Mysuru, Jan 11 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the aim of the Congress-led state administration is to completely eliminate the Maoist movement, emphasizing that all protests must be conducted peacefully, following non-violent methods, which aligns with his government’s stance.
On Wednesday, Siddaramaiah graciously welcomed the surrendered Maoists into society by presenting them with roses and copies of the Indian Constitution at his office, 'Krishna', in Bengaluru.
With the surrender of six Maoists, the Congress-led government has proclaimed Karnataka as a Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-free state.
During a media interaction at Mysuru Airport on Friday, the Chief Minister addressed concerns and discussions regarding the surrender of Maoists and the confiscation of their weapons.
Siddaramaiah also reassured that actions are being taken to seize the firearms of the surrendered Maoists.
He stressed that protests should conform to constitutional methods, as advocated by B.R. Ambedkar, asserting that no one is allowed to take the law into their own hands.
In response to reports about additional Maoists in Karnataka's Sringeri, the Chief Minister clarified that there is no substantial evidence.
Nonetheless, he urged any such individuals to surrender to the law and reintegrate into the mainstream.
CM Siddaramaiah asserted that the Congress government does not need to validate its commitment to B.R. Ambedkar.
The government remains committed to protecting the Constitution and upholding its principles, he added.
Reacting to senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks against invoking Ambedkar's name while visiting Dalit homes for campaigning, CM Siddaramaiah indicated this reflects BJP's disrespect for Ambedkar.
He reminded that the Constitution was formulated during Congress' governance, with Ambedkar leading the efforts.
He further claimed that under former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s administration, the BJP considered amending the Constitution, and many of its leaders, along with RSS members, have historically opposed it.
Addressing the ongoing farmers' protests in Delhi, which demand a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price, CM Siddaramaiah criticized the Central government for its insensitivity towards farmers' needs.
Despite the loss of hundreds of farmers' lives during the protests, the BJP-led Central government has shown no willingness to address their legitimate demands, the Chief Minister stated.
Siddaramaiah labeled the Central government as anti-farmer and inhumane.
Discussing the ASHA workers' strike, the Chief Minister noted that discussions were held with their representatives.
Previously, ASHA workers received a monthly honorarium of Rs 8,000, but the state government has decided to increase it to Rs 10,000, including incentives. This development has led to the strike being called off, he mentioned, adding that the state's financial condition is stable enough to support this decision.
A Cabinet meeting is scheduled to take place at the Hindu pilgrimage site, Male Mahadeshwara Hill in Chamarajanagar, on February 15, focusing on resolving local issues in the area, Siddaramaiah confirmed.
He dismissed any concerns or confusion surrounding this meeting.
Responding to discussions about naming a road in Mysuru as 'Siddaramaiah Aarogya Marg', the Chief Minister clarified that he has never requested anything to be named after him throughout his 45-year political career.
He also recalled turning down an honorary doctorate offered by Mysore University in the past.
