In a heartfelt video message, senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi conveyed her gratitude to the people of Karnataka for granting the Congress party a historic mandate. The newly-formed government, she stated, would be dedicated to the development of the state. The former Congress president emphasized that the mandate was a rejection of divisive politics and corruption, and a testament to the aspiration for a pro-people and pro-poor government.
Sonia Gandhi proudly announced that the first Cabinet meeting had already approved the immediate implementation of five key guarantees promised by the party. These guarantees include 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), ₹2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of each family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kg of free rice to every member of a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household (Anna Bhagya), ₹3,000 monthly support for unemployed graduate youth and ₹1,500 for unemployed diploma holders aged 18-25 for two years (Yuva Nidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Uchita Prayana).
Karnataka's newly elected Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, confirmed that the orders for implementing these guarantees were issued during the first Cabinet meeting. He assured that all measures would come into effect after the next cabinet meeting, scheduled within a week.
The oath-taking ceremony witnessed eight Congress MLAs becoming ministers in the Karnataka Cabinet. Notable among them were Priyank Kharge (son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge), G Parameshwara, and MB Patil. Prominent Congress figures, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, graced the event. Chief Ministers of other Congress-ruled states like Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh also attended, alongside leaders of various opposition parties.
The Congress party secured 135 seats out of 224 in the May 10 elections, leading to the ousting of the ruling BJP. The Janata Dal (Secular) secured 19 seats. The event showcased a strong gathering of leaders who converged to witness the swearing-in ceremony, reinforcing the significance of the political moment.
As Sonia Gandhi's words reverberate, it's evident that the Congress government's focus on inclusive policies and development resonates deeply with the aspirations of Karnataka's people. The state's political landscape is poised for transformation, as the promises made are set to shape its future trajectory.
