‘Guarantee schemes will continue irrespective of what anyone says’

“The State government’s guarantee schemes will continue, irrespective of what anyone says,” Minister for Kannada and Culture and Backward Classes Development Shivraj Tangadagi said in Belagavi on Tuesday.

The Minister dismissed the criticism of the guarantee schemes by senior Congress MLA R.V. Deshpande, as his personal opinion.

“The guarantee 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,” Mr. Tangadagi said in response to a query.

Meanwhile, Mr. Deshpande issued a release on Tuesday, clarifying his stand. “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,” he said.