MANGALORE: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said maintenance of law and order is fundamental for tourism to flourish and welcomed the restoration of peace in Dakshina Kannada district, calling it a positive sign for the region’s development.
In his address at the valedictory session of the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave–2026 in the coastal city, he cautioned that no individual or group should take the law into their hands in the name of religion or caste.
The CM said patriotism cannot grow by pitting one religion against another, noting that all religions advocate love and harmony, not hatred. He urged people to follow the ideals of poet Kuvempu’s vision of “Sarvajanangada Shantiya Thota” – a garden of peace for all communities – to ensure social stability.
Promising investors the government’s commitment, Siddaramaiah described coastal Karnataka as one of the most suitable regions for investment, highlighting Mangaluru’s strengths in education, banking and healthcare. Referring to the entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit of the people, he said many from the region work in the Middle East and Europe and urged them to invest back home to create jobs. He added that the government would continue to provide all support to investors.
The CM acknowledged that Kerala is currently ahead of Karnataka in tourism but said coastal Karnataka is not lacking in resources or attractions. “The difference lies in interest and focus, which we are now addressing,” he said, thanking investors who have already come forward.
He added the government has introduced the 2024–29 tourism policy to tap the vast potential of coastal districts and admitted that the state had failed to fully utilise its 320km coastline so far. Emphasising the region’s strong performance in literacy and tax contribution – with Dakshina Kannada ranking second only to Bengaluru – he said tourism development could help Karnataka overtake Maharashtra.
He also expressed concern over students coming from abroad to study in the region while their local counterparts leaving the country. He called it a regrettable situation and noted that coastal Karnataka at present has not a single operational five-star hotel.