In a fiery press interaction in Chamarajanagar on Tuesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP-led central government of deploying the Enforcement Directorate as a political tool to harass Congress leaders, conveniently ignoring its own party’s transgressions.
The outspoken CM pointed to the ED’s recent action against Mohammad Nalpad, son of Congress MLA NA Haris, as a prime example of ‘vendetta politics.’ ‘This selective persecution of the opposition is blatant,’ he charged.
Brushing aside superstitious beliefs tying Chamarajanagar visits to political downfall, Siddaramaiah quipped, ‘Superstition has no hold on me. Frequent trips here only bolster our resolve – said half-jokingly, but with full seriousness.’
Praising his government’s guarantee programs, he noted the irony of former detractors now copying them. ‘Opponents who mocked these pro-poor initiatives have seen the light and are adopting them wholesale.’
Responding to JD(S) MLA Sharan Gouda Chandapur’s letter claiming biased compensation distribution, the CM emphasized equity: ‘Aid goes to every deserving individual. Bring any shortfall to us – even MLAs’ requests will be honored promptly.’
On women’s reservation, Siddaramaiah schooled the BJP on its track record. ‘Rajiv Gandhi empowered women via the 73rd and 74th Amendments for panchayats. BJP opposed it fiercely in Rajya Sabha. Today’s bill ties it to delimitation – that’s our real issue, not the quota itself.’
The state will adhere to the High Court’s ruling on third-language scoring, he affirmed. Regarding an oxygen-related mishap, officials will be consulted for accountability.
Minority leaders’ complaints of oversight? ‘They sat through the decisions and raised no alarms then,’ he countered.
Wrapping up, Siddaramaiah exuded optimism for Congress triumphs in Davanagere and Bagalkot by-elections, framing it as a rebuke to central overreach.
