Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar Claims Congress Welfare Model is Now a Global Benchmark
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has made a bold assertion regarding the influence of his government’s social welfare policies, claiming that the “guarantee schemes” pioneered in Karnataka have become a blueprint for political initiatives not only across several Indian states but even in the United States.
Speaking at a gathering at the Congress party office, Shivakumar highlighted the reach of the party’s governance model. He pointed out that the welfare frameworks introduced in Karnataka have been replicated by various administrations in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. However, the most striking part of his claim was his comparison of the Congress government’s direct benefit approach to a recent campaign promise made by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Global Influence of the ‘Guarantee’ Model
Shivakumar specifically referenced the U.S. President’s recent pledge to provide a $5,000 payment to every American adult, contingent upon the Republican party retaining control of both houses of Congress in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
“Now they copied us in Maharashtra, copied us in Madhya Pradesh, in Rajasthan, in Bihar, and now Trump is copying us,” the Congress leader stated. He framed these developments as a testament to the ideological strength of the Congress party, adding, “This is the strength of the Congress party. The entire world is watching our Constitution today.”
President Trump announced the proposed payment, dubbed the “Trump dividend,” during a rally in Dallas, Texas, on September 9. While the proposal aims to provide financial support to American adults, the specifics regarding eligibility and the economic mechanics of such a payout remain largely undefined. Trump emphasized that for the program to move forward, the Republicans must secure a victory in the November 3 midterm elections, noting that the funds would be restricted to domestic spending.
Political Jabs at the BJP
Beyond the discourse on welfare economics, Shivakumar utilized the platform to launch a sharp critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He accused the opposition of weaponizing Hindutva for electoral gain, alleging that the religious sentiments of the public have been exploited.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the Ram Temple, Shivakumar alleged that donations—both in terms of monetary contributions and construction materials—meant for the temple had been subject to misappropriation. “They took the money meant for Rama and misused it,” he asserted. “We will not do that.”
He further contrasted the Congress approach to governance with that of the central government, specifically taking aim at the Ujjwala scheme. Shivakumar argued that the initiative, intended to provide LPG connections to low-income households, has lost its effectiveness due to the sustained rise in fuel prices, which he claimed has placed an undue burden on the public.
Concluding his address, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that the Congress party remains committed to a policy of universal service, asserting that their welfare model is designed to assist citizens based on need rather than considerations of caste or religion. He dismissed the opposition’s focus on religious theatrics, framing the Congress strategy as a more practical and inclusive path toward national development.
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