Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified his stand on the ‘Shakti’ scheme on Friday, a day after Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge scolded him for his comments suggesting a possible review of the scheme providing free bus rides to women.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar clarified that his words were misinterpreted and insisted that he was only proposing discussion and not a comeback. “Whatever guidance our senior leaders provide, we will follow. My words were twisted; “There was no stopping the plan,” he said, and accused the BJP of politicizing the issue. “I had only said that there were suggestions that should be considered so that the scheme was not terminated. But the BJP wants to create controversies for its own interests,” he added, The Economic Times reported.

Shivakumar also stated that he has maintained transparency in his duties without any signs of political interference since assuming office as Deputy Chief Minister. “There has not been a single case of interference since I became Deputy CM,” he said.

Asked about BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s recent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shivakumar rejected it, saying, “I do not want to comment on those who need medical attention. One should prioritize his own health first.”

This statement comes after Kharge’s strong response to Shivakumar’s earlier statement. The Congress National President emphasized that the Karnataka government is fully committed to the ‘Shakti’ scheme, one of the five core guarantees of the Congress that promises free non-luxury bus travel to women. Kharge reiterated that the Congress remains committed to supporting women, protecting the rights of farmers and protecting temples and public properties, contrasting this with what he called the BJP’s inaction on these issues in its previous term.

Shivakumar’s initial comment on the review of the ‘Shakti’ scheme was prompted by reports stating that some women preferred to pay bus fares, even though the government had not taken any official steps to change the policy.