The World Opinion

Tag: Karnataka

  • Urdu Must For Karnataka Anganwadi Teachers? BJP Accuses Siddaramaiah Govt Of ‘Muslim Appeasement’ |

    Kannada vs Urdu Next? Amid the Kannada vs Hindi debate, CM Siddaramaiah-led Congress Government came under fire from the Opposition BJP over a notification that mandated Urdu as a must-know language for Anganwadi teachers. The notification has sparked an outrage with the BJP accusing the Congress of carrying out ‘Muslim appeasement’. 

    “The announcement of the Congress government of the state that to get a job as an anganwadi teacher, one should know Urdu language is condemnable. The backdoor attempt to appease the Muslim community in the recruitment of Anganwadi teachers and allow only them to get jobs is once again highlighting the insidious policy of the Congress. The height of nasty politics,” said BJP leader and former MP Nalinkumar Kateel.

    ಅಂಗನವಾಡಿ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಸಿಗಬೇಕಾದರೆ ಉರ್ದು ಭಾಷೆ ಗೊತ್ತಿರಬೇಕು ಎಂಬ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರಕಾರದ ಘೋಷಣೆ ಖಂಡನೀಯ.

    ಅಂಗನವಾಡಿ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರ ನೇಮಕಾತಿಯಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಮುಸ್ಲಿಂ ಸಮುದಾಯವನ್ನು ಒಲೈಸುವ, ಅವರಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಕೆಲಸ ಸಿಗುವಂತೆ ದಾರಿ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಡುವ ಹಿಂಬಾಗಿಲ ಯತ್ನ ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ಸಿಗರ ಕುಟಿಲ ನೀತಿ ಎತ್ತಿ ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ.

    ಅಸಹ್ಯ… pic.twitter.com/M6Ry24dOr3
    — Nalinkumar Kateel (@nalinkateel) September 23, 2024

    The BJP said on X, “The Karnataka government is imposing Urdu in Kannada-speaking regions. An official order from the Department of Women and Child Welfare has mandated that candidates applying for the position of Anganwadi teachers in Mudigere, Chikkamagaluru district, must know Urdu. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister of Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, Karnataka’s official language is Kannada. Why is Urdu being made mandatory in such a case? Please respond.”

    ಕನ್ನಡ ನಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಉರ್ದು ಹೇರಿಕೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದೆ @INCKarnataka ಸರ್ಕಾರ.

    ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಳೂರು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಮೂಡಿಗೆರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂಗನವಾಡಿ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರ ಹುದ್ದೆಗೆ ನೇಮಕಗೊಳ್ಳಲು ಉರ್ದು ಕಡ್ಡಾಯವಾಗಿ ಬರಬೇಕಂತೆ, ಹೀಗೆಂದು ಮಹಿಳಾ ಮತ್ತು ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಇಲಾಖೆಯಿಂದ ಅಧಿಕೃತ ಆದೇಶ ಹೊರಬಿದ್ದಿದೆ.

    ಸಿಎಂ @siddaramaiah ಅವರೆ, ಮಹಿಳಾ ಮತ್ತು ಮಕ್ಕಳ… pic.twitter.com/SX3S9VwXwB


    — BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) September 23, 2024

    According to reports, since Urdu is not an official language and is primarily offered as an optional subject in Urdu-medium schools, mandating it as a requirement for Anganwadi recruitment appears unjustified. The Karnataka government under Congress, since 2017, had been planning to introduce Urdu teaching in Anganwadi centres.

  • VIP Privileges In Jail: Kannada Actor Darshan Faces FIRs Over Viral Smoking Video | People News

    In June, the media was dominated by a sensational murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his alleged girlfriend, and a devoted fan. Now, Darshan is back in the spotlight, but for a very different reason. Recently, photos and videos of the actor allegedly receiving VIP treatment while in prison have gone viral, triggering a public outcry and raising questions about corruption within the prison system.

    Here’s all we know about it:

    Viral Image:

    One of the viral images shows Darshan, along with gangster J Nagaraj, also known as Wilson Garden Naga, and two other inmates, lounging on the prison lawn. The group can be seen smoking cigarettes and holding cups, with faint smiles on their faces. This image has stirred controversy, especially given the criminal charges against both Darshan and Naga.


