Karnataka CM defends Bharat Jodo clubs, BJP calls it’s to help Congress workers line their pockets

Bengaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday dismissed concerns over the financial implications of the government's decision to establish 10,000 Bharat Jodo Associations, saying funds would be made available for the initiative aimed at engaging youth in sports, arts and cultural activities.

The state Cabinet on Wednesday decided to give a grant of Rs 10 lakh for each association. The government said the clubs would help encourage healthy habits among young people through community-based activities.

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The initiative, however, has raised eyebrows in the Opposition BJP and sparked concerns over costs within the Congress. Minister Satish Jarkiholi reportedly expressed concerns over the financial burden the programme could place on the state exchequer.

The opposition BJP also questioned the move, with Opposition leader R Ashoka alleging that the scheme was intended to channel public funds to Congress workers.

"What is the connection between Bharat Jodo and the government?" Ashoka said in a post on X.

He further alleged that the government was already benefiting party workers through guarantee implementation committees and urged it to prioritise clearing pending contractor payments, which he claimed had reached around Rs 76,000 crore.