Govt Curbed Communal Tensions in Dakshina Kannada
-Mangaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday claimed that his government had thwarted attempts to create communal discord in Dakshina Kannada, a district once known for frequent clashes.
He spoke after the inauguration of the Ashoka Jana-Mana 2025 program organized by the Rai Estate Educational and Charitable Trust in Puttur.
“This district once ranked first in conflicts in the name of religion. Our government put an end to this,” he said.
Criticizing those who incite violence, Siddaramaiah said, “Those who instigate conflicts in the name of caste or religion never send their own children. It is always the poor and innocent who suffer.”
He said effective officers have been appointed in Dakshina Kannada and this has led to improvement in law and order. “Change is possible if police officers carry out their duties sincerely. Authorities and elected representatives must work together in harmony.”
Emphasizing India’s unity in diversity, Siddaramaiah said the country should remain a “garden of peace for all communities”. He urged people to uphold tolerance and coexistence, noting that “a society built on hatred, inequality, and conflict should never take shape.”
“The development of any state or region is only possible by ensuring social harmony,” he said, warning that lawsuits would be filed against those who spread false news or disturb the peace. Ministers Priyank Kharge and HK Patil are reviewing legal measures in this regard, he added.
Responding to criticism on the latest circular on organizational activities in public and government spheres, Siddaramaiah said, “When Jagadish Shettar was the Chief Minister, his government also issued a similar order. We did the same, but they accuse us of targeting the RSS. When we take action, they paint it in a communal colour; people should see these double standards.”
Attacking the Centre, he said that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017 had caused heavy losses in Karnataka. “They have looted citizens’ taxes in the last eight years and now, after small deductions, they call it a ‘Diwali gift’. This is the hypocrisy of the BJP,” he said, adding that the State had lost Rs 15,000 Million due to the GST regime.
Praising MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, the organizer of the event, Siddaramaiah said, “As a Congress legislator, Ashok has set an example through his social work. The foundation has been organizing a clothing donation drive every year for the last 13 years and this time clothes are being donated to one lakh people. Hope such efforts inspire others.”
