On 3-year anniversary, Siddaramaiah blows his own trumpet

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah praised the schemes started by his government in a large press conference he called to mark the completion of three years in office.  

Siddaramaiah defended the 'Annabhagya' Scheme, stating that though it was criticised by the opposition and adversaries, it has benefited large numbers of poor people, a fact that gave him immense satisfaction.

The scheme has also reduced the rate of migration of the economically-backward from the state, he said. 

He not only praised 'Annabhagya', but also highlighted the 'Shoe Bhagya' scheme, which he claimed had benefited 85,000 poor students with school uniforms.

The CM recalled his school days when he used to work at a rubber factory and buy tyre-cut shoes for ₹5. "I do not want students to face incontinence hence focus on good infrastructure and facilities at education institution will remain the top priority," he said.


Siddaramaiah also slammed people 'politicising' the police suicide issue, saying, "The issue is not new, and 120 police personnel have ended their lives from 2003 to 2012. Though opposition and media tried the maximum to project Siddaramaiah as a failure, people have faith in me and have supported my policies," 

The CM had a special barb for the media for not carrying his clarification on the allegations of entering Chamundeshwari Temple at Mysuru wearing his shoes.

"I entered with only my socks on," he said.

Addressing another minor storm in a teacup, the CM noted that he changed his car because it had touched three lakh kilometres and not because of the "crow story and shani khatha."