Karnataka Deputy CM on Sting Row, Local Jobs and Valmiki Jayanti
Bengaluru, October 26: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara has reacted to the sting operation controversy involving former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asserting that he will not be left alone politically.
Parameshwara said that all Congress MLAs, along with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the party as a whole, stand by Siddaramaiah.
In an interaction with journalists, he said there was no question of abandoning Siddaramaiah. "Our MLAs are with Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar and the Congress party. No one is alone," he stated.
Referring to the alleged sting operation, Parameshwara said such episodes have no place in public life and must be condemned. He noted that Congress leaders had collectively expressed disapproval of the incident.
At the same time, he advised restraint on further comments, since the matter is under investigation. He said the entire truth would be known once the probe is completed and its report is released.
He also addressed the issue of local employment in industries established in Karnataka. Industrialists, he said, should provide jobs to eligible Kannadigas based on their qualifications and skills.
Parameshwara explained that the government supplies land, electricity and water to industries for their units, and in return they are expected to hire qualified local residents. He said the policy is not new and that all industries must comply with it.
He stressed that the government is not asking companies to employ people lacking the necessary qualifications. Kannadigas who have the required education and skills should instead be offered suitable roles.
He expressed concern over some industries confining locals to attendant or lower-grade positions, saying the practice is wrong. Qualified candidates, he added, should be given posts matching their education and skill levels.
Parameshwara also pointed out that the Chief Minister has reaffirmed the government's commitment to offering employment to eligible local people.
Finally, he greeted the people of Karnataka on Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, extending wishes both officially on behalf of the government and personally, and urged everyone to celebrate the occasion appropriately.