BENGALURU: A day after his controversial remark that women do get molested in public places in big cities drew flak, Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday claimed that his statement was taken out of context. But he expressed regrets if he hurt the sentiments of women in Karnataka.
Parameshwara’s remark, “Even though we give daily instructions, here and there incidents happen”, was slammed by many, including opposition leaders. Parameshwara told reporters on Tuesday that his statement was interpreted wrongly.
“We have implemented Nirbhaya and other women safety initiatives. Karnataka is one of the top states in utilising Nirbhaya funds and implementing such schemes,” he said. “It is not good to twist my statement and insult me. I believe women’s safety should be a priority. In fact, I have instructed our department officials that if any such incident happens, officials concerned will be held responsible,’’ he added.
But, he said, he will express regret if his statement has hurt women and mothers. He said whenever he interacts with the Bengaluru police commissioner or ADGP or any officials on a daily basis, he always stresses on women and child safety. “Same instructions go out to the police at the district level during review meetings,’’ he said.
Parameshwara said BJP realised that it will become irrelevant if the Congress government continues to do good work and that is why it has launched the Janakrosha rally against the government. “Where is Janakrosha? Its all in BJP’s mind.
Have you seen people slamming the state government on roads? They are just politicising it,’’ he said. He asked why won’t BJP members in Karnataka question the Central government’s decision on increasing the price of LPG cylinder by Rs 50.
Asked about 4% reservation for minorities, including Muslims, in government contracts, he said it was a conscious decision of the government. “When SC/STs were given reservation, similar questions were raised. The Constitution says people oppressed for thousands of years should be brought into the mainstream. Karnataka has 16-18% minorities, including Muslims, Christians and Jains. Can such a large number of people continue to be backward,” he asked.
He said he can list a number of cases where women were assaulted during the previous BJP government’s tenure. “I gave this data in the Assembly, including the number of murders, during the BJP government. If they claim that there were no murders or crimes during their tenure, people will laugh at them,’’ he said.