    Special treatment to rape accused Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is in judicial custody in a murder case, in @INCIndia ruled state #Karnataka. What say @SupriyaShrinate #PriyankaGandhi ? pic.twitter.com/USpuSjBOYd

    — Rekha Sharma (@sharmarekha) August 26, 2024


    Wilson Garden Naga’s Background:

    Wilson Garden Naga, who has been charged under the Karnataka Control of Organized Crime Act (KCOCA) for the murder of South Bengaluru gangster Mahesh N (aka Siddapura Mahesh), was featured in the same image. Reports indicate that Darshan, along with his manager and other inmates, appeared comfortable and relaxed in the prison yard, sparking accusations of special treatment.

    VIP Treatment:

    Adding to the controversy, a video surfaced of Darshan making a video call from within the prison. This video, along with the photo, has reignited the conversation about preferential treatment for high-profile inmates. Darshan is currently in custody, along with 11 others, including his rumored partner Pavithra Gowda, in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga.

    Prison Violations:

    DG Prisons, Malini Krishnamurthy, also visited the prison to conduct the probe. She stated that in all three FIRs, Darshan had been made an accused and the FIRs were filed based on the report by the jail superintendent.

    “One FIR has been filed on usage of mobile inside the premises of the prison. The second one has been filed on smoking of cigarette in the premises and the third one is regarding the opening of the cell. There are names of prison officers and persons in the picture in it,” she stated.

    “A detailed probe is needed regarding the incident and a senior IPS officer would conduct the investigation,” she said.

    The photo showing Darshan holding a cigarette and a mug of coffee was taken on the evening of August 22, according to preliminary investigations. According to DG Prisons, the CCTV cameras were not working on August 22.

    Controversy:

    The incident has sparked further concerns about widespread corruption within the prison system. Seven prison staff members, including two jailers, have been suspended for their involvement in allowing Darshan’s access to luxuries like cigarettes and coffee. The prison department is now considering relocating Darshan and his associates to different prisons across the state to prevent future breaches.

    The original case:

    The original case centers around the brutal murder of Renukaswamy, who was kidnapped from Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, tortured, and then killed. His body was later disposed of in a canal, and the incident was exposed when security personnel at a private apartment noticed dogs dragging the body. As the case progresses, Darshan’s jail privileges may only add to the mounting pressure against him.

  • Congress MLA, Son Booked For Abetting Suicide Of Sub Inspector In Karnataka |

    YADGIR: A case was registered by the police against Congress MLA Channareddy Tannur and his son Pampanagouda Tannur on Saturday after a Dalit sub-inspector allegedly died by suicide, following his transfer within seven months of posting. The MLA and his son were booked on charges of intentional insult with an intent to provoke breach of peace, abetment of suicide and joint criminal liability on a complaint by Parusharam’s wife Shwetha N V. She alleged that the father-son duo had allegedly demanded Rs 30 lakh from her husband if he wished to continue in the same place. 

    Shwetha said Parashuram was in tears ever since he was transferred and told her that he felt suicidal. When Shwetha, who is pregnant, went to Raichur to her parents’ house for the delivery of her child, she got to know that Parashuram was hospitalised with bleeding from his nose and mouth. Following the incident, members of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) staged a demonstration blocking the road demanding justice for Parashuram. Shwetha too joined the agitators. Addressing media, she said the police department was supporting the MLA and not her husband. 

    “The department itself is not with him today. Instead it is supporting the MLA. It supports the one who squanders money. It pays money to him and supports him. How much money you want to feed him? Will you rear an MLA? Do you toil day and night ignoring your parents and family for an MLA? This MLA is responsible for it but he has not come here yet. I want an FIR. We want justice,” Shwetha said Traffic was badly affected due to the agitation. Reacting to the incident, Home Minister G Parameshwara said that he has ordered a thorough investigation into the case. He, however, ruled out that it was a suicide. 

