Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Mangaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly criticised Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai for his remarks against the Congress government regarding the surrender of Maoists in the Congress-rules state.
The CM clarified, "six Maoists have surrendered, and efforts were made to bring them from the forest to the court and then to the state. Maoists should abandon armed struggle and join the mainstream. We have no objection to peaceful protests. The Constitution permits peaceful demonstrations, and if conducted within its framework, they will have our support."
Addressing Annamalai's claims, which cast doubts on the sincerity of the Maoist surrenders, Siddaramaiah pointed out that Annamalai was a former government official,serving as Superintendent of Police, and is now the BJP state president. "Given his shift to politics, what more can we expect from him?" the Chief Minister remarked.
He also said that Rs 10,000 monthly honorarium including incentives have been announced for Asha workers in Karnataka. In the past, they were paid Rs 8000 per month.