Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday claimed that Bengaluru has emerged as the safest city in the country for women, calling it a matter of pride and citing a report by a Chennai-based consultancy firm specialising in workplace culture and inclusion.
The claim is expected to trigger debate, coming amid allegations surrounding the stripping and assault of a Bharatiya Janata Party woman worker in Hubballi.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said the consultancy firm evaluated cities based on multiple parameters, including safety, technology, and infrastructure, and released a list titled ‘Best Cities for Women in India’. Bengaluru topped the list with a score of 53.29.
He congratulated all those who contributed to the achievement and said the Karnataka Police had earlier also secured the top position for effective delivery of justice. Opposition parties regularly raise concerns over women’s safety in Bengaluru, and the report serves as a fitting response to such allegations, he added.
Parameshwara said special arrangements were made during the New Year celebrations to ensure that no untoward incidents took place and that the public faced no inconvenience. He added that he personally visited the Bengaluru City Police Command Centre and monitored the situation until 2 a.m., describing it as a proud moment for the city.
Responding to questions about special prayers being offered by supporters of different religions in Koratagere town in his constituency, seeking his elevation as Chief Minister, Parameshwara said that every political leader has supporters and admirers. It is natural for them to wish for their leader’s progress, and there is nothing wrong in that, he said.
On the decision to transfer the Ballari and Hubballi cases to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Parameshwara said orders were issued on Friday following discussions with the Chief Minister. He said the opposition believes the government is attempting to hide something by handing over the cases to the CID, but added that the truth will emerge through the investigation and will be placed before both the opposition and the public.
Commenting on the proposed ‘Hate Speech Bill’, he said the Governor has retained the Bill and appears to be examining it. “If it is returned seeking clarification, the government will provide it. If it is rejected, the government will decide on the future course of action,” he said.
On reports of illegal Bangladeshi migrants entering the country by paying money at the border, Parameshwara said the state government is taking the issue seriously. He stressed that the Central government must strengthen border security, adding that such incidents point to “lapses” in border management.
With IANS inputs