Empowering Weaker Sections Government’s Priority: CM Siddaramaiah

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, March 8, 2026: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that bringing the most marginalised sections of society into the mainstream and empowering weaker sections remains a key objective of the government, and that the State’s five guarantee schemes were introduced with this goal in mind.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Mooduru–Paduru Jodukere Kambala in Bantwal on Saturday.

The Chief Minister said that along with political freedom, economic freedom is equally important. “We have been strengthening people who have been deprived of opportunities in society. That is why people are supporting us, and we will return to power again in 2028,” he said.

Siddaramaiah also clarified that the State government was not facing any financial crisis. Describing Kambala as a highly popular traditional sport, he assured continued support from the government for its promotion. He also remarked that former minister B. Ramanath Rai had been one of the sincere ministers in the State.

The Chief Minister announced that funds would be allocated next year for the construction of a sports stadium in Bantwal taluk.

Former minister and honorary president of the Kambala committee B. Ramanath Rai presided over the programme. Felicitating the Chief Minister on behalf of the committee, Rai praised Siddaramaiah for his commitment to farmers and the poor. He noted that the Chief Minister introduced the Anna Bhagya scheme to address hunger among the poor and had waived loans taken by beneficiaries through various corporations. Rai also urged the Chief Minister to establish the proposed sports stadium at Benjanapadavu in Bantwal taluk.

Among those present as chief guests were Santosh Guruji, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, Government Chief Whip in the Legislative Council Salim Ahmed, Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, Legislative Council member Ivan D’Souza and others. Pius L. Rodrigues delivered the welcome address.