The EC had written to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh following complaints that the disbursal of funds in Davanagere South and Bagalkot, where assembly bypolls are scheduled on Thursday— would violate the model code of conduct.
In a statement, Siddaramaiah maintained that the guarantee schemes were not election-driven announcements, but ongoing programmes rooted in commitments made during the 2023 Assembly elections. “Funds are regularly transferred to beneficiaries in a transparent and structured manner, in accordance with scheme guidelines. This is governance — a direct investment in human dignity, household stability and economic participation — not inducement,” he said.
The Chief Minister also took aim at the BJP, accusing it of “double standards” on welfare schemes. While criticising Karnataka’s guarantees as freebies, the BJP has replicated similar initiatives in states where it is in power. The Karnataka model has set a benchmark, he said.
“But what is deeply concerning is the selective approach of the ECI. In states like Maharashtra and Bihar, cash transfer schemes have been announced or fast-tracked just before elections, with direct financial benefits extended to voters. These are well-documented patterns. Yet, the ECI remained silent and allowed them to proceed without scrutiny,” the CM said.
“This is not neutrality — this is complicity. When BJP or NDA governments act, the ECI looks the other way. But when Karnataka fulfils its promises, the same ECI becomes hyperactive,” he said.
Terming the scrutiny of guarantee schemes as “anti-poor and anti-women”, Siddaramaiah asserted that his government would continue to implement its commitments. “We remain steadfast in delivering for every Kannadiga,” he added.
