Not taking away anyone’s food: DK Shivakumar responds to BJP

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday criticised the BJP for politicising the state government’s review of Below Poverty Line (BPL) card eligibility.
“We are not taking anyone’s food away,” Shivakumar told reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar.
“The BJP has no other business than politicising. In many constituencies, the percentage of BPL cardholders is around 90 per cent. In my constituency, it is 90 per cent, in Holenarasipura, it’s 92 per cent. We are ensuring that genuine, needy people receive these cards. Some cards have been cancelled after the review,” Shivakumar said.
His remarks came in response to BJP allegations that the government was depriving people of food.
When questioned about reports of MLAs being lured with offers of Rs 50 crore to Rs 100 crore, Shivakumar challenged the BJP to address allegations made by its own leader, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who claimed Rs 1,000 crore had been collected within the party.
“Where did the money come from? Who collected it, and who received it? The BJP investigates everything else but won’t investigate its internal issues. Why is the media silent on this?” he asked.
Regarding Jayanagar MLA’s plans to protest the non-sanctioning of funds, Shivakumar said, “Let him protest. It’s the Chief Minister’s special grant. He claims Bengaluru has declined under my tenure as Bengaluru Development Minister, but let him explain why funds have been allocated to other constituencies by BJP MLAs.”
Speaking about his campaign efforts in Maharashtra, Shivakumar expressed confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition’s chances. “Our guarantee schemes have won people’s trust, and the Congress is gaining wholehearted support,” he said.