Cong Celebrates 2 Yrs in Office With Mega Event; BJP Hits Out

26 people were killed, but still Modi did not speak a word about it (lack of security) and spoke only what he wanted to. MALLIKARJUN KHARGE, Congress president

- HT Correspondent

BENGALURU: The Congress government marked the completion of its two-year tenure in Karnataka with a public rally in Hosapete on Tuesday, where party leaders led by chief minister Siddaramaiah and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi outlined achievements and announced new initiatives, including the distribution of land title deeds to the poor. The celebration was criticised by the BJP as it came even as the capital reeled under heavy rainfall.

Addressing the "Sadhana Samavesha" in Vijayanagara district, Gandhi lauded the government's welfare schemes and unveiled what he called a sixth guarantee — ownership rights to landless families. "Over one lakh (100,000) families have now received ownership rights, and 2,000 habitations have been declared revenue villages," he said, calling it a continuation of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's vision.

He urged officials to expedite the process. "Another 50,000 families still lack land rights. I want them to be covered within six months. Additionally, 500 more habitations should be declared revenue villages," he said.

Framing the initiative as more than a welfare measure, the Congress leader described it as a step towards strengthening rural economies. "When we put money in the hands of people, it flows into local markets and strengthens rural economies. Unlike the BJP model, where resources benefit a handful of billionaires, our approach empowers the poor — Dalits, Adivasis, backward communities, and farmers."

He also called for digitising land records to remove bureaucratic obstacles. "In the 21st century, the poor should not have to run from pillar to post for a copy of their land record," he said. "Though we had promised five guarantees, we have delivered a sixth — one that will help secure Karnataka's future."