Opposition protests Cong workers' guarantee committee appointments

Bengaluru

The Karnataka Assembly witnessed major protests on Tuesday as opposition BJP and JD(S) members strongly objected to the appointment of Congress leaders and workers to committees set up for overseeing the state’s five guarantee schemes.

Opposition leaders accused the government of bypassing elected legislators by appointing Congress workers as presidents, vice-presidents, and members of these committees. They said it is wrong to use public funds to pay honorariums to party workers.

Raising the issue during Question Hour, JD(S) MLA Krishnappa M P questioned, "Are there no legislators and officials? How can government funds be given to Congress workers? This is illegal." BJP MLA Sunil Kumar added that while salaries of Anganwadi and Asha workers are not increased, Congress workers are getting high honorariums.

The state-level committee includes a president, five vice-presidents, and 31 members, while district and taluk-level committees also have similar structures. The president and vice-presidents of the state committee are given Cabinet and Minister of State ranks.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka said, "How can taxpayers' money be used to pay Congress workers? If they want to pay, let them use party funds."

In response, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar defended the appointments, saying, "It is the will of the government. Our party workers have the right to implement our schemes."

Despite Shivakumar’s assurance to discuss the issue in the cabinet, opposition members continued their protest, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House temporarily. The opposition warned of blocking the finance bill if the government didn’t cancel the committees.