CM is giving misleading information on employment, says Arvind Bellad

Deputy Leader of Opposition Arvind Bellad has accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of providing misleading information regarding providing 40,000 jobs and said that he can make claims about recruitment only after completing the process.

Addressing presspersons in Hubballi on Wednesday, Mr. Bellad said that the State government is now scared following the massive protest in Dharwad on Tuesday which forced the Chief Minister to post on X a press release even before the protest concluded.

Negating accusations of trying to hijack the protest for gaining political mileage, Mr. Bellad said that the Opposition decided to support the protest after police denied permission to job aspirants to hold the agitation.

“The students voices were being suppressed. As an Opposition party, we obtained permission and extended support to the protest without politicising the issue,” he said.

Mr. Bellad further said that although the Finance Department has granted approval related to recruitment, the State government is delaying implementation and avoiding action.

When questioned about the unfulfilled promise of employment generation by the Centre, he said that the Central government has provided 7.3 lakh jobs. EPF data reflects employment creation across the country, he added.

He said that over the past 11 years, 17.9 crore employment opportunities have been generated through start-ups and other initiatives. He added that while the Central government is fulfilling its responsibilities, the State government should also focus on job creation instead of offering excuses.

Mr. Bellad said that the candidates approached him two days ago seeking support after being denied permission for the protest, following which he and party leader R. Ashok took the decision to intervene.

Reacting to “go back” slogans raised during the protest, he said that students originally planned to march towards Jubilee Circle but were denied permission. Since permission was given for a different route. i.e., from Srinagar to Michigan Compound, some students expressed dissatisfaction, he added.