Unemployment and farmer suicides are key issues in Karnataka: Yeddyurappa

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP Karnataka president BS Yeddyurappa put the focus on unemployment, farmer suicides and women's safety in the state. He was speaking Friday at a forum as part of Prajavani's 'Vision Karnataka' series.

"One of our key issues today is unemployment. Another is farmer suicides," said Yeddyurappa. "I am a farmer, and these are key agenda points for me. My pledge is to make Karnataka a model state that embodies the PM's 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' initiative." 

"I am the first chief minister who introduced Bhagyalakshmi Yojana for women," he said. "Employment opportunities, safety and empowerment of women are focus points not just for the state, but for all of India, as you know."  

Yeddyurappa said that the police should be given a free hand when it comes to safety. "Giving a free hand to officers will ensure better law and order," he said, and "regarding crimes against women - immediate punishment."

Yeddyurappa said that his party has a long-term plan for Bengaluru, which includes focusing on the Metro, suburban railways, lake rejuvenation and making it a green city as well as a silicon city.