Congress will return to power in 2028: Siddaramaiah

Mangaluru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah said the Congress govt works for the poor, the marginalised, Dalits, farmers, women and labourers, and asserted that it will return to power in 2028.He was speaking after inaugurating the 15th Floodlit Moodooru–Padooru Jodukare Bayalu Kambala at Kodibailu in Bantwal taluk Saturday. The event was held under the leadership of former minister B Ramanath Rai."From 2013 to 2018, I served as the chief minister. During that time, our govt never faced a financial crisis, and we will not face one now either. Ramanath Rai was also a minister at the time, and he referred to that period as a golden era. The state govt allocated Rs 5,000 crore to his constituency, yet he lost. He will contest again in 2028, and he will win by a larger margin then. He was one of the most honest ministers in our cabinet," Siddaramaiah said.He said he was working on behalf of the poor, the marginalised, Dalits, farmers, women and labourers. "Those at the top of society must work to empower the weak and provide self-reliance. For this purpose, we implemented 5 guarantee schemes. The country gained independence in 1947, and with it came economic and social democracy. If the poor are not empowered economically and socially, democracy will not be achieved," he said.Quoting Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, the CM said 23 major Kambala events are held in the coastal region. "I attended when Rai organised Kambala at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru. This is a very popular folk sport, transcending caste and religion. Everyone comes together to participate in this sport. It is our collective responsibility to preserve and promote this sport. Our govt will provide all kinds of support and funding for the development of Kambala," he said.Former minister B Ramanath Rai appealed to the chief minister to release funds in phases for constructing a taluk stadium in Benjanapadavu. He said 10 acres had been identified and Rs 10 crore had been sanctioned for the stadium, but work could not be taken up.