Umesh Katti backtracks after receiving flak for comment on BPL cards

After receiving widespread flak for asking families with televisions and two-wheelers to surrender their Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards before March 31 or face action, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Umesh Katti on Monday went into damage control mode by saying that none of the previous government orders have been modified either by him or the government. His earlier statement on returning BPL cards was criticised by many leaders, including some of his party colleagues. In a bid to clarify his position, Mr. Katti sent out a statement detailing the three earlier orders with respect to the parameters for receiving Above Poverty Line (APL) card, BPL card, and the Antyodaya card that is given to extremely poor families. “No orders have been issued after the BJP government came to power. I have not issued any order after taking over as Minister either,” he said.