‘Sita’s character is greater than Ram’, says Karnataka CM:Urges women to take leadership up to Parliament, assures govt support

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Wednesday that Sita’s character in the Ramayana is far greater than that of Lord Ram. He was speaking after inaugurating the fifth edition of ‘Together We Grow – International Women Entrepreneurship Day’, organised by the Ubuntu Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs Association in Bengaluru. Shivakumar urged women entrepreneurs to take a leadership role in the state’s development. He said, “Women are creators. They should lead all the way to Parliament. The government will extend full support.” Women’s leadership is needed from gram panchayats to Parliament Shivakumar said women’s leadership is essential at every level, from gram panchayats to Parliament. He said the state government is committed to empowering women. He said, “When women’s creativity, ability and determination get access to capital, technology and markets, there is no limit to what they can create. It is the government’s responsibility to create an environment where their potential can grow.” Mention of five guarantee schemes The CM said he has faith in the strength of young people and women. He said the Congress government has launched five guarantee schemes: Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya and Yuva Nidhi. He said, “Under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, 12.2 million women in the state receive ₹2,000 every month. This has helped them manage their families.” Sonia Gandhi and women from the Mahabharata as examples Shivakumar described women as the “eyes” of the family in Indian culture. He praised women entrepreneurs for overcoming financial challenges while running their businesses and assured them of the government’s full support. Citing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as an example, he said she faced the loss of her mother-in-law, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and her husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Despite these setbacks, she stepped forward and led the party. Shivakumar cited Draupadi and Kunti from the Mahabharata, saying women have immense talent and potential. He urged women to take on leadership roles. Karnataka government has no women ministers The Karnataka government has 33 ministers, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. However, not a single woman is part of the state Cabinet. On August 3, 2026, D.K. Shivakumar inducted 20 new ministers, but no woman was included in the Cabinet expansion either.