BNN Summary
The BJP in Karnataka has raised serious concerns over the implementation of the state government's flagship 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme. Senior leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy accused the Congress government of arbitrarily removing approximately 3.5 lakh women beneficiaries without proper justification, questioning the transparency of the decision. This comes amidst broader criticisms by the opposition regarding the scheme's execution and the government's handling of welfare programs, demanding immediate clarification and a reversal of the alleged removals.
In-Depth Analysis
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has launched a scathing attack on the state's Congress government, alleging widespread irregularities and a lack of transparency in the implementation of its 'Gruha Lakshmi' guarantee scheme. Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, a senior BJP leader and the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council since June 2024, has been at the forefront of these accusations.
Narayanaswamy specifically accused the Karnataka government of orchestrating the removal of around 3.5 lakh women beneficiaries from the 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme without any proper verification process or stated reasons. He termed this move as 'deceptive and unfair,' highlighting the distress it has caused among affected families who rely on the monthly financial assistance provided by the scheme. Speaking to reporters, Narayanaswamy questioned the basis for such a large-scale exclusion, asking whether any formal survey, verification process, or committee review had been conducted prior to delisting these beneficiaries.
The 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme, a cornerstone of the Congress government's pre-election guarantees, was designed to provide financial assistance to women heads of households in Karnataka. Launched in August 2023, it aims to empower women, improve their livelihoods, and promote gender equality by offering a monthly sum of Rs. 2,000 directly to the bank accounts of eligible female heads of families. The scheme targets women from Antyodaya, Below Poverty Line (BPL), and Above Poverty Line (APL) families, provided they are registered as the head of the family in their ration cards and are not taxpayers or government employees. It came into effect on August 16, 2023, with the first payments disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on August 30, 2023.
According to official figures, the scheme covers a substantial number of beneficiaries, with reports indicating over 1.24 crore to 1.28 crore women across the state are enrolled. The alleged removal of 3.5 lakh beneficiaries, as claimed by Narayanaswamy, represents a significant portion of the intended recipients, casting a shadow on the scheme's integrity and reach. This is not the first time the scheme has faced scrutiny; in December 2025, the BJP staged a walkout from the state assembly, alleging a potential Rs 5,000 crore lapse and failure to disburse two months' payments.
Earlier in June 2026, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashoka had also accused the government of planning to remove over 1 lakh women through a verification drive, calling it a 'betrayal.' Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, however, clarified that while there was a verification exercise, it was aimed at preventing misuse, citing instances where allowances were credited to deceased beneficiaries or wrong phone numbers were provided. He stated that beneficiaries would have to resubmit applications but assured that the scheme would not be stopped. Reports indicated that nearly six lakh beneficiaries had already been removed and Rs 64 crore recovered from ineligible recipients following a statewide scrutiny.
The BJP's criticism extends beyond the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, with Narayanaswamy frequently accusing the Congress government of 'zero development' and creating 'thousands of problems' during its tenure. He has alleged that funds from departments meant for Dalit welfare were diverted for these guarantee schemes and that even those funds are now untraceable, accusing the government of looting Karnataka. The opposition demands greater transparency and accountability from the government regarding the management of these crucial welfare initiatives. The alleged arbitrary removal of beneficiaries not only impacts the financial stability of numerous households but also fuels political tension, with the BJP asserting that the Congress is failing to deliver on its pre-election promises.
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