Amid swirling Middle East tensions, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on March 1 vehemently opposed the United States’ assault on Iran as ‘inappropriate’ at Shivamogga Airport. His firm assurance: every Kannadiga stuck in Arab countries will return home safely, backed by state machinery’s full throttle.
In detailed disclosures, Siddaramaiah revealed ongoing huddles with the Ministry of External Affairs targeting rescues from belligerent areas. Thirty from Ballari district top the priority list, stalled by Dubai’s airport lockdown but set for immediate evacuation post-reopening.
Positive notes include safety confirmations from Dubai, where JD(S) MLC S.L. Bhoje Gowda called from his hotel refuge. Strategic sessions with the Chief Secretary and Resident Commissioner are charting secure pathways.
The CM’s geopolitical swipe: ‘US mouths peace but practices war – sheer hypocrisy.’ He condoled Iran’s Ali Khamenei’s passing with prayers. Personal interventions with the stranded have instilled confidence, with directives for unbroken central coordination.
Kannadigas’ prudent shift to safe zones buys time; no room for alarm, as repatriation drives accelerate. On the home turf, Siddaramaiah negated any electricity price escalation plans for April.
This response exemplifies Karnataka’s proactive diaspora policy, merging sharp foreign policy critique with tangible rescue commitments, ensuring its global sons and daughters’ security in perilous times.