BJP Alleges Contradiction in Gruha Lakshmi Scheme, Slams Excise Push

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Dec 28, 2025: BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday accused the Congress-led state government of adopting a contradictory approach in implementing its guarantee schemes, particularly the Gruha Lakshmi programme.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP office, Vijayendra said that while the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have widely publicised the guarantees, the government has simultaneously been increasing liquor and excise revenue targets year after year. He alleged that although the government promises ₹2,000 per month under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, it has raised excise targets by 35 per cent over the past 2.5 years to fund these guarantees.

Vijayendra claimed that despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s experience, the government had failed to mobilise adequate resources to support its promises and was now planning to auction 500–600 excise licences. “What is the government trying to do to the state?” he asked.

He further alleged that while the government speaks of women’s welfare through the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, it is pressuring traders to increase liquor sales, which he said would adversely affect poor families and women in particular. “Giving ₹2,000 with one hand and taking away ₹20,000 with the other has become the government’s policy,” he said, demanding clarity from the Chief Minister.

Referring to the recent winter session of the legislature in Belagavi, Vijayendra said ministers failed to respond seriously to pressing issues facing the state. He also alleged that Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar had provided incorrect information in the House regarding the release of funds under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme and was later forced to apologise.

He added that the House also witnessed discussions on the alleged land scam involving Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.