Bengaluru: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) attachment of properties in connection with the MUDA scam, which involves Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
He emphasised, “Nobody is above the law. Agencies work independently, and they are doing their job.”
Responding to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s criticism of the BJP over “freebies”, Chouhan drew a clear distinction between providing public welfare and vote-driven incentives. He explained, “The Prime Minister decided to give free ration to the poor because it was necessary. You cannot put the needs of the public in the category of freebies. Distributing things only for votes is freebies.”
On welfare initiatives, Chouhan noted that over 4 lakh houses have been allotted under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with approximately 7.5 lakh houses allocated to Karnataka this financial year.
Following his meeting with Karnataka’s RDPR and Agriculture Ministers Priyank Kharge and Krishne Byregowda, Chouhan mentioned that the state had requested additional funds for mechanisation schemes for farmers. “I have asked them to utilise the funds already released, and we will work to release additional funds,” he said.
Chouhan also confirmed the state’s request for more staff under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme, assuring that efforts would be made to address the state’s requirements.
In response to ongoing infrastructure projects, the Union Minister announced the release of Rs 97 crore for watershed development, highlighting that previously allocated funds had been used effectively.
