BJP copying Congress model in Haryana, MP: DK Shivakumar amid poll promises row

Dismissing the BJP's accusations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the state is financially stronger than that of the country.

In Short

• Shivakumar claims Karnataka's finances are stronger than India's
• Says BJP copying Congress's policies in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana
• Row over poll promises after Congress's Shakti scheme review suggestion

Amid ongoing sparring over poll promises, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday accused the BJP of copying the Congress model across several states.

"They’re copying us," he said, adding that the BJP has adopted Congress-style policies in Madhya Pradesh, initiated similar measures in Haryana, and even begun fund transfers in Maharashtra.

“They are embarrassed by copying us, but they’re doing it anyway,” Shivakumar said.

Shivakumar also asserted that Karnataka’s financial strength surpasses that of the country.

"Who says we are facing financial issues?" he questioned, adding, "Our finances are stronger than that of the country's".

Shivakumar's comments come after a row erupted over poll promises with the BJP and Congress trading barbs at each other.

It began when Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge rebuked the Karnataka government on Thursday following Shivakumar's suggestion to review the Shakti scheme - free bus rides for women in the state.

However, Shivakumar's statements were later dismissed by Chief Minister Siddaramiah.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded on Friday, calling Congress’s promises “unreal” in a series of posts on X, highlighting Congress’s past failures to fulfill pledges.

“The Congress Party is realising the hard way that making unreal promises is easy but implementing them properly is tough or impossible. Campaign after campaign, they promise things to the people, which they also know they will never be able to deliver. Now, they stand badly exposed in front of the people!” the Prime Minister posted on X.

Kharge replied sharply, calling the BJP’s 100-day plan a “cheap PR stunt”. The Congress chief also listed out seven instances where he said the BJP had not kept its own promises.

Kharge further said that "lies, deceit, fakery, loot, and publicity" define characteristics of the NDA government at the Centre.