CM Siddaramaiah slams BJP-RSS, says they have never believed in social justice
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Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a sharp attack on the BJP and RSS, stating that they have never believed in social justice. Speaking to reporters at Tubinakere helipad in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district, he alleged that the Sangh Parivar has opposed every step taken for social justice over the past century, starting from the Miller Commission during Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar's era.
"The RSS, completing 100 years in 2025, has never supported reservations," Siddaramaiah said, accusing them of consistently opposing affirmative action.
Addressing the murder of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru, the Chief Minister confirmed that police have been directed to arrest the culprits and take strict legal action. He emphasised the sanctity of human life and said he has instructed the ADGP (Law and Order) to visit the crime scene and conduct a thorough investigation.
When questioned about BJP leaders visiting the murder site, Siddaramaiah said the party often uses such incidents for political mileage. He pointed out that BJP remained silent on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam where 26 people were killed, and questioned why Prime Minister Modi did not visit the site.
Calling the Pahalgam incident a serious security lapse, the CM noted that not a single police or security personnel was deployed in the high-tourist area, which raises alarming concerns.
In response to a query on threats received by Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, Siddaramaiah revealed that he too has received similar threats and has directed police to investigate and act.
Reiterating the Congress Party’s long-standing demand, Siddaramaiah stressed the need for a comprehensive caste census, including socio-economic and educational indicators. He credited Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge for pressuring the Centre to agree to a caste-based census.
He urged the government to announce a timeline for the survey and implement the recommendations of the Justice Rohini Commission. Furthermore, Siddaramaiah advocated for amending the Constitution to increase the 50% reservation cap and extend quotas to the private sector.
“Reservation is essential and unavoidable for the socially, economically, and educationally backward sections,” he asserted. “A truly egalitarian society is possible only when every citizen becomes socially and economically empowered.”
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Rahul Gandhi to go on two-day Raebareli visit from May 19
Raebareli (UP) (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on May 19 on a two-day visit, a Congress office-bearer said on Monday.
Congress district president of Raebareli Pankaj Tiwari said that on the first day, Gandhi will inaugurate a marriage hall at Thakurain Kheda in Bachhrawan. Subsequently, he will address a public meeting in Khiron. In Lalganj, he will participate in a 'mahila samvaad' programme.
He further said that on May 20, he will meet the public during a 'Janata Darshan' programme at the Bhuyemau Guest House. Following this, he will participate in the unveiling of a statue of Veera Pasi and attend a public meeting in Lodhwari.
He will then depart for Amethi.
In Amethi, Gandhi will hold meetings with party functionaries, workers and senior leaders at the party's district headquarters, Congress district unit chief Pradeep Singhal said on Sunday.
According to political observers, this meeting would form a part of the strategic preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alongside an organisational review.
Discussions during the meeting are likely to focus on strengthening the party organisation down to the booth level, increasing participation of youth and women workers, and accelerating public outreach campaigns across villages.
According to sources, a large number of party workers -- from Gram Sabha to the district level -- have been invited to attend the meeting.
Gandhi is expected to interact directly with workers.
During the one-day visit, the Congress leader will also travel to Poore Ramdeen Pandit -- the native village of late Congress district president Yogendra Mishra -- to meet his family members.
Mishra, considered a close associate of the Gandhi family, passed away on March 1 following a prolonged illness.
Political activities in the district have intensified ahead of Gandhi's visit, and party workers have already started making arrangements for his reception.
Kishori Lal Sharma, the Congress MP from Amethi, is also holding regular meetings with local leaders and functionaries to review the preparations.
