BJP Seeks White Paper on Karnataka Guarantee Schemes, Questions Figures

Bengaluru: The BJP has sought a white paper on Karnataka's guarantee schemes after Leader of Opposition R Ashoka questioned differences between figures cited by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and figures mentioned in earlier government communications.

Questions Over Shakti Scheme Figures

Ashoka has specifically raised questions about the Shakti scheme. According to his comparison, Shivakumar said in his Independence Day address that women had undertaken 796 crore free journeys and that ₹14,875 crore had been spent over three years.

Ashoka compared these figures with earlier government data, which he said showed 753.7 crore journeys and ₹19,771 crore in ticket value issued by June 2026.

Questions Over Gruha Lakshmi Data

He has also questioned figures relating to the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. Ashoka said the Chief Minister cited 1.28 crore beneficiaries and more than ₹76,908 crore disbursed, while an earlier government communication had reported ₹74,216 crore distributed to 1.24 crore beneficiaries.

The figures cited by Ashoka form the basis of his political demand; however, differences between the figures by themselves do not establish any financial irregularity.

BJP Demands Detailed Information

The BJP is seeking a white paper detailing expenditure and beneficiary numbers across the state's guarantee programmes.

For the government, the immediate task is to explain the differences in the figures and provide a clear account of expenditure and beneficiaries.

The issue now moves from political statements towards a question of public documentation, clarification and accountability.