DK Shivakumar Defends Guarantee Implementation Amid Accusations

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar rebuffed BJP's criticisms over the guarantee implementation committee, emphasizing its necessity and accusing BJP of hypocrisy. Addressing rumors of ministerial misconduct in gold smuggling, Shivakumar dismissed them as baseless, affirming the state's security measures and ongoing investigations.

In a sharp retort to the BJP's Assembly queries, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday defended the creation and efficacy of the guarantee implementation committee. He questioned the timing of BJP's complaints, highlighting the committee's formation shortly after assuming power and noting its one-and-a-half-year existence.

Shivakumar critiqued BJP's double standards, pointing out similar guarantee schemes in BJP-governed states despite prior criticism. He reiterated that MLAs' rights remain unaffected by the committee's establishment, stressing its role in ensuring effective delivery of welfare schemes and citing Karnataka as a national exemplar.

Addressing allegations linking a minister to the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, Shivakumar dismissed them as politically motivated rumors. He underscored the state's stringent security protocols, illustrating with personal experience, and confirmed an internal probe into any protocol breaches, standing firm against insinuations of ministerial misconduct.