    “He (Parashuram) did not commit suicide. He had not written any death note. His wife has complained that she was suffering from the transfer issue. I will consider his allegation. Investigation will be done in that dimension,” the Minister told reporters in Bengaluru. He said that the police were collecting preliminary information and conduct an investigation. The incident took a political turn with opposition BJP and the JD(S) slamming the government for pushing sincere officers towards suicide. 

    “A police sub-inspector from your community has died by suicide. Why did he do that? His wife alleges that he took the extreme step because he failed to pay Rs 25 lakh as bribe to the MLA,” Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy said at the launch of ‘Mysuru Chalo’ march jointly organised by the BJP and JD(S) in Bengaluru. He wondered if this is how Parameshwara would pay tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar.

    In his reaction, Parameshwara said he goes by the law and not his community. The BJP leaders said earlier Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation Accounts Superintendent, Chandrasekharan P died by suicide. Chandrasekharan in his suicide note explained the illegal transfer of Rs 187 crore, which led to the arrest of the former Minister B Nagendra, and 12 other government and Union Bank of India officers.

  • ‘Can They Provide Safety….’: PM Modi Hits Out At Congress Over Karnataka College Girl Murder |

    New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the ruling party in Karnataka and questioned the public he was addressing in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada if Congress can provide safety to the girl in the state.

    PM Modi attacked Congress over the recent murder of a Hubballi student, Neha Hiremath, at her college premises that created “sensation” in the country, he said, the family sought action, but the Congress government gave priority to appeasement.

    “For them, the lives of daughters like Neha have no value, they think only about their vote bank. Can Congress ever provide safety to your daughters?  In a college campus, in daylight, such dare, they who committed crime know that those hungry for vote bank will save them in a few days.”

    #WATCH Uttara Kannada, Karnataka: PM Narendra Modi while addressing the public meeting in Sirsi says, “A few days back, what happened to a daughter in Hubballi, the entire nation is worried about it… In a college campus, in daylight, such dare, they who committed crime know… pic.twitter.com/Gze3YFHUoW
    — ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2024

    “Even when there was a bomb blast in a Bengaluru’s cafe, the Congress government did not take it seriously initially; they even termed it a cylinder blast initially. “Why are you — Congress — lying to the people of the country, if you can’t, leave and go home,” Modi said.

    The Congress for the sake of votes is taking support of banned PFI — the anti-national organisation that supported terrorism. “To win one seat in Wayanad, are you surrendering to them? BJP has banned PFI and has put its leaders behind bars.” he said.

  • Did Congress Give Reservation To Muslims Under OBC Quota In Karnataka As Claimed By PM Modi? |

    NEW DELHI: A day ahead of the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attacked the Congress government in Karnataka for its decision to categorise the entire Muslim community in the state under the OBC category. The Prime Minister has warned that the main opposition party will implement this model in the entire nation. “Congress government in Karnataka declared all the people of the Muslim community in Karnataka as OBC. Congress already added so many new people into the OBC community that earlier OBCs used to get reservations in education and government jobs but now these reservations they used to get have been secretly snatched away from them,” PM said while addressing a rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh.

    During his speech, the Prime Minister went on to say that when Congress was at the Centre in 2011, it had decided to give away a part of OBC reservation on religious lines.

    “On December 19, 2011, a note was run in the cabinet which mentioned that a part of 27 per cent OBC must be given to a specific religion. Later, the Andhra Pradesh High Court struck the decision of Congress. They went to Supreme Court but they also upheld the decision of Andhra HC. In 2014, they again mentioned in their manifesto if the reservation has to be given on the religious lines then they will go ahead with it,” the PM said.

    “Here in Madhya Pradesh, those getting the benefit of reservations such as Yadavs, Khushwahas, Gujjars and other backward classes, all your reservations will go away to their favourite vote bank. They want to implement this model in the whole country,” PM Modi warned in Morena.

