HDK questions efficiency of CM over non-payment of Gruha Lakshmi amount

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has questioned the efficiency of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, citing the non-payment of two months’ Gruha Lakshmi scheme benefits to women in the State.

In an interaction with the media at Balehonnur in N.R. Pura taluk of Chikkamagaluru on Monday, Mr. Kumaraswamy questioned where did the ₹5,000 crore, meant for the beneficiaries of Gruha Lakshmi, go if it was not transferred to beneficiaries. “The money should have been transferred in February and March. The issue came to light only now, when we are entering 2026. Did the government hold anybody responsible for the non-payment?” he questioned.

On the issue of change in leadership of the Congress government in the State, Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Congress party had been entertaining people of the State every day on this issue. “The party has got 136 MLAs. We are not interested in who will become the Chief Minister. I am bothered about what development the incumbent government achieved,” he said.

Referring to the State government’s expenditure of ₹47 crore for the Chief Minister’s helicopter trips, Mr. Kumaraswamy said he too could have travelled to Chikkamagaluru by helicopter, given his health. However, he chose to travel by road. “The Chief Minister is taking a helicopter even for short distances. From Bengaluru to Malavalli, the travel time is hardly one hour. The Chief Minister flew by the helicopter. Again, from Mysuru to Chamarajanagar, the travel by road takes hardly half an hour, but the Chief Minister took the helicopter,” he commented.