Right here is the complete transcript of the interview, edited for readability:
Shekhar Gupta (SG): Hiya. Welcome to Stroll the Speak on this stunning Bangalore afternoon. And right this moment’s visitor, Mr. Siddaramaiah. Are you able to say that you’re not solely the Chief Minister of Karnataka but additionally a 100% politician?
Siddaramaiah (SR): Sure, I am a politician, there is not any doubt about it. Once I belong to a political celebration, I’ve to be 100% a politician.
Australia: 100% politician.
SR: Sure, I’m 100% a politician.
Australia: However there are additionally politicians. They’re politicians 20 hours a day, 18 hours a day, 16 hours a day, 23 hours a day. You’re a politician 24 hours a day.
SR: No, I am not a 24-hour politician, I am not a 24-hour politician.
Australia: As a result of your coronary heart is all the time…
SR: Sure, after all it does. The duty is on my thoughts as a result of it is rather massive. However I have to all the time take into consideration the event of the nation, the event of the celebration’s capabilities, and all the pieces we now have to do.
Australia: If you say you might have a giant duty, what’s the greater duty? Is it your place as Chief Minister or the truth that you might be one in all solely two Chief Ministers to steer a state no matter celebration measurement?
SR: In fact, as Chief Minister and given our dedication to nationwide growth, we should always deliver into the mainstream those that have lengthy been disadvantaged of alternative in society, and we’re working onerous to supply social justice and fairness for such individuals.
Australia: However what about the truth that your celebration is at the moment in nice decline? There are solely two main states: Punjab and Karnataka.
SR: Congress, it can’t be stated that Congress has declined. Congress is shedding in lots of states, however that does not imply it is in decline.
Australia: Would not shedding imply decline?
SR: No, Congress misplaced in 1977 too. It was revived once more in 1980.
Australia: However the defeat was not like this. It wasn’t 44 seats.
SR: In 1980, the BJP received solely two seats. It is again. Right this moment it guidelines the nation.
Australia: However the BJP had Advani and Vajpayee they usually rebuilt it and located nice objective, temples and so forth.
SR: The Nationwide Congress Get together is a robust political celebration with a powerful base within the nation. That is why I stated that the Nationwide Congress celebration was defeated, not in decline. It’ll doubtless revive within the subsequent parliamentary election.
Australia: Are you a parliamentary 8 or 9 yr outdated?
SR: 10 years. I joined the Congress Get together in 2006.
Australia: Now, I am 10 years outdated. Our final dialog was in 2013. I feel you have been at a Congress celebration once you have been about 6 or 7 years outdated. What did you study from the celebration? What are the strengths of this celebration? What weaknesses can the celebration enhance?
SR: No, the Nationwide Congress Get together is powerful so far as ideology is anxious, it’s dedicated to social justice, it’s dedicated to secularism, it’s dedicated to robust democracy. These are the constructive factors of the Nationwide Congress celebration. The Nationwide Congress faction has executives everywhere in the nation.
Australia: And what are the weaknesses?
SR: The weak hyperlink is our workers, and we now have to get them excited. The Congress celebration is a mass celebration, not a cadre celebration just like the RSS or the BJP. In fact the cadre shouldn’t be there, we now have to construct the cadre.
Australia: So, are you growing executives in your state?
SR: Sure, we’re doing building in Karnataka.
Australia: Are you able to encourage them?
SR: Sure, we’re motivating them. We have now constituted all sales space stage committees, appointed sales space stage representatives and all sales space stage employees are working at village stage, sales space stage. The executives are robust now.
Australia: As a result of most individuals in India usually are not conscious that you’ve got created your individual ideology.
SR: Ahinda means disenfranchised individuals.
Australia: Bahujan Samaj?
SR: Bahujan Samaj and Ahinda are totally different.
Australia: No, however you already know, Kashiram stated the vote is ours, Raj won’t observe you.
SR: No, that is not true. Take a look at those that are denied their due share and rights.
Australia: In different phrases, Ahinda is backward, Dalit, and a minority.