     

    ‘मजहबी आरक्षण’ पर पीएम का ‘प्रहार’…जानिए, PM मोदी ने कर्नाटक सरकार पर आरक्षण को लेकर क्यों किया ‘वार’?#PMModi #LokSabhaElections2024 #Congress | @priyasi90 pic.twitter.com/40xbW95Ar3
    — Zee News (@ZeeNews) April 25, 2024

     

    Labelling the Congress as the “biggest enemy of the OBCs”, PM Modi said, “Once again, Congress has granted religious-based reservation in Karnataka by including all Muslim castes along with the OBCs through the backdoor. This move has deprived a significant portion of the reservation from the OBC community.”

    Siddaramaiah’s Counter-Attack On PM

    However, in a sharp rebuttal to PM Modi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the Muslim quota and said the claim that the Congress had “transferred” the reservation from backward classes to Muslims was a “blatant lie”. Siddaramaiah also questioned whether former Prime Minister Deve Gowda still stood by his support for quotas for Muslims as he initiated the measure or “surrender to Narendra Modi”.

    “Is Deve Gowda, who once boasted of implementing the reservation for Muslims, still committed to his stand? Or will they surrender to Narendra Modi and change their previous stand? He should make it clear to the people of the state,” Siddaramaiah said.

     

    Prime Minister @narendramodi’s claim that the Congress has transferred the reservation quota from backward classes and Dalits to Muslims is a blatant lie.

    It stems from ignorance but also indicative of his desperation born from a fear of defeat. No leader in the history of our… pic.twitter.com/626QZpRVJ0
    — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 24, 2024

     

    NCBC Flags Karnataka’s Muslim OBC Quota

    Adding fuel to the fire, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) chairperson Hansraj Ahir has questioned Karnataka’s policy categorising all Muslims as a backward class. Ahir said the state chief secretary would be summoned for not submitting the report based on which Muslims were included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category on the grounds of religion.

    Ahir claimed that the Congress-led Karnataka government’s OBC reservation policy is depriving people of other backward classes of their rights. This comes days before the first round of polling in the state for the Lok Sabha on 26 April. According to the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute 12.92 per cent of the population in Karnataka.  

     

    As per the data from Karnataka government, all castes and communities of Muslims of Karnataka have been included in the list of OBCs for reservation in employment and educational institutions under the state govt. Under Category II-B, all Muslims of Karnataka state have been… pic.twitter.com/eh1IYF3FX0
    — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2024

     

    What Is The Current Reservation Status?

    The Karnataka government provides 32 per cent reservation to OBCs under five categories — Category I, Category II-A, Category II-B, Category III-A and Category III-B.

    According to the state’s policy, all Muslims in Karnataka are considered socially and educationally backwards under Category II-B. In addition, they also get OBC quota benefits under two other categories; 17 Muslim communities have been listed in Category I and 19 Muslim communities in Category II-A.

    The Muslim quota under OBC category became a flashpoint during the assembly elections in Karnataka last year. In March 2023, the then BJP government scrapped 4 per cent OBC quota for Muslims (under Category II-B) and distributed 2 per cent each to two dominant communities — Vokkaligas and Lingayats. However, the state government’s notification was challenged in the Supreme Court, which stayed its implementation.  

    Who Implemented The Quota For Muslims In Karnataka First?

    A deeper dive into official records reveals the origins of the Muslim quota in Karnataka dating back to 1995 under the leadership of HD Deve Gowda’s Janata Dal government. Interestingly, the same party, JD(S), is now in alliance with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The decision, initiated by the HD Deve Gowda government, allocated 4% reservation to Muslims in Karnataka under a distinct classification, 2B, within the OBC quota.

    According to an order dated February 14, 1995, issued by the Karnataka government, this move was based on recommendations from the Chinnappa Reddy Commission Report and aligned with the Supreme Court’s directive to limit overall reservations to 50 per cent.

    The Reddy Commission suggested grouping Muslims under Category 2 in the OBC list. Acting upon this recommendation, the Congress government led by Veerappa Moily announced, through orders dated April 20 and April 25, 1994, a six per cent reservation in Category 2B, labeled as “More Backward,” for Muslims, Buddhists, and Scheduled Caste converts to Christianity.

    While four per cent of the reservation was allocated to Muslims, the remaining two per cent was designated for Buddhists and SCs who converted to Christianity. The implementation of this reservation was set to commence on October 24, 1994.

