Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar Defends State Guarantee Schemes in Hassan

Karnataka Chief Minister <b>D.K. Shivakumar</b> claimed on Sunday that state residents know the opposition would discontinue guarantee schemes if they came to power. Speaking in Hassan, he stated that opposition leaders from the BJP and the JD(S) cannot tolerate welfare programs successfully reaching eligible beneficiaries. The Chief Minister explained that the government implemented these guarantees to counter price rises following fuel price hikes, offering financial support to families and farmers. He also criticized the BJP for failing to secure central funds or address sugarcane growers' issues during his media interaction. Meanwhile, local Congress leaders including former Minister <b>B. Shivaram</b> raised slogans against district in-charge Minister <b>K.M. Shivalinge Gowda</b>. They alleged that the in-charge minister has been ignoring other party leaders and failing to convene meetings to strengthen party organization locally.