SR: minorities and the poorer sections of society.
Australia: How do you say Ahinda in Kannada?
SR: Alpasan Cattle, Dalittle, Hindu Gaur. Backwardness, Dalits, Minorities.
Australia: And also you personally signify a really backward neighborhood.
SR: Sure, I’m a consultant of the Kurpa neighborhood. It is a backward neighborhood. In fact, it’s 7 per cent of the Kannadiga inhabitants.
Australia: So sir, do you perceive that regionalism or Kannada or Karnataka identification is your reply to Hindutva?
SR: No, it’s not the reply to Hindutva. Our developmental actions, our achievements and our guarantees to the individuals…we now have fulfilled most of our guarantees and that’s the reply to Hindutva.
Australia: However have a look at a number of issues. Take a look at your authorities’s actions and response to the Hindi concern. Particularly on the subway.
SR: So, the Indian authorities wrote a letter to incorporate Hindi along with Kannada, English and Hindi. In fact, there are three official languages on this nation, however our objection is to not impose Hindi on anybody, however to study it and converse it that manner. As a result of it is a federal nation. Every state has its personal language. And that’s the most necessary factor so far as their nation is anxious.
Australia: So are you going to be agency about it?
SR: Sure, sure, I am positively occupied with that.
Australia: So you aren’t following the Centre’s directive to incorporate Hindi in it?
SR: No, I am not saying you should not observe the directions given, however you should not impose them.
Australia: Should not they be supplying you with directions?
SR: It should not be pressured.
Australia: However have they got the authority to offer you directions? Is it to command or impose?
SR: As a result of Hindi shouldn’t be acknowledged as a nationwide language. In fact, it is without doubt one of the languages within the three-language formulation. However we’re not in opposition to it.
Australia: It’s an official language, not a nationwide language.
SR: Sure, it’s the official language in lots of states.
Australia: proper.
SR: Within the majority of states. Nevertheless, it’s not a Japanese language.
Australia: Your Hindi is not excellent.
SR: Oh, so poor.
Australia: Very poor. I’ve observed that your English has improved over the previous three or 4 years.
SR: Hmm.
Australia: However do you resent Hindi or the imposition of Hindi?
SR: I’m in opposition to the imposition of Hindi.
Australia: You resented it. In order that’s one downside. So that you instructed metro authorities to wipe out Hindi, to cover Hindi?
SR: No, I did not give any directions.
Australia: So who did that? They put tape over the Hindi identify.
SR: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra and Maharashtra haven’t launched Hindi language of their metro stations. Equally in Karnataka…
Australia: Why do it’s essential to put it there?
SR: sure.
Australia: Was that your view?
SR: sure.
Australia: So did you inform them that?
SR: I did not inform them. They only decided.
Australia: They observed.
SR: Hmm.
Australia: Subsequent is that this state flag. So the place do the concepts come from? I do know that. You will have a giant smile in your face.
SR: No, Mr. Patil Puttappa is a senior journalist and he’s 90 years outdated…he gave his opinion on this. The flag is already there. Kannada activists use this flag. That yellow and purple flag. It has already been there since 1966 and they’re utilizing it.
Australia: When the nation was created.
SR: sure. The state was established in 1956. The flag was born in 1966. So they have been utilizing it. They handed over the letter. To place a stamp on it. So we arrange a committee. That committee has not but issued its report. So I requested the committee to conduct a authorized and constitutional evaluation.
Australia: So, have you ever contacted the central authorities about this but?
SR: No, no.
Australia: However what about your individual views? Do you suppose one thing is fallacious?
SR: Even when a state had its personal flag, I do not suppose it violates the provisions of the Structure. The Structure doesn’t prohibit it. There isn’t any prohibition on displaying the nationwide flag of any state.
Australia: And do not you suppose India’s nationwide pursuits might be harmed by having a nationwide flag?
SR: No, no. So that is still. Nationwide sovereignty and nationwide integrity. All these issues stay. The nationwide flag is hoisted excessive. everytime. And the state flag all the time seems solely under the nationwide flag.
