Bengaluru, Oct 26 — Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Monday asserted that former CM Siddaramaiah will never be politically isolated, and all Congress MLAs stand with him, along with CM D.K. Shivakumar and the party.
Responding to the media near his residence in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said there was no question of Siddaramaiah being left alone.
“All our MLAs are with Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar and the Congress party. Nobody is isolated,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding the alleged sting operation involving Siddaramaiah, Parameshwara said everyone should condemn incidents that should not occur in public life. He added that the Congress leaders had collectively condemned the incident.
However, he said it would not be appropriate to comment further on a matter that was under investigation. The facts would become clear once the investigation was completed and the report was made public, he added.
On the issue of employment for local people in industries established in Karnataka, Parameshwara said industrialists must provide employment opportunities to eligible local Kannadigas in accordance with their qualifications and skills.
It can be noted that a young woman made a video alleging that if the mother tongue is mentioned as Kannada, IT companies are not considering the candidates for jobs in Bengaluru. The video had gone viral. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that all steps would be taken to ensure the interests of the Kannada people are upheld.
The government provides industries with essential facilities, including land, electricity and water, to establish their units. In return, industries must fulfil their responsibility to provide employment to eligible local candidates, Parameshwara said.
“This is not a new issue. The policy of providing employment to local people has been in place for a long time, and all industries must follow it,” he said.
Clarifying the government's position, Parameshwara said it was not insisting that industries employ people who lacked the required qualifications. Instead, eligible Kannadigas with the necessary educational qualifications and skills should be given opportunities suited to their capabilities.
He expressed concern that some industries were restricting local candidates to positions such as attendants and other lower-level jobs. “This trend is not right. Kannadigas who have the required qualifications must be given suitable positions in accordance with their educational qualifications and skills,” he said.
Parameshwara added that the Chief Minister had reiterated the government's existing commitment to providing employment opportunities to eligible local people.
Asked whether he would pressure the government to release Rs 2,500 in relief to each farmer, Parameshwara denied having said that he would exert pressure on the government.
“I have not said anywhere that I would pressure the government. I am not someone who puts pressure; I am someone who gives orders. I have already issued an order on this matter,” he said.
On the occasion, Parameshwara extended greetings to the people of Karnataka on Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti, saying he conveyed his wishes on behalf of the government and in his personal capacity. He called upon people to celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner.