Vehicles Returned After Photo-Op: Row Erupts Over Karnataka’s Swavalambi Sarathi Scheme

Last Updated:April 28, 2026, 10:26 IST

While the government called it a ‘symbolic programme’, BJP alleged welfare bluff, as vehicles displayed at the event were reportedly sent back to showrooms

A fresh political controversy has erupted over Karnataka’s Swavalambi Sarathi self-employment scheme, after allegations surfaced that vehicles showcased as part of the welfare programme for OBC, SC/ST and minority youth were returned to showrooms just hours after the official launch event.

The scheme, announced in the March 2025 state budget, was designed to promote self-employment among socially and economically disadvantaged communities by offering high subsidies to purchase cabs and goods vehicles. Under the initiative, beneficiaries are expected to receive financial support through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to enable them to purchase vehicles and generate livelihood opportunities in the transport and logistics sectors.

However, controversy broke out after reports claimed that several cars and commercial vehicles brought to the programme venue on March 26 were allegedly taken back to showrooms after the event, raising questions about whether the distribution had actually taken place or was staged as a ceremonial display.

As the issue gained traction a month after the incident, responding to the allegations, Backward Classes Development minister Shivraj Tangadagi acknowledged that the vehicles were brought only for demonstration purposes and described the event as symbolic. “We brought those vehicles for the programme. We have prepared the list of beneficiaries, and DBT will happen, and we will give them vehicles. We have the list of beneficiaries. We conducted the programme a little early because we could not get dates with the chief minister. In the next few days, we will receive the list of vehicles from the showrooms," he said.

Tangadagi maintained that the scheme implementation is still underway and insisted that the beneficiaries will receive vehicles soon as per the approved process. Officials in the department said the programme was held to formally launch the initiative and showcase the type of vehicles that would be distributed under the scheme.

The opposition BJP, however, launched a sharp attack on the Congress government, accusing it of staging a publicity exercise instead of delivering actual benefits. BJP leader Ashok Gowda alleged that the state government lacked funds to implement welfare schemes and was resorting to symbolic announcements. “The Congress government’s treasury has gone empty. They do not have funds to support welfare schemes. What happened here shows that this was only a photo-op," he said.

The Swavalambi Sarathi scheme is seen as a major welfare initiative targeting unemployed youth from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and minority communities, with the goal of improving livelihoods and reducing unemployment through subsidised vehicle ownership. The government had indicated significant budgetary allocation for the programme as part of its broader welfare commitments.

With the minister promising that beneficiary lists are ready and vehicle details from showrooms will soon be verified, the episode has sparked a political slugfest, with the opposition demanding transparency on allocations, beneficiary selection and actual vehicle distribution under the scheme.

News politics Vehicles Returned After Photo-Op: Row Erupts Over Karnataka’s Swavalambi Sarathi Scheme

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