On Saturday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the recommendation to include the Kuruba community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category originally came from the previous BJP-led government. However, he noted that this proposal was subsequently returned by the Union government.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that the ultimate decision regarding any community’s inclusion in the ST category rests solely with the Union government, not with the State government.
Addressing the critical issue of crop loss compensation, Siddaramaiah assured that he had already directed officials to conduct a joint survey. He pledged that compensation would be disbursed promptly once the survey report is submitted, stressing that the state possesses ample funds for this purpose.
He added that the joint survey had already been finalized in Dharwad district and was expected to conclude in Gadag district by Tuesday, after which measures would be taken to release the aid.
Responding to the BJP’s planned statewide protests concerning damaged roads, the Chief Minister acknowledged that this year’s excessive rainfall had indeed caused significant damage. “I am currently holding meetings to address the road issues in Bengaluru and other areas. I will issue immediate directives for remedial action,” he stated. He then pointedly remarked, “It’s also worth mentioning that during the BJP’s tenure, no new roads were constructed, nor were existing potholes filled.”