'Attack On Poor': Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar Slam EC Letter Over Funds, Allege BJP Conspiracy

Last Updated:April 08, 2026, 20:19 IST

The Congress leadership alleged that the BJP had written to the poll body seeking to halt instalment payments under these welfare schemes.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday launched a strong attack on the Election Commission and the BJP after the poll body sought details on the release of funds under the state’s flagship guarantee schemes during the bypoll period.

The Congress leadership alleged that the BJP had written to the Election Commission seeking to halt instalment payments under these welfare schemes, calling it a “conspiracy against the poor, women and unemployed youth."

‘BJP plotting to stop schemes’

Speaking to reporters in Davangere, Shivakumar accused the BJP of attempting to stall welfare programmes through the Election Commission.

“BJP has written a letter to the Election Commission objecting to the release of funds for the guarantee schemes. This is a clear attempt to stop these programmes through the Commission. It is an attack on the poor and unemployed youth, and voters will give them a fitting reply," the Deputy CM said.

He said the Congress government had spent over Rs 1.25 lakh crore on guarantee schemes over the past two-and-a-half years and insisted that all payments were made within legal limits.

“Our schemes are not election-time announcements. We have been disbursing funds within the bounds of law. BJP’s letter is proof of their conspiracy to stop programmes meant to protect the poor who are suffering from rising prices," he added.

Shivakumar also assured beneficiaries that there was no need to worry about the continuation of payments.

“Money has been released till last month, and this month’s instalment will be released after the elections. The guarantee schemes will not stop—we stand by our word," he said.

‘EC’s approach suspicion’

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah, in a strongly worded statement, questioned the EC’s move to seek details about guarantee scheme payments, calling its approach “suspicious and discriminatory."

He clarified that the guarantee schemes were not launched during the bypoll period but were part of promises made during the 2023 Assembly elections.

“Our guarantee schemes are not introduced during elections. They are programmes implemented as part of the promises made in the 2023 Assembly elections, and funds are being transferred regularly and transparently to beneficiaries," Siddaramaiah said.

The Chief Minister alleged that the Election Commission had shown double standards by not questioning similar schemes in other states.

“In states like Maharashtra and Bihar, cash transfer schemes were announced and implemented ahead of elections, yet the Election Commission remained silent. This is not impartial conduct—it reflects bias," he said.

He further described the scrutiny of Karnataka’s schemes as an indirect attack on vulnerable groups.

“Targeting Karnataka’s guarantee schemes is not merely political—it is an indirect attack on the poor, women and the people of Karnataka," Siddaramaiah added.

What is the row ?

The controversy erupted after the Election Commission wrote to the Karnataka government seeking details on funds released under various guarantee schemes during the ongoing bypolls in Davangere and Bagalkot districts.

The move reportedly followed a complaint by BJP leaders raising objections to the release of instalments during the election period, alleging that such payments could influence voters.

The Congress government, however, maintains that the schemes are part of ongoing governance and not election-time incentives, arguing that withholding payments would unfairly impact lakhs of beneficiaries.

Political heat rises ahead of bypolls

With bypoll campaigning intensifying in Davangere and Bagalkot, the issue of guarantee schemes has emerged as a key political flashpoint between the ruling Congress and the BJP.

Congress leaders have projected the schemes as a major welfare model, while the BJP has questioned their timing and financial sustainability.

As the political battle escalates, the Election Commission’s response to the state government’s explanation is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of the controversy.

News politics 'Attack On Poor': Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar Slam EC Letter Over Funds, Allege BJP Conspiracy

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