Mysuru: As the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP-JD(S) alliance engage in heated exchanges over the State Government’s move to reclassify ineligible BPL card holders, KPCC Spokesperson M. Lakshmana defended the decision, attributing it to the directives issued by the Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department.

Speaking to the media persons at Indira Gandhi Congress Bhavan in the city on Thursday, Lakshmana explained that the 80,000 BPL card holders in the State were shifted to the APL category following guidelines from the Central Government.

He pointed out that the Food Security Act sets a cap on the number of BPL cardholders: 76 percent in rural areas and 49 percent in urban areas. As per these instructions, the State had no choice but to comply.

Lakshmana further clarified that this revision was not unique to Karnataka but was occurring nationwide, reducing the total number of BPL card holders to 5.8 crore. He criticised the BJP for remaining silent on the national context, accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation.

He also questioned the fairness of including individuals with multiple properties or cars under the BPL category and asserted that the revision aimed to ensure benefits were directed to those who truly need them.

Regarding Mysuru district, Lakshmana claimed that during the BJP’s tenure, 9,881 BPL card holders were excluded.

He assured that while those who shifted from BPL to APL would no longer receive rice benefits, they would continue to enjoy all other Guarantee Scheme benefits.

 Mysuru District Rural Congress Committee President Dr. B.J. Vijaykumar, former CorporatorShivanna and former ZP President B.M. Ramu were present.