    However, the reservation faced legal challenges in the Supreme Court. An interim order issued on September 9, 1994, directed the Karnataka government to ensure that overall reservations did not exceed 50 per cent, inclusive of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs. Consequently, the Congress government led by Veerappa Moily collapsed on December 11, 1994, before implementing the order, facing a political crisis.

    HD Deve Gowda assumed office as Chief Minister on December 11, 1994. On February 14, 1995, he implemented the previous government’s quota decision with amendments in accordance with the Supreme Court’s interim verdict.

    SCs who converted to Christianity and Buddhism, previously categorized under 2B, were reclassified into Category 1 and 2A respectively, in the same order. Under the 2B quota, four per cent of seats in educational institutions and state government jobs were reserved for Muslims.

    The OBC quota for Muslims under Category II-B persisted even after the Congress came to power. In July 2023, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) raised concerns about the reservation policy during a field visit to the state.

  • Good News For MGNREGA Employees! Centre Announces Pay Hike: Check State-Wise Wages Here | Economy News

    New Delhi: Ahead of Lok Sabha polls 2024, there is good news for lakh of MGNREGA employees. The Central government has notified the latest revision in wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act for the financial year 2024-2025. This announcement comes just ahead of the LS elections scheduled for 2024.

    The Centre notifies the latest revision in MGNREGA wages pic.twitter.com/gcq2mrFWn7
    — ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2024

    MGNREGA Employees’ Wage Rates: Effective Date

    The Ministry of Rural Development has introduced new wage rates for unskilled manual workers, which will come into effect from April 1, 2024. (Also Read: Big Blow To Home Loan Borrowers! HDFC Bank Raises Lending Rates To 9.8%)

    MGNREGA Employees’ State-Wise Wage Rates

    MGNREGA Employees’ Wages In Goa

    The employees under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in Goa witness the highest hike of 10.56 percent. The wages increased from Rs 322 to Rs 356 per day. (Also Read: Delhi Man’s Rs 340 Cab Booking Turns Into Rs 648 Nightmare: Here’s What Happened NEXT)

    MGNREGA Employees’ Wages In Uttar Pradesh And Uttarakhand

    The employees of the state experience the lowest raise of 3.04 percent. In both states, the wages increased from Rs 230 to Rs 237 per day.

    MGNREGA Employees’ Wages In Karnataka

    The employees of the state witnesses a 10.44 percent increase, with wages rising from Rs 316 to Rs 349 per day.

    MGNREGA Employees’ Wages In Andhra Pradesh And Telangana

    They experience a 10.29 percent increase, with wages rising from Rs 272 to Rs 300 per day.

    MGNREGA Employees’ Wages In Madhya Pradesh And Chhattisgarh

    Share the same wage rate, with both states seeing a 10 percent surge from Rs 221 to Rs 243 per day.

    Highest MGNREGA Employees Wage Rates

    The employees of Haryana receive the highest wage rate of Rs 374 per day.

    Lowest MGNREGA Employees Wage Rates

    Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland receive the lowest wage rate of Rs 234 per day.

  • Karnataka Moves SC Against Centre Seeking Release Of NDRF Fund To Tackle Water Crisis |

    Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the central government demanding for the immediate release of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to tackle the water crisis in the state. CM accused the Centre of neglecting the state’s request for the release of funds. 

    Siddaramaiah allegedly said that the Modi government is violating the law by not providing the funds as it has been predicted previously to the state government’s needs. “According to the law, the central government has to release the funds as it has been predicted previously to the state government’s needs. The NDRF and SDRF funds, have to be constituted under the disaster funds,” Karnataka CM said. He asserted that the state is facing a vast problem of the water crisis and amid the situation, the Karnataka government has waited so long to get help from the central government. “The Karnataka government had waited for a long time and now inevitably we are going to file a petition in the Supreme Court against the central government demanding a direction to the Center to immediately release NDRF funds to the state,” he said. 

    Talking about the Bengaluru current situation, he said that the 6900 borewells and most of the lakes have dried up. “2600 MLD of water is required for Bengaluru every day. In June, we will provide water to all 110 villages around Bengaluru,”  CM