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As the Maharashtra assembly elections approach, the political scene is becoming increasingly charged, with both the Mahavikas Aghadi and Mahayuti alliances unveiling their manifestos. Congress has outlined a series of ambitious welfare proposals, including a ₹3,000 monthly allowance for women and loan waivers for farmers, hoping to capture voter support with these promises.
In a bid to build credibility, Congress has been highlighting similar initiatives from Congress-ruled states through advertisements, showcasing their success stories. However, the BJP has quickly fired back, drawing attention to what they describe as the “failure” of welfare schemes in Karnataka and Telangana under Congress governance.
Karnataka: A Case Study of Unmet Expectations
The Congress government in Karnataka rolled out a series of high-profile initiatives like the Grihalakshmi Yojana, promising direct financial aid to women. However, BJP leaders assert that the scheme has faltered, citing prolonged delays and technical issues that have undermined its implementation. Additionally, the Griha Jyoti Yojana, which was supposed to provide 200 units of free electricity to households, has come under fire, with critics pointing out that electricity rates were raised by ₹3 per unit, thereby increasing the financial burden on consumers.
Another major program, the Anna Bhagya Yojana, aimed at distributing 10 kg of free rice to 1.15 crore residents, has also been criticized. Beneficiaries are allegedly receiving rice from the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana instead of the state-backed initiative, calling into question the actual fulfillment of the scheme’s promises.
Financial Strain of the Shakti Yojana
The Shakti Yojana, which offers free bus travel for women, has reportedly placed the Karnataka State Transport Corporation (KSRTC) under severe financial stress. To manage the costs, the government has reduced bus services and delayed salaries for transport staff. Diesel shortages have further exacerbated the situation, leading Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to consider scaling back the scheme, a move that has drawn criticism from various quarters.
Youth Unrest and Delayed Promises
Another area where Congress has come under scrutiny in Karnataka is its promise of ₹3,000 per month for unemployed graduates and ₹1,500 for diploma holders. However, these promises remain unmet, largely due to financial constraints. Additionally, delays in filling vacant government positions have left many job seekers frustrated, while claims of fund misallocation for marginalized communities have further tarnished the Congress’ credibility.
Telangana: Similar Struggles
In Telangana, Congress is facing similar allegations of unfulfilled promises. The Mahalakshmi Yojana, which promised ₹2,500 per month to women, has yet to materialize even after 10 months in power. Meanwhile, the Kalyan Lakshmi Yojana, offering newly married women 10 grams of gold and ₹1 lakh, has been plagued with delays, and many applications remain stuck in the verification process. The Telangana High Court has even intervened, noting the government’s failure to deliver on its commitments.
Other schemes like Griha Jyoti, Raitu Bharvasa (which promised ₹15,000 per acre for farmers), and Yuva Vikas Yojana have also struggled to move beyond paper. Furthermore, the Congress’ promise of a ₹2 lakh farmer loan waiver has reportedly been fulfilled for only 40% of the targeted beneficiaries, raising doubts about the scheme’s effectiveness.
BJP’s Counter-Narrative: Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability
Building on the issues faced by Congress in Karnataka and Telangana, BJP leaders in Maharashtra have launched an offensive, accusing Congress of making “hollow promises” that cannot be sustained. They claim that Congress-led states are finding it increasingly difficult to fund basic services due to the financial strain of these welfare schemes. According to BJP leaders, similar failures could occur in Maharashtra if Congress is allowed to implement its promises without careful fiscal planning.
As Maharashtra’s voters prepare to go to the polls, the focus will inevitably shift to how each party’s promises measure up to their previous track records. The contest will likely come down to which narrative resonates most with the electorate: Congress’ pledge of expansive welfare or BJP’s emphasis on fiscal responsibility and governance. The election result will hinge on which vision voters believe will best serve the state’s future.
Source: https://www.oneindia.com/mumbai/manifesto-face-off-bjp-takes-aim-at-congress-over-welfare-scheme-failures-in-karnataka-telangana-3989285.html
