guarantee schemes at a meeting in Dandeli. In fact, I praised the guarantee schemes. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has implemented schemes for the poor. He is an experienced leader and these schemes have added to his strength. The intention of my speech was not against the guarantee schemes. I never said that the State government has suffered financially due to the guarantee schemes. It is regrettable that my words have been misunderstood.”

The controversy surrounding the guarantee schemes highlights the ongoing debate regarding their economic impact and effectiveness, despite the State government’s firm commitment to continue these initiatives.

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