AIDWA Slams Karnataka CM Over ‘Guarantees Only for Voters’ Remark, Warns Against Deletion of Women from Electoral Rolls
Bengaluru, 19 June 2026 — The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) Karnataka State Committee has vehemently condemned recent remarks made by the Chief Minister, which implied that the state’s welfare guarantee schemes are exclusively reserved for voters. Terming the statement “anti-people, anti-democratic, and unconstitutional,” the women’s rights organization asserted that welfare benefits are a fundamental right of all eligible citizens, not a tool for political leverage.
‘Taxpayer Money is Not Political Property’
“ಗ್ಯಾರಂಟಿ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳು ಮತದಾರರಿಗಷ್ಟೇ” ಎಂಬ ಸಿಎಂ ಹೇಳಿಕೆಗೆ ಜನವಾದಿ ಮಹಿಳಾ ಸಂಘಟನೆ ತೀವ್ರ ಖಂಡನೆ; ಮಹಿಳಾ ಮತದಾರರ ಹಕ್ಕು ರಕ್ಷಣೆಗೆ ಆಗ್ರಹ
AIDWA leaders emphasized that the office of the Chief Minister is a constitutional position meant to protect the interests of every citizen, rather than representing a single political party or faction. They argued that linking public welfare schemes to voting behavior undermines democratic values.
“The government does not differentiate between voters, supporters, or opponents while collecting taxes,” said Chandrakumari, President of AIDWA Karnataka. “Therefore, introducing such divisive rhetoric during the distribution of public benefits is deeply regrettable and undemocratic. These schemes are funded by public money, not the personal property of the ruling party.”
The association noted that such statements violate the spirit of the Constitution and create unnecessary confusion and anxiety among the public. They strongly rejected any attempts to claim political ownership over taxpayer-funded initiatives for electoral gains.
Rising Fears Over Disenfranchisement of Vulnerable Women
Beyond the controversy over welfare schemes, the association raised grave concerns regarding ongoing electoral review processes. AIDWA alleged that these processes are triggering widespread anxiety, particularly among marginalized communities, minorities, and vulnerable sections of society.
The organization pointed to worrying trends in other parts of the country where eligible women have reportedly disappeared from voting lists, urging proactive measures in Karnataka.
“There is a pressing need for a comprehensive review regarding how many women’s names have been dropped from voter lists in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu,” noted Devi, General Secretary of AIDWA Karnataka. “We cannot rule out a similar situation unfolding in Karnataka. The state government and the Election Commission must act immediately to ensure that no eligible woman is unjustly stripped of her right to vote.”
Call for Action and Warning of Public Backlash
AIDWA has urged the Chief Minister to uphold the dignity of his office, act responsibly, and immediately withdraw the controversial statement. The body demanded swift interventions to safeguard both the voting rights and the welfare access of women across the state.
The association concluded with a stern warning to the administration, stating that any attempts to deprive citizens of their constitutional and economic rights would face severe pushback. If this “irresponsible politics” continues, AIDWA warned that a united front of farmers, laborers, women, youth, and democratic citizens across Karnataka would deliver a fitting response to the government.
