Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday directed the Food Department officials not to cancel the ration cards of poor families, following widespread concerns over the fate of 22.6 lakh Below the Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders deemed ineligible in a recent government survey.

The Chief Minister’s Office stated, “The chief minister has warned that action will be taken against the Food Department officials if the ration cards of poor families are cancelled without any reason.” Siddaramaiah emphasised that ration cards belonging to non-government employees and non-income taxpayers should be returned immediately if already cancelled.

Government Reassessment Sparks Debate

The controversy arose after the Karnataka government identified 22.63 lakh ineligible BPL cardholders through a survey conducted in August. The survey aimed to revise the BPL cardholder list and revealed discrepancies, including individuals whose annual income exceeds ₹1.2 lakh, those holding government jobs, or paying income tax.

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister K.H. Muniyappa explained the rationale behind the revision. “In Karnataka, which is the second-most tax revenue-generating state after Maharashtra, there cannot be 75 to 80 per cent BPL card holders. So, we have to cancel them,” he said. Muniyappa clarified that the process involves converting BPL cards to Above Poverty Line (APL) cards for ineligible recipients rather than outright cancellations.

Fear of Benefits Withdrawal

The revision sparked fear among economically weaker families reliant on government schemes like the Anna Bhagya initiative, which provides 10 kg of food grains per family member monthly. Concerns also rose over the possible withdrawal of ₹2,000 monthly assistance provided under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme.

A BPL cardholder in Bengaluru shared her distress after discovering her ration card had been cancelled at a government shop. She expressed worry about her newborn daughter’s future, fearing she might lose access to government welfare programs.

Opposition Takes a Stand

The BJP seized the opportunity to criticise the ruling Congress, organising marches and demonstrations across the state. Opposition leaders R. Ashoka, C.N. Ashwath Narayan, and K. Gopalaiah visited BPL households and staged protests, accusing the government of neglecting vulnerable families.

Reports from various districts highlighted public dissatisfaction, with many expressing shock and dismay over the government’s move.

The situation remains tense as the Karnataka government balances efforts to streamline welfare benefits with the pressing concerns of economically weaker sections.