Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 18: Chief minister Siddaramaiah has advised that under no circumstances should communal clashes occur in Dakshina Kannada district and urged all political leaders to work towards this goal.

He was speaking after inaugurating the new district administration complex ‘Prajasaudha’ built at a cost of Rs 75 crore in Padil, Mangaluru, and distributing RTC documents to over 8,000 people as part of the ‘Podi Mukta Abhiyana’ (campaign to clear land record discrepancies). Referring to recent unpleasant incidents in the district, the chief minister called for strengthening communal harmony.

“Dakshina Kannada ranks number one in education, but peace must be established here. The Constitution promotes the message of brotherhood, and along with that, tolerance and coexistence are essential. Everyone should live as children of one mother. Let Dakshina Kannada become a garden of peace. All political leaders must strive for peaceful coexistence,” he said.

“There should never be an atmosphere where one human hates another. Creating a society based on love and harmony is the true duty of politicians. They must also work to eliminate social inequality,” he added. Siddaramaiah emphasized that understanding the greatness of the Constitution, which upholds the ideals of equality, is possible only for those who have faith and commitment to it.

Official status for Tulu language

Speaking on the demand for official status to the Tulu language, Siddaramaiah said, “We will take steps to honor Tulu by working towards giving it official recognition. However, Kannada will always remain the top priority.”

“It was I who laid the foundation stone for this Prajasaudha, and it is my privilege to be here for its inauguration as well,” he said. “This Prajasaudha is for the people. Citizens approach the district office with the hope that their issues will be resolved. No official should betray that trust,” he cautioned.

False claims about lack of development funds

Taking a jibe at critics of the government’s guarantee schemes, Siddaramaiah said, “Those who criticize the guarantee schemes claim there is no money for development. Last year, the state's capital expenditure was Rs 51,000 crore. This year, it has risen to Rs 82,000 crore. Therefore, the claim that there’s no money for development holds no weight.”

“In fact, the size of the state budget has increased by Rs 38,000 crore compared to last year. Karnataka is emerging as a model government for the entire country,” Siddaramaiah stated.