Hassan/Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar who is also Pradesh Congress Committee President asserted that the Congress government has already fulfilled 142 pre-election guarantees, reiterating that the administration stands by its commitments. “We are a government that acts on what it promises. The people themselves are witnesses to our performance,” he said at the Government Services Dedication Programme held in Hassan on Saturday.
Shivakumar emphasised that governance must prioritise action over rhetoric. “God never gives both blessings and curses—He only gives opportunities. This opportunity has allowed us to win people’s hearts through various welfare programmes. Be it free bus travel for women, 200 units of free electricity, ₹2,000 monthly assistance for women, 10 kg rice per person, and unemployment benefits, we have implemented these schemes without discrimination,” he said.
To dismiss criticism of the state’s guarantee schemes, Shivakumar narrated a well-known anecdote involving Emperor Akbar and Birbal: “Birbal said, the distance between truth and falsehood is only four fingers—the truth is what we see with our eyes; falsehood is what we hear with our ears. People are seeing our work; they are not relying on hearsay.”
“We Are a Government of Development and Equity”
Shivakumar stressed that the government is committed to inclusive development and equal access to welfare. “We cannot change everything in a single minute, but we can take decisions for people’s development in a minute — and that is what our administration is doing,” he said.
He recalled his recent visits to the temples of Hassan and Arsikere, noting that spiritual strength and public blessings have guided the government’s efforts.
The Deputy CM said the Congress’ five guarantee schemes strengthened the party’s “hand” (symbol), comparing them to five fingers forming a fist. “As promised, we have delivered.”
₹1 Lakh Crore Infused Into People’s Pockets Through Guarantees
The Deputy CM revealed that the state has transferred ₹1 lakh crore directly to citizens through the guarantee programmes.
He also highlighted:
- ₹20,000 crore expenditure for free electricity to farmers’ pump sets
- Welfare schemes introduced historically under Indira Gandhi
- His newly assigned portfolio of Irrigation, and key achievements in the district
He praised local women officers — the Deputy Commissioner and SP — whose support enabled timely progress in the Ettinahole project.
Mekedatu & Ettinahole to Resolve Drinking Water Crisis
“Ettinahole water is already flowing. Once central forest permissions are cleared, water will reach Tumakuru in the next three to four months,” he said, adding that Mekedatu will be a turning point for drinking water supply across the Cauvery basin — including Hassan, Mandya, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar.
He credited the Supreme Court for directing that the Mekedatu approvals be resolved at the technical level by the Central Water Commission and the Cauvery Water Management Authority, not by courts. “On behalf of Karnataka, I bow to the Supreme Court,” he said.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಮಾತ್ರ ಕೊಟ್ಟ ಮಾತಿನಂತೆ ನಡೆಯಿತು: ಸಿಎಂ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ
Sixth Guarantee: Bhumi Guarantee to Ensure Land Security
Highlighting a new milestone, Shivakumar said the government’s sixth guarantee — Bhumi Guarantee under Minister Krishna Byre Gowda’s leadership — will permanently secure property documents for citizens. “More than 50,000 people have already received corrected property documents. This scheme will remain a lasting legacy of our government.”
He added: “Our birth is not in our hands, but our goals are. We have kept our promises and will continue to work for people’s welfare.”
“Your MP Will Safeguard Your Dignity”
Shivakumar congratulated the people of Hassan for electing Shreyas Patel as MP.
“Our MP will never compromise your dignity. He is committed to strengthening your self-respect and welfare. All ministers present today stand with you,” he said.
He also pointed out how land mutation and record updates — once mired in corruption — are now being processed transparently. “Earlier, farmers had to pay bribes even for a small entry. Our government has ended that burden.”