Australia: proper. So, aren’t you additionally involved about the truth that Kashmir has its personal nationwide flag?
SR: It is about having one thing else. In constitutional standing they’ve. However different states could as nicely.
Australia: However do not you are feeling anxious about it? As a result of many individuals are very offended, why does Kashmir have its personal nationwide flag?
SR: No, I do not really feel anxious.
Australia: Do not feel anxious. proper. Now we come to an attention-grabbing level.
SR: sure.
Australia: How is your definition of nationalism totally different from Mr. Modi’s?
SR: See them pursuing a hidden agenda, Hindutva. They don’t seem to be upfront about it. It doesn’t matter what they are saying or follow in public. And they’re fully totally different. They’ve their very own hidden agenda. Hindu Rashtra. Hindutva. All this stuff are there. they’re pursuing it. See: BJP is a divisive drive.
Australia: However these issues are very severe in your state as nicely. There’s a Tipu Sultan concern in your coastal area.
SR: No, no, no.
Australia: There’s additionally the difficulty of beef.
SR: They don’t seem to be a major problem in any respect in Karnataka. Be it the meat concern or the Tipu concern, it’s not a severe concern in any respect in Karnataka. In fact, there are RSS, Bajrang Dal, Sriram Sena, and so forth. alongside the coast.
Australia: Nevertheless, there are additionally Islamic extremists within the coastal areas. PFI.
SR: PFI can be engaged on this. Additionally it is a neighborhood group.
Australia: It is similar to RSS. they’re carrying uniforms. Conduct coaching.
SR: sure. That should not be allowed. However that’s the reason we stay cautious of each the RSS, Bajrang Dal and PFI organizations.
Australia: PFI.
SR: Nod.
Australia: Why has PFI grown a lot lately?
SR: Due to this BJP and RSS.
Australia: I imply, as a response to that.
SR: sure. As a response to that.
Australia: However you would not suppose so as a result of the state is dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Get together. For the BJP, it’s of nice worth. It was the one southern state that they immediately dominated.
SR: They dominated for 5 years. That was a false rule. And there was plenty of corruption there. And you already know among the ministers have gone to jail.
Australia: However will we see them return subsequent yr?
SR: No, you may’t. They can not maintain energy in Karnataka. As a result of individuals can’t overlook their misgovernment and corruption. They usually don’t have any imaginative and prescient for Karnataka in any respect. And no program is being executed.
Australia: It’s because, since 1985, no chief minister has come to energy in Karnataka for the second time. Subsequent.
SR: Two successive prime ministers received spectacular victories.
Australia: Previously.
SR: Previously. The opposite one is Ramakrishna Hegde. Each prime ministers.
Australia: Hegde additionally benefited from the Rajiv wave at the moment. Proper after the wave.
SR: Subsequently, in 1993, there was an anti-incumbent motion in opposition to the Congress authorities. There was the Janata Get together and a bit spun off from the Congress Get together underneath the management of Mr. Bangarappa. All of them participated. There they fought in opposition to the Congress celebration underneath the management of the Janata Get together and got here to energy.
Australia: So, do you suppose we will break this pattern subsequent yr?
SR: I am assured. I’m fully assured that Congress will return to energy.
Australia: And can you develop into Prime Minister or will another person take over?
SR: That’s for the parliamentary excessive command to resolve.
Australia: That’s the reason the BJP took away one in all your former colleagues.
SR: Who?
Australia: SM Krishna?
SR: See SM Krishna enjoys all of the powers of the Congress celebration. He then left the Congress celebration. Two by-elections have been held after he left the Congress celebration. We received each by-elections. That is solely from ISO areas.
Australia: So why did the BJP settle for him and why did he resolve to go to the BJP at this age?
SR: Nonetheless, we do not know why he left the Congress celebration and why he joined the Bharatiya Janata Get together. I do not perceive. As a result of the Parliamentarians gave him all the pieces.
