Karnataka rice politics: KCR tries to stay away as BRS seemingly warms up to BJP

Hyderabad: Telangana government has been caught in a piquant situation over its neighbour Karnataka’s plea for supply of rice to implement its ambitious free “Anna Bhagya Scheme.”

While Telangana offered paddy to Congress ruled Karnataka to tide over its ambitious free rice scheme, but the latter insists on supply of rice.

KCR government has curtly turned down the request, for its own personal and political reasons, it is learnt.

Highly placed sources told NewsMeter that BRS government is trying to wriggle out of the Karnataka-Centre feud on rice and other issues.

With BRS trying to cozy up to the Modi government again, a decision to help neighbouring Karnataka has put them in quandary. Karnataka shares close ties and borders with Telangana State.

Starting trouble:

Congress government in Karnataka’s pet scheme is having starting trouble in view of the non-availability of required quantity of rice to implement its promise.

Though the Siddaramaiah government accuses Centre of trying to derail and defame the government which won the assembly election on the promises of freebies, sources said the government’s calculations had gone wrong.

“They have asked us for rice, we offered them paddy. They insisted on rice supply. We expressed out inability. Reasons are obvious. I feel they have miscalculated freebies in a bid to win elections,” a highly placed source in the government said.

BRS keeps away from Karnataka

BRS, which has national political ambition, is not making any foray into Karnataka politics at present and focusing on Maharashtra.

2.3 metric tons of rice per month needed

Karnataka needs 2.3 million metric tonnes of rice a month, which is not available in any State, to fulfill one of its ambitious electoral promises.

Karnataka Anna Bhagya Scheme, popularly known as “Karnataka Free Rice Distribution Scheme,” provides for free 10 kgs rice to each person per month but conditions apply.

The beneficiary should have Below Poverty Line (BPL) card, residence proof of staying in Karnataka, Domicile certificate, mobile number, Aadhar Card, BPL/Antyodaya Anna Card. The beneficiary must visit the local ration shop with their BPL card to draw the ration every month.

July 1 launch date

Siddaramaiah government has promised to launch the scheme from July 1, but going by the present state of affairs, it could miss the date unless some miracle happens. Karnataka government is exploring other avenues to put their schemes on the rail.

KCR government implementing free 5 kg rice to 91.69 lakh BPL beneficiaries instead of charging Rs 1 per kg for six kgs, which was the norm earlier.

Telangana, galloping in all sectors, is slated for record paddy production of over 1.5 core tonnes during Yasangi (Rabi). The state is also facing a challenge over purchases by the Centre. Paddy production which was 99,33,471 Metric tons (MTs) in 2013-2014 reached 2,48,65,662 MTs in 2021-22 the increase was 150 percent. And it’s going up annually.

While blasting the Centre for denying rice and pursuing “hate politics,” Siddaramaiah is trying to procure rice from the National Agricultural Coop Federation (Nafed), Kendriya Bhandar, and the National Coop Consumers Federation of India (NCCF). But the price they are quoting has become a big hitch.

Congress romped home victorious in Karnataka elections beating formidable BJP promises huge freebies to electorate and with a promise to ensure “Sarva Jan Angada Shanthiya Thota” (Peaceful Garden for all communities).

Karnataka Congress manifesto gave five guarantees: Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, Anna Bhagya, Yuva Nidhi, and Shakti.

AICC president Mallikharjun Kharge to win over the electorate remarked during elections, "I am giving the sixth guarantee that these guarantees will surely be implemented in the first cabinet meeting on the first day of the government formation.”

All eyes are now on the new Karnataka government!