Congress government’s free rice scheme has triggered a political tussle in Karnataka.

Bengaluru: In Karnataka, there is a political tussle between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP over the distribution of free rice to the poor. On the one hand, the ruling Congress party has called for a state-wide protest on June 30, condemning the BJP-led central government’s move to refuse to sell rice to Karnataka. On the other hand, BJP has said that if the free rice scheme is not implemented in the state from July 1, then the party will launch a massive agitation.

Sources in the Karnataka government said that the Anna Bhagya scheme, one of the five major guarantees given by the Congress, will take some time to start. The Congress government has implemented the scheme of free bus travel for women. Applications have been invited from the beneficiaries to take advantage of the scheme of free electricity up to 200 units to tax payers and allowance of Rs 2000 to women heads.

Sources of both the parties tell that the political drama has been created by both the parties in the background of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Congress, which has earned goodwill among the people after the implementation of the free bus scheme and announcement of other four guarantees, wants to blame the Center over the free rice programme.

The statements of depriving the poor of their food or stealing the poor man’s food are made with a clear intention to tarnish the image of the BJP which is still waiting for momentum after the defeat in the assembly elections. Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had called upon party workers to protest at all district headquarters on June 20, condemning the central government’s move to deny the sale of rice to Karnataka.

“The Food Corporation of India (FCI), which had promised to supply rice, has now written a letter to reject it. This is an example of the practice of politics of hate by the central government. BJP took away the food of the poor The BJP is a party which betrays the poor people,” the state Congress alleged.

The Congress claimed that the FCI had promised to give 2.28 lakh metric tonnes of rice in the letter, but went back on its word. This claim was challenged by BJP national general secretary CT Ravi, who asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to show the letter of undertaking by FCI in this regard.

Siddaramaiah in turn posted a letter of commitment by FCI and urged CT Ravi to stop playing politics on the issue and pressurize the central government to provide rice. Shivakumar said, “We are being threatened by the central government and we will fight it. Protests are held to draw the attention of the central government and people to this issue.”

The saffron party, which is already struggling to infuse new spirit among the party’s demoralized cadres, wanted to blame the Congress for its failure to provide free 10 kg rice. Congress leaders are not only attacking the state leadership, but are also targeting senior BJP leaders.

Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of putting Rs 15 lakh in each person’s bank accounts. The minister made the statement to counter state BJP leaders questioning the Congress over the announcement of the free rice scheme without discussing it with the central government.

When PM Modi announced to deposit Rs 15 lakh in all accounts, did he take permission? Rajanna repeated. He said, “Congress does not need to discuss with FCI and announce plans. Will they give it for free? We are going to give money and make purchases.” Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has hit out at the Congress government and warned that if the free rice scheme is not implemented by July, the BJP will protest in the state.

“The state government has continued with the ‘cheat’. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s allegation against the central government is nothing but a betrayal of the people,” he said. “They have not kept the word given to BPL card holders and the poor. Siddaramaiah has said that the central government is doing politics in the free rice distribution scheme. But, the center is providing 5 kg rice to all states free of cost. Food Security Act,” Bommai said.

Along with the cost of rice, the Center is also providing the cost of transportation which will come up to Rs 3 per kg. CM Siddaramaiah claims that his government is giving 10 kg rice, but it also includes five kg rice. Bommai claimed that the Central Govt. If the Congress government was serious about the implementation of the scheme, it should have talked to the Centre. He said that the Congress was not wasting time in getting publicity.

Bommai claimed, “The Center will take a decision keeping in mind the future situation. The decision has been taken in the backdrop of rain deficit and to ensure that there is no shortage of good.” Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara reacted strongly, saying that the state was not at the mercy of the central government and did not need to wait for consent, but implement the schemes as announced.

“Karnataka political scene is going to heat up in coming days as BJP and Congress are in confrontation mode on various issues. Both parties aim to project each other as villain of poor masses for political gains in case of free rice scheme making.” Fingers are being pointed at the developments in the state in the coming days.