DK Shivakumar asks MLAs to speed up guarantee implementation, prepare for local body polls

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has asked Congress legislators to step up implementation of the government’s guarantee schemes at the grassroots level and begin preparations for the upcoming local body elections.

At a Congress Legislature Party meeting held in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, Shivakumar discussed the implementation of government programmes, guarantee schemes, drought management and the proposed elections to local bodies. The meeting also reviewed preparations for the forthcoming Hiriyur bypoll.

The Chief Minister reportedly stressed the need to strengthen guarantee implementation committees at the gram panchayat level. He asked every MLA to recommend six names for each gram panchayat guarantee implementation committee. Several legislators are yet to submit their recommendations, and Shivakumar told them to complete the process, according to party sources.

The meeting also discussed preparations for elections to taluk panchayats and zilla panchayats. Shivakumar asked legislators to begin groundwork at the district level, as the elections could be announced at any time.

The Chief Minister also urged party legislators to work together in the Hiriyur bypoll and ensure coordinated efforts at the constituency level.

Another issue that reportedly came up during the meeting was the leakage of a Finance Department note concerning the state’s financial position. Shivakumar is said to have expressed displeasure over the document reaching the media and questioned officials over the handling of confidential government communications.

The Finance Department has recently cautioned the government about fiscal pressures and advised restraint in announcing new projects without identifying funding sources.

According to sources, Shivakumar told officials and legislators that confidentiality must be maintained and warned that action could be taken against those responsible for unauthorised disclosure of government documents.

The CLP meeting also discussed drought management and the government’s demand for financial assistance. The discussions come amid the state’s broader focus on drought relief and fiscal management.

The meeting assumes significance as the Congress government prepares to implement its programmes while also gearing up for local body elections and managing financial and drought-related challenges.