India

Karnataka CM Criticises BJP and JD(S) Over Guarantee Schemes

By Sathish G.T.

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that voters have learned that guarantee schemes would be halted if the BJP came to power, and that is why they would not elect the party. Speaking to reporters upon arriving in Hassan on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Shivakumar noted that opposition leaders have been attacking the guarantee schemes. "The schemes are reaching all eligible beneficiaries. The leaders of the BJP and the JD(S) cannot tolerate this," he said. He added that the Congress introduced the schemes in response to the price rise that followed an increase in fuel prices. "We are helping families facing difficulties due to the price rise. We are also providing an input subsidy of ₹5,000 to farmers. The subsidy towards free power for irrigation pump sets has gone up to ₹30,000 crore," he said. Regarding the recent rise in milk prices, he said Karnataka’s current prices are lower than those in other states. He accused the BJP of failing to secure funds from the Centre for the state, of not stopping the increase in diesel and petrol prices, and of not addressing the concerns of sugarcane growers. "Their demands are genuine, but the BJP has no concern for farmers," the CM alleged. Shivakumar visited the Hasanamba temple with his wife Usha, and they also visited the Puradamma temple at Beekanahalli in Hassan taluk. In internal Congress disputes, former minister B. Shivaram and other leaders raised slogans against district in-charge minister K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, alleging that he had ignored other party leaders in the district. Shivaram said the in‑charge minister had not convened a single meeting with party leaders and defeated candidates to discuss strengthening the party organisation in the district. The article was published on November 8, 2026 at 06:10 pm IST.