Australia: Nevertheless, he says he felt humiliated by the Nationwide Congress Get together.
SR: I feel he was a member of the Congress celebration for 50 years. Now he’ll come out saying one thing humiliating.
Australia: Clearly he’s blaming Rahul and never Sonia.
SR: i do not suppose so. As a result of he has been a member of the Congress celebration for over 40 or 50 years. Take a look at Rahul, he can’t be humiliated by Rahul Gandhi or anybody else.
Australia: What has been your individual expertise with Rahul Gandhi? You already know a few of your colleagues Himanta Biswa Sarma and a few others have criticized Rahul and stated that he’s smug and would not offer you time.
SR: He’s very near me. He’s very pleasant and will get alongside very nicely with me.
Australia: What are his strengths?
SR: Power, he’s younger and energetic. The nation wants such individuals.
Australia: And what are his weaknesses?
SR: In fact, he nonetheless has to…In line with me, he’ll present up. He will certainly rise to prominence in Indian politics.
Australia: However do you might have any options for him as a extra skilled politician?
SR: No, we are going to give our opinion each time there’s a assembly. The right way to act, find out how to set up a celebration, find out how to react to such a technique of inside division.
Australia: Do you might have any options about his fashion? His management fashion, his management fashion?
SR: It is okay, no downside.
Australia: His lengthy absence?
SR: You already know, typically he goes, and so will we all. Everybody and everybody wants area between politics.
Australia: No, however issues come up when politics is interrupted. Additionally it is potential to go away an interval. As a result of Sharad Pawar stated it is okay to take holidays, however holidays ought to be quick and folks ought to be knowledgeable about what is going on on, the place and what they’re doing.
SR: The celebration is aware of it.
Australia: The celebration is aware of it, however the individuals have no idea it.
SR: The celebration is aware of it, and the individuals understand it too.
Australia: However the celebration ought to inform the individuals.
SR: Sure, the celebration ought to inform the individuals.
Australia: Sir, your state has been within the headlines lately for points involving politicians from neighboring states like Tamil Nadu, which has plenty of issues lately. This entire story of Sasikala in jail, what’s the reality?
SR: I do not suppose Sasikala was given a lot consolation. However that DIG in jail…
Australia: Do you suppose that nothing particular is given to her?
SR: No, no, no, nothing particular is given.
Australia: Your info speaks for itself.
SR: No, I’ve by no means been there, however from what I do know, there’s nothing particular about it.
Australia: There are not any particular privileges. So what occurred? Why did this controversy come up?
SR: Subsequently, I requested an investigation. The reality might be revealed as soon as we get the investigation report.
Australia: However what about this feminine police officer? I imply, we’re calling her a whistleblower now. You printed this report and you then deleted her. Sounds such as you sacrificed her.
SR: No, switch shouldn’t be essentially a penalty.
Australia: Is switch the one punishment given?
SR: No, it is not a punishment. Relocation is an administrative matter. Relocation shouldn’t be a punishment. She might be transferred solely to Bangalore metropolis. From Jail to Bangalore Jail and inside Bangalore Metropolis solely.
Australia: However you eliminated her from the job.
SR: Each have been deleted on account of investigation.
Australia: I see.
SR: Please don’t make any inquiries… (inaudible)
Australia: So that you removed her and her boss?
SR: sure. Each, each, and the opposite one too. I additionally eliminated the DIG.
Australia: So do you admit what she did?
SR: No, she should not have gone to the press.
Australia: Everybody ought to come to the media.
SR: She should not have appeared within the media. It’s because acts of service state that you shouldn’t go to the press, that you shouldn’t report, and that you shouldn’t make any studies public. Particularly within the police station, self-discipline and self-discipline should be maintained.
Australia: Are you going to go in opposition to her after that or are you going to let this matter go now? Are you going to punish her for going to a gathering?
SR: No, no, I’ve appointed one senior IAS officer who’s a retired senior IAS officer. It doesn’t matter what she studies, he’ll examine all of this and declare it in his report. He’ll look into all this stuff and submit a report quickly.
