BJP leaders, including Arvind Bellad and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, tried to convince job seekers during a protest in Dharwad on Tuesday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Deputy Leader of Opposition Arvind Bellad accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of giving misleading information about the provision of 40,000 jobs and said he can claim about the recruitment only after the process is complete.
Addressing reporters in Hubballi on Wednesday, Mr. Bellad said the state government is now scared after the massive protest in Dharwad on Tuesday, which forced the chief minister to issue a press statement on X even before the protest ended.
Mr Bellad rejected accusations of trying to hijack the protest to gain political mileage, saying the opposition had decided to support the protest after police denied jobseekers permission to hold the agitation.
“Students’ voices were suppressed. As an opposition party, we got permission and extended support to the protest without politicizing the issue,” he said.
Mr. Bellad further said that though the finance department has given approval regarding the recruitment, the state government is delaying the implementation and avoiding the action.
When asked about the unfulfilled promise of employment generation by the Centre, he said that the central government had provided 7.3 lakh jobs. The EPF data reflects job creation across the country, he added.
He said that in the last 11 years, 17.9 million jobs have been created through start-ups and other initiatives. He added that while the central government is fulfilling its responsibilities, the state government should also focus on job creation instead of offering excuses.
Mr. Bellad said the candidates approached him two days ago seeking support after they were denied permission to protest, after which he and party leader R. Ashok decided to intervene.
Responding to “go back” slogans raised during the protest, he said the students initially planned to march towards Jubilee Circle but were denied permission. Because permission was granted for another route. i.e. from Srinagar to Michigan Compound, some students expressed dissatisfaction, he added.
Published – 25 Feb 2026 20:42 IST
