Though he welcomed the Centre’s move on introducing 10% reservation in jobs and education for economically backward sections in the general category, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed it a “poll gimmick” ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Wednesday, he questioned the motive behind the BJP taking such a step when the party had been opposed to reservation.
Referring to JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna’s reported dissatisfaction over the appointments to boards and corporations, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the matter will be taken up during the next meeting of the coordination committee.
The meeting will also discuss sharing of seats between the coalition partners for the Lok Sabha polls. Reacting to queries on the recovery of cash from an aide of Minister for Backward Classes Welfare C. Puttaranga Shetty, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) was inquiring into the matter.
The two-day nation-wide strike called by trade unions had received the support of all labour organisations, except the ones affiliated to the BJP.
Though he sought to clarify that the strike was not spearheaded by the Congress, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the demands of the striking labour unions were justified. The Centre should come forward and redress their grievances, he said.