In a significant move aimed at maintaining unity within the party, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cautioned Congress legislators against making public or internal comments regarding power-sharing arrangements during the Congress Legislature Party meeting held in Belagavi on Tuesday.
The warning was issued during a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) and emphasized the potential for such discussions to create unwarranted confusion within both the party and the government.
Siddaramaiah expressed concern over the upcoming high-stakes winter session, highlighting the need for the government to be well-prepared to maintain its standing amidst the session’s significant proceedings. The Chief Minister’s message was clear: the focus should remain on collective work and not on internal disputes that could potentially derail the government’s efforts.
Several MLAs pressed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to expedite the release of development grants, emphasising that only 2.5 years remain before the 2028 elections and that delays could hamper constituency work.
On the CLP meeting, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Madhu Bangarappa said: “Many MLAs requested the Chief Minister to release development grants on time so that ongoing works can move forward, and the CM assured that he would review the matter. MLCs too appealed that their constituencies be considered while allocating funds.”
MLAs also pushed for rationalising the guarantee schemes by removing ineligible beneficiaries, arguing that over-reliance on guarantees may not yield electoral gains, citing the YSRCP’s setback despite extensive welfare schemes.
Responding to whether MLAs sought rationalisation of Guarantee Schemes, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao said: “There were discussions on development grants in the CLP meeting, but such deliberations happen in every meeting. MLAs also asked the Chief Minister to ensure that guarantee scheme benefits reach only eligible beneficiaries and that ineligible names are removed.”
