Bengaluru, 15 August

Delivering his address for at the 79th Independence Day celebrations in City, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the State is facing discrimination in the distribution of resources from the Centre.

Every responsible citizen must raise their voice in this regard, he said.

Siddaramaiah added that the State is now stepping forward to become the world's 'Capital of Innovation'.

He said that investors want to bring in over Rs 10 lakh crore in investments. Out of this, 48 per cent has already been processed under Single Window IT Platform.

Noting that the government has rolled out multiple programmes for the welfare of labourers, particularly in the unorganised sector, the CM said, "We will be soon implementing the Karnataka Labour Policy to ensure job security…. We are not only safeguarding the interests of all workers engaged in this sector, but enacting 'Platform-Based Gig Workers Bill' for the welfare of over five lakh gig workers".

Under this Bill, the government is introducing an insurance scheme providing coverage of up to Rs 4 lakh for these workers, he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in his address at the KPCC office, asked party workers to a take a five-point oath to save the sanctity of democracy.

“We need to take a five-point oath today; Save democracy, Constitution and sanctity of elections and to fight injustice of tax devolution and to eliminate fascism. Freedom is not something that has a price tag,” he said.

“The first independence struggle in the country took place in Shivamogga district. Kittur Chennamma was the first one to defeat the British. Kannadigas have contributed a lot for the Independence movement. We need to remember it today,” he reminisced.

“It is not enough if we hoist the tricolour and sing national anthem, we need to spread the message of our sacrifices to the future generations. Else, traitors will keep preaching us patriotism. It is the Congressmen who fought for independence but they are trying to defame these leaders,” he said.

“The Opposition asks about the contribution of the Congress party for the independence struggle... More than 6.5 lakh Congress men have sacrificed their life in the Independence struggle,” he remarked.

Speaking to media later, he said, “There is a new wave in the country. It is good to see all non-BJP parties joining hands. I am confident that there will be a massive change in the days to come.”