New Delhi: Karnataka Congress leaders refuted the allegations that the state was reeling under a financial crisis and said the party intends to implement all the schemes it had assured in the run-up to the state elections held earlier this year. Their remarks come after a meeting held with the top party leadership on Wednesday.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi were part of the meeting where Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, apart from AICC general secretary in-charge for Karnataka Randeep Surjewala were present.
"Together, we are scripting a new chapter of progress and welfare for 6.5 Crore Kannadigas. We are tirelessly working towards fulfilling our five solemn guarantees, all of which are in advanced stages of implementation," Kharge said after the meeting.
"A historic mandate also brings in a huge responsibility. We are confident that the people of Karnataka will also repose their faith in the Congress party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections," he added.
Slamming the BJP over its allegations on Karnataka’s budget, CM Siddaramaiah told news agency ANI, “We know the agenda of the BJP, we know their hidden agenda. Congress party knows very well how to face it and we will face it.”
“Karnataka is a very strong state. We have made plans and we are going to implement them. It is the land of Basavanna, we are going to implement whatever we said. Siddaramaiah has given a budget and every financial aspect has been kept ready. We are going to implement even after elections,” deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said.
According to a report by news agency PTI, the meeting was held to discuss the party’s strategy for the Lok Sabha elections next year.
“A meeting of more than 36 senior leaders of Karnataka Congress, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, was held today. Both the leaders congratulated them for the manner in which Congress received a grand victory in Karnataka. But detailed discussions for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections were also held and some important decisions were made,” Surjewala said while addressing a press conference.
"An important decision was taken that a senior leader of the party organisation and a minister will be the incharge of a Parliamentary seat. For the next 6-7 months, until the Lok Sabha election, they will be responsible for the preparations of party organisation. Between 15th-20th August, around 1.30 crore women will start getting Rs 2000 per month directly into their bank accounts," he added.