Review Budgets Before Promises: Kharge to Congress

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge advised reviewing budgets before guaranteeing schemes in elections.
2. Karnataka government mentioned a review of the Shakti scheme but Transport Minister denied it.
3. Kharge warned unplanned promises could lead to financial issues and future challenges.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday advised Congress units heading into Assembly elections to ensure thorough budget reviews before announcing guarantees. This remark followed the Congress-led Karnataka government’s statement about reviewing the Shakti scheme, which offers free bus services to women. However, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy refuted any plans for a review on Thursday.

Kharge reprimanded the Karnataka Congress for not adhering to their guarantees, stating, “You promised five guarantees in Karnataka. Inspired by you, we made five guarantee promises in Maharashtra. Today, you’re considering canceling one of those. It seems you don’t all read the newspapers, but I do, so I’m informing you.”

Kharge warned party units about the financial implications of making unplanned guarantees, which could lead to future problems and a negative impact on upcoming generations. Addressing the media, he emphasized financial responsibility, noting that failure to meet guarantees could tarnish reputations and create difficulties for communities.

“I advised Maharashtra Congress leaders to avoid promises of five, six, seven, or eight guarantees. Instead, make promises that match the budget. Promises without considering the budget could lead to bankruptcy, with no funds left even to maintain roads. If this government fails, it will affect future generations and could lead to a tarnished reputation and restrictions for the next decade,” Kharge stated.

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