Achievement of government must be measured by overall development in all sectors

CH NEWS

Shyam Sundar Vattam

MYSURU

As the Congress government in Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, completes two years in office, the administration finds itself at a crucial juncture celebrated by supporters for its welfare schemes and criticised by the opposition for fiscal strain and corruption allegations.

Coming to power with a resounding victory in May 2023, the Congress government promised transformative governance through its five “guarantees,” aimed at addressing the needs of the state’s poor, women, youth, and working-class families. Two years on, these guarantees are both the cornerstone of the government’s achievements and the target of fiscal scrutiny.

From free bus rides for women to direct financial assistance for unemployed graduates and women-led households, the government’s guarantees have reshaped the welfare landscape in Karnataka.

Among the most visible of these is the Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel to women across the state. Over 210 crore rides have been availed, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 5,097 crore so far. Similarly, the Gruha Jyoti scheme has given around 1.5 crore households 200 units of free electricity each month, while the Gruha Lakshmi scheme provides Rs 2,000 monthly to nearly one crore women heads of families.

We came with a promise to serve the people, and that is exactly what we’ve done," said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a press briefing ahead of the second anniversary event. "Our guarantees are not just schemes, they are instruments of dignity and empowerment.

In a demonstration of administrative momentum, Karnataka’s legislature passed 49 bills in 2024, a state record. These include key legislation such as the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, which aims to reorganise the management of India’s IT capital for better efficiency and transparency.

The Chief Minister has also reiterated his focus on social justice. “We have tried to uphold social equity, reduce corruption, and make governance people-centric.

The Congress party is set to mark the occasion with a large rally titled “Siddaramaiah Fest 2.0” in Hospet, where senior leaders will present a report card and unveil future plans. With the Lok Sabha elections behind them and the 2028 assembly polls on the horizon, the government is aiming to consolidate its support base through continued implementation of its flagship schemes.

Political analysts believe the next year will be critical. Siddaramaiah has built momentum with welfare populism, but sustaining it without widening the fiscal deficit or getting bogged down in scandals is the real test, said a political commentator.

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As Karnataka looks ahead, the question remains whether Siddaramaiah’s balancing act—between social justice and financial prudence will endure. For now, the Congress government stands at the halfway mark with a mixed record, but with its core support intact and an eye on history.