Australia: Nevertheless, it should be ensured that Sasikala shouldn’t be given any particular privileges contained in the jail.
SR: no.
Australia: As a result of she is in your custody. You are placing her in jail.
SR: You will have solely filed an attraction in opposition to the Excessive Court docket judgment in opposition to Jayalalithaa and Sasikala.
Australia: Subsequently, be sure that nothing particular is given to her.
SR: No, it is not. She is simply handled like different inmates.
Australia: Similar uniform, identical garments, identical way of life. There isn’t any VIP tradition in jail.
SR: No, no, there isn’t a VIP tradition. There isn’t any VIP tradition. She has no particular privileges.
Australia: And now what might be your subsequent massive transfer? The flag and language are already full. What’s the following massive transfer heading into the election?
SR: We go to individuals. I am human.
Australia: That is what we all know.
SR: By our growth actions, we attain individuals.
Australia: Did you see what the Chief Minister of the neighboring state stated in Goa the day earlier than yesterday, that if there’s a scarcity of beef, we are going to procure it from Karnataka?
SR: The place is the meat in Karnataka?
Australia: However he stated: He stated if there’s a scarcity of beef in Goa, they may import it from Karnataka.
SR: If you will get the meat, let him get it. We get in the way in which. If beef is offered in Karnataka, allow us to have beef. It can’t be prohibited.
Australia: However is beef obtainable in Karnataka?
SR: No, no. I do not.
Australia: I will not permit it, I will not permit it. Karnataka has banned cow slaughter.
SR: There’s a cow slaughterhouse there. We have now our personal legislation, the Cow Slaughter Act. The legislation was handed in 1964. It is there.
Australia: So what does your act say?
SR: As milking animals, animals that aren’t helpful for agricultural work could be slaughtered.
Australia: And do you suppose that is good coverage for different states and different components of the nation?
SR: It’s higher that manner…see, it’s an trade.
Australia: proper.
SR: Many individuals depend upon this trade. The leather-based trade and farmers are additionally concerned on this.
Australia: proper.
SR: There are lots of individuals who discover employment with this. And, for instance, the peasant, after rising outdated, turns into outdated and is ineffective for something…
Australia: Give me milk.
SR: Give milk for agricultural work. what ought to he do?
Australia: that is proper. You possibly can’t maintain feeding it.
SR: You possibly can’t maintain feeding it. For animals, 15 kg of feed is required.
Australia: per day.
SR: per day. The farming neighborhood might be affected.
Australia: proper. So are you nervous about this anti-beef motion? This isn’t an incitement, however an anti-beef marketing campaign that’s being carried out throughout the nation. Cattle buying and selling may also be restricted.
SR: Buying and selling in cattle can’t be prohibited.
Australia: proper.
SR: In line with me, that is additionally not appropriate. You see, outdated animals, the farmer has to promote them.
Australia: proper.
SR: How can we preserve and preserve them? It is unattainable. However you may’t ban them.
Australia: It can’t be prohibited. So do you suppose this might be a difficulty in your state subsequent yr as nicely?
SR: No, I do not suppose it will likely be an issue. As a result of the Bharatiya Janata Get together individuals made it a giant concern simply within the final election. It isn’t… individuals did not see this as an issue.
Australia: So what’s at stake in Karnataka?
SR: The one downside is the event of Karnataka.
Australia: As a result of your celebration is keeping track of Karnataka. As a result of if we lose Karnataka, solely the a lot smaller state of Punjab will stay. It’s half the scale of Karnataka.
SR: That state of affairs won’t happen.
Australia: I feel subsequent yr might be busy, however I feel I’ll take pleasure in politics.
SR: I do not take pleasure in politics, however after all I do the correct factor. Regardless of the state requires, I perform and fulfill these necessities.
Australia: I hope to proceed to take pleasure in conversations like this sooner or later. Thanks very a lot. 100% politician. The second you discuss politics, your face lights up.
