Bengaluru: The Karnataka BJP on Wednesday demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged irregularities in the state government’s Gruha Lakshmi guarantee scheme, citing observations made in a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, senior BJP leader and MLC CT Ravi alleged that the CAG report had identified payments made to fake bank accounts, multiple transfers to the same account, and disbursals in the names of deceased beneficiaries. Questioning the state government’s response, he asked why no FIR had been registered despite the alleged findings.
“Is the Congress government trying to justify the loot of funds meant for the poor? Why has an SIT not been constituted so far?” Ravi asked.
He further claimed that nearly Rs 5,000 crore, representing two months’ worth of Gruha Lakshmi benefits, had not reached beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Referring to discussions in the state legislature, Ravi alleged that documentary evidence had been presented regarding the issue and demanded a detailed investigation into both the missing funds and the findings highlighted in the CAG report.
Alleging a larger conspiracy behind the issue, Ravi urged the government to register a criminal case immediately and appoint an SIT to investigate the alleged financial irregularities.
The BJP leader also questioned the government’s reported move to introduce conditions for the Gruha Lakshmi and Gruha Jyothi guarantee schemes, claiming that they were initially promised as universal benefits. He said the proposed changes reflected the state’s deteriorating financial position.
Ravi also criticised the Congress over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Alleging that officials were under pressure to ensure minority votes were not omitted, he questioned whether the exercise was being conducted impartially. He called for a transparent revision process focused on eliminating duplicate and fake voters.
Responding to a question on an alleged audio clip linked to former Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Ravi said Gowda had already denied its authenticity and that there was nothing more to add. He maintained that the BJP remained united and would continue its issue-based political campaign.
