The state government is set to showcase its developmental strides and highlight the success of its guarantee schemes during a grand rally in Hosapete on May 20, marking two years of the Congress-led administration under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha Leader Mallikarjuna Kharge are expected to attend the event. The state plans to contrast its achievements with what it terms as the Centre’s lack of cooperation in Karnataka’s growth journey.
Ministers have begun reviewing departmental accomplishments and compiling performance data to present a strong case to the party high command. The state aims to brand this as the ‘Karnataka Model of Development’, pointing to progress in multiple sectors and the effective implementation of guarantees.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has earlier accused the Centre of withholding Rs 4,195 crore in grants due under centrally sponsored schemes. He is also likely to quote a Blume Ventures report stating that 100 crore people in India lack disposable income, reinforcing his argument that central economic policies have widened inequality.
Siddaramaiah is expected to underline the impact of flagship schemes like Shakti (free bus travel for women) and Gruhalakshmi (Rs 2,000 monthly aid to women heads of households), both of which, according to private agency assessments, are bringing about transformative changes.
He is also likely to defend the use of SC/ST and TSP grants, countering allegations of diversion by pointing out that the Centre, not the state, has diverted these funds.
Karnataka’s top position in Panchayat Raj power devolution, along with milestones like the Global Investors’ Meet and Invest Karnataka-2025, which secured Rs 10.27 lakh crore in investment commitments and six lakh jobs, will be highlighted.
Ministers Priyank Kharge (RDPR) and MB Patil (Industries) are likely to be acknowledged for their efforts. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda’s initiative to distribute title deeds to one lakh households in hattis and tandas will also be showcased at the rally, reinforcing the government’s pro-poor agenda.