Freedom, equality and fraternity must be upheld by all: CM Siddaramaiah in Puttur
Puttur: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the importance of upholding the constitutional values of freedom, equality, and fraternity, urging citizens to contribute towards building an inclusive and just society.
Addressing a large gathering at the Ashoka Janamana–2025 programme held at the Kombettu Grounds in Puttur, Siddaramaiah said, “Every individual must follow the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution. We will soon bring a law to act against those spreading false information in the state.”
The event was organized by the Rai Estate Education and Charitable Trust under the leadership of MLA Ashok Kumar Rai to mark the 13th annual Diwali celebration and distribution of clothes.
Speaking further, Siddaramaiah said that people who earn must share a portion of their wealth for the welfare of others. “A society based on equality can exist only when the privileged extend support to the underprivileged. Basavanna called this Kayaka Dasoha — work and share. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar rightly said that when inequality persists, the edifice of liberty begins to crumble,” he noted.
The Chief Minister stressed that no religion teaches hatred. “Every faith advocates love and compassion. As Kuvempu said, our society should become a garden of peace for all communities,” he remarked.
Highlighting the government’s welfare initiatives, Siddaramaiah said the Anna Bhagya Guarantee Scheme aims to ensure that “no person in Karnataka should have to beg for food.” He also noted that after the introduction of guarantee schemes, Karnataka has achieved the highest per capita income in the country.
“We are committed to ensuring that every district has a medical college and at least one super-speciality hospital. As of now, 22 districts have government medical colleges. A full-fledged government medical college will also be established in Puttur,” he assured.
District-in-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who also spoke at the event, described the programme as “historic” and said it fosters love and trust among people. “Politics is not merely about enjoying power; it is about repaying the people’s debt through meaningful service,” he said.
MLA Ashok Kumar Rai mentioned that the Janamana initiative has been distributing clothes during Diwali for the past 12 years and that this year, one lakh people would benefit. He also expressed his commitment to pursuing tourism and employment opportunities for the development of Puttur.
The ceremony saw participation from several dignitaries, including MLC Dr. Manjunath Bhandari, Ivan D’Souza, former ministers Abhaychandra Jain, B. Ramanath Rai, and Vinay Kumar Sorake, Manila Shrimohan Das Paramahamsa Swamiji, religious leaders Fr. Lawrence Mascarenhas and scholar S.B. Dharimi, and former MLA Shakuntala Shetty.
Congress leaders Mithun Rai, Padmaraj, Inayat Ali, Kanachur Monu, Harish Kumar, M.A. Gafoor, Mamatha Gatti, and others were also present.
Ashok Kumar Rai welcomed the gathering, Muhammad Badagannur compered the event, and Nihal Shetty delivered the vote of thanks.
On the occasion of Diwali, clothes and household essentials were distributed to thousands, and 20 achievers from various fields were felicitated on stage.
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Farmers in Chincholi demand better MSP, accuse sugar factory owners of not fulfilling assurance
Kalaburagi: Members of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) and the Taluk Raitha Hitarakshana Samiti protested outside the Siddasiri Ethanol Power Unit in Chincholi, demanding appropriate minimum support price (MSP) to sugarcane farmers in Chincholi.
Pointing out that it was decided at the meeting chaired by District In-charge Minister Priyank Kharge on November 15 to provide farmers an MSP of Rs 2,950 per tonne of sugarcane with an additional Rs 50 as support price from sugar factory owners, the protesting farmers also demanded that the decision be implemented.
“The Siddasiri sugar factory owner has violated the agreement by paying each farmer only Rs 2,550,” the farmers have alleged.
President of the KPRS Kalaburagi District Unit Sharanabasappa Mamashetti said, “When he opened the factory, legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal had assured that the factory would pay farmers in Kalaburagi an additional Rs 100, but has failed to live up to the word.”
The protesting farmers have demanded that the authorities concerned give priority to sugarcane farmers of Chincholi and Kalagi taluks to support the sugarcane crop. “Also, the factories should employ local youngsters and due measures should be taken to ensure the safety of the drivers of sugarcane transport vehicles,” they said.
They also handed their memorandum to Tahsildar Subbanna Jamakhandi and Power Ethanol Unit General Manager Dayananda Banagara.
The Tahsildar has assured that a meeting with the sugar factory owners would be held to discuss the issues raised by the farmers.
