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Politics
Karnataka Minister DK Shivakumar Says $5,000 Cash Promise Mirrors Congress Tactics
✍️ India Today
🗓 15 Sep 2026, 03:37 AM
👁 10
Senior Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar accused a recent $5,000 cash pledge of copying the Congress party’s approach, drawing a parallel with former US President Donald Trump’s style.
Karnataka senior minister DK Shivakumar publicly criticised a recent political promise that offers a cash benefit of $5,000 to voters. He asserted that the pledge closely follows the pattern traditionally employed by the Congress party in election campaigns.
Shivakumar likened the strategy to the populist approach of former US President Donald Trump, suggesting that the promise is designed to create a direct financial appeal to the electorate. He emphasized that such tactics are not novel in Indian politics and have been used by major parties to sway voter sentiment.
The minister made the remarks during a press interaction in Bengaluru, where he was asked about the growing trend of cash‑handouts ahead of upcoming polls. He called for a focus on substantive policy over short‑term monetary incentives.
No official response has been recorded from the party or leader behind the $5,000 pledge, and the issue is expected to feature in broader debates on election ethics and campaign financing.
Shivakumar likened the strategy to the populist approach of former US President Donald Trump, suggesting that the promise is designed to create a direct financial appeal to the electorate. He emphasized that such tactics are not novel in Indian politics and have been used by major parties to sway voter sentiment.
The minister made the remarks during a press interaction in Bengaluru, where he was asked about the growing trend of cash‑handouts ahead of upcoming polls. He called for a focus on substantive policy over short‑term monetary incentives.
No official response has been recorded from the party or leader behind the $5,000 pledge, and the issue is expected to feature in broader debates on election ethics and campaign financing.