From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Belagavi, Oct 3: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised to take tough action against those causing communal clashes and control incidents of disruption of communal harmony to ensure peace.
Speaking to media persons at the Sambra airport in Belagavi on Tuesday, he said the Congress government will not come in the way of people resorting to protests, as protests and dissent are part of democratic life, but it should not lead to law and order problems or disturb peace.
Responding to allegations by BJP leaders that communal clashes have increased in the State under Congress rule, he said BJP leaders should know who instigates that and causes trouble as it is part of their agenda.
"After their defeat in Assembly polls, the BJP leaders are now jobless and have started hurling baseless allegations. There is no truth in their claims and allegations," he said and asserted that the persons who indulged in stone pelting in Shivamoga have been arrested and suitable action as per law will be taken.
Siddaramaiah said the government will not prevent BJP leaders from protesting in Kolar or any other place. "But the protests should be peaceful and should not disturb peace. However, protests should have a valid cause and reason."
On the question of alleged injustice to the Lingayat community under Congress rule, the Chief Minister said the government will never allow injustice to any community and believes in inclusive governance.
Answering questions on Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's letter seeking the withdrawal of cases registered in different police stations across the State based on the demand by Vokkaliga Struggle Committee, he said he will look into the letter and take a suitable decision.
To a question on splitting of the Belagavi district, he said the issue will be discussed with the legislators of the district, and the government will take a decision based on consensus.
The Chief Minister later participated in the 9th national conference of Shepherd India International at the Belgavi Nehru Nagar Stadium, which was inaugurated by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya. Kaginele Kanaka Guru Peeth pontiff Sri Niranjananada Swamiji along with other seers Sri Ishwaranandapuri Swamiji and Arujunabhayipuri Swamiji,
Shepherd India International President H Vishwanath, Union Minister of State Faggan Singh Kulase, Public Works Minister Satish Jarakiholi, Women and Children Welfare Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Urban Development Minister Byarathi Suresh, Goa's former Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakanth Babu Kavalekar, and other leaders participated.