Karnataka is an economic engine for the nation, says Priyank Kharge

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: In an exclusive interview with News Trail, Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, IT & BT and a prominent voice of the Congress party in Karnataka, gives clear cut replies on ways to bridge the urban-rural divide while accessing quality education, training opportunities and entrepreneurship support through “Arivu Kendras” or “Knowledge Hubs” for the rural population.

Furthermore, the minister emphasized the need to showcase the technology prowess of Karnataka. Priyank, son of Mallikarjun Kharge, a veteran Congress Leader and a strong Dalit icon, has also been a vocal advocate of social equity and championed it like his father. Here are excerpts from the interview:

Q:Your comments on the recent Supreme Court (SC) verdict on sub-categorisation of SC and ST? Will reservation be eliminated over the next few years?

We have been pushing for a caste census. The SC order very clearly states that first the empirical data is required and based on that the sub classification would follow.

But more than us the BJP MPs themselves have requested the PM for the removal of creamy layer and sub classification should not happen. So, the clarity from the intent of the government will help other states to take a call on this.

The current regime at the top is very clear with their agenda. They have always been anti-constitutional. The former Rajya Sabha MP, M Rama Jois appealed to the SC to remove reservation.

The constitution entitles people to social equity and if they want to take this out of the equation, then what are we left with? We are going back to Manuvada.

Q: The recent Bharat Bandh in protest against the sub-classification of SC and ST reservation policy failed to evoke much response from the north of India and a muted reaction from the south. Why is the response different between the two regions?

The social fabric is different for the Dalits staying in the north as compared to the south of India. Here in the south, a lot of social awakening happened.

The Dalits in the North have been suppressed for so long.

Q: How will “Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024”, to be held in November showcase Karnataka’s tech prowess? Elaborate

The “Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024”, will showcase the future of tech prowess of the state. There will be a strong display of the entire innovation ecosystem and human resource talent we have.

It is not an investment forum, it is more of idea exchange, knowledge building and innovation display that Bengaluru will showcase to the world.

Q: The CM’s prosecution in the MUDA case, any plan B in place if the judgment is not in favor of the CM?

We have not done anything, where is the question of plan B? Plan A is to follow legal rules in the case and sort it out. The BJP might have the support of the CBI, ED, IT and the Governor. We have the Constitution of India with us.

Q: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now….. Deputy CM or may be CM itself?

I will be Chittapur MLA. (Laughs)

Q: Isn’t it time Karnataka had a dalit CM?

This will happen in due course of time. Take a look at our history, it has taken time for a backward class CM to hold the post. We have had former CM’s- Mr Dharam Singh, Mr Devraj Urs, Mr Veerappa Moilyand Mr Siddaramaiah. So, a Dalit CM will happen, it is a matter of time.

Q: A GIFT City in Karnataka, akin to Gujarat's GIFT City in Ahmedabad, how do you think it will boost economic growth and attract foreign investments?

Karnataka is an economic engine for the nation and Bengaluru is a hub for such activities. This will certainly help boost the ecosystem of the country by providing more employment opportunities, more infrastructure and develop a stronger economy. The IT services generate 4.5 lakh crores which goes to the central government.

Q: How are Arivu Kendras helping to create a conducive learning environment for students and young adults in rural areas?

The idea is to build a scientific temperament at the grassroot level in society. Arivu Kendra will act like aspirational hubs for people who have the willingness to learn. Many students have benefited out of these hubs and have taken up competitive exams.