"How does PM travel?": CM Siddaramaiah asks BJP, on being criticized for using luxury jet
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah snapped back at the BJP for its criticism following the sharing of a video of him and two of his Cabinet ministers journeying in a chartered flight to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the Opposition party how the PM travels.
The CM had met Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi on December 19 to ask the Central government to release drought relief funds for Karnataka. He was accompanied by Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan and Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda during the visit.
With the video that shows Siddaramaiah, Khan and Gowda traveling in the private jet going viral on social media, the Karnataka Congress is being severely criticized by the BJP for using such luxury facilities although the state was struggling to cope with drought.
ALSO READ: Video of Karnataka CM in luxury jet goes viral, draws sharp reaction from BJP
As he returned from New Delhi, Siddaramaiah was thronged by reporters, who also questioned him about his mode of transport.
Calling the BJP comment and criticism silly, the CM retorted, "Ask the BJP how Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels? Why does he travel alone?"
VIDEO | "How does Narendra Modi travel? You tell me first. Please ask this question to the BJP people – which plane Narendra Modi travels in? He travels alone. Why does he travel alone? BJP leaders will keep saying something silly," says Karnataka CM @siddaramaiah when asked… pic.twitter.com/VPxBqZqNxk
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 22, 2023
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Caste census will form basis for future policy decision, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the ongoing caste census would form the basis for future policy decisions, asserting that the exercise was crucial to advancing social justice in the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations here, he said caste enumeration was being carried out for the first time since 1931 and would be followed by deliberations once the report is submitted.
"At present, a caste census (Jaati Sameekshe) is underway. After the report comes, we will discuss it and take necessary decisions," Siddaramaiah said.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equality, stating, "We are committed to social justice. No one should face injustice. Even if not 100 per cent, we will strive to ensure 99 per cent justice."
Referring to measures aimed at addressing intra-caste disparities, the chief minister said the government had already implemented internal reservation based on revised classifications.
"We have gone beyond the Nagamohan Das report and implemented internal reservation… now it has been revised to 5.25 per cent, 5.25 per cent, and 4.5 per cent. This has been approved by the Cabinet," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the broader objective was to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, while reiterating that policy interventions would be guided by constitutional principles.
"Our objective is equal share and equal life for all," he said.
He also emphasised the role of education in eliminating inequalities, particularly among marginalised communities, and said empowerment was essential to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies.
"Only when people gain such empowerment can caste divisions be eradicated. Education is essential for this," he added.
The CM said the government would examine demands raised by various communities and take decisions based on feasibility, while ensuring that benefits reached all sections without discrimination.
