Mysuru (Karnataka), April 24 : Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, claimed that the guarantee schemes of the Congress have severely weakened the stateâ??s economy, pushing Karnataka and other states towards financial distress.

He was speaking after participating in temple-related programmes. Kumaraswamy said that while providing Rs 2,000 to women may appear beneficial, people must examine how the government is funding it.

Referring to Sri Lankaâ??s economic crisis, Kumaraswamy alleged that mismanagement of the economy could push Karnataka towards a similar fate.

â??The government is borrowing heavily to fund these guarantees. Already, this government has accumulated a debt of Rs 7.26 lakh crore. This has placed a burden of at least Rs 1 lakh on each of the stateâ??s 6.3 crore people,â?? he alleged.

He added that he is ready to debate this claim on any platform and challenged the state government to come forward for a discussion if it has the courage.

â??The impact of these guarantee schemes has emptied the state treasury. The government is struggling to pay salaries to its employees on time. Similarly, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, which came to power on the promise of guarantees, has financially weakened that state as well.

"There are media reports that salaries of officials, including the Chief Secretary, have been cut,â?? he claimed, expressing concern that Karnataka could face a similar situation.

Questioning the effectiveness of cash assistance, he said, â??Can a family be run with Rs 2,000 given to women?"

"While the government provides money under schemes like Gruha Laxmi, rising prices and increased taxes are reducing household incomes. At the same time, the government is taking on excessive debt, burdening future generations,â?? he alleged.

During his visit, Kumaraswamy participated in the inauguration of the Sri Melanakatte Ganapati Temple in Basavanapura, Geradada and Kenchanahalli villages, and the inauguration of the gopuram and consecration ceremonies at Sri Basaveshwara Swamy Temple in Hosahagrahara. He also offered special prayers at the temples.

Speaking at the Ganapati Temple inauguration, he said it was his privilege to inaugurate the temple and that the programme, attended along with former minister S.R. Mahesh, was spiritually fulfilling. He noted that the temple, located amidst nature, provides a sense of peace and devotion.

Later, he visited the Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple in Saligrama, where he offered prayers and spent some time in the presence of the deity along with local leaders.

/IANS