The CAG has warned that Karnataka’s guarantee schemes are straining state finances, reversing post-Covid recovery. These schemes, comprising 15% of revenue expenditure in 2023-24, contributed to a revenue deficit of Rs 9,271 crore. The fiscal deficit also widened significantly, increasing from Rs 46,623 crore to Rs 65,522 crore.

Justice B Sudershan Reddy, the opposition’s VP candidate, embraced the opportunity to champion constitutional ideals like equality and liberty, values he has cherished since 1971. Despite acknowledging the NDA’s majority, he intends to appeal to MPs across party lines, urging them to assess candidates based on merit.

During India’s National Emergency (1975-1977), over 10.7 million people were sterilised, exceeding government targets by 60%. The Justice Shah Commission, investigating Emergency excesses, revealed widespread complaints, including forced sterilisations and related deaths. States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh conducted the most sterilisations, driven by a focus on this single method and incentives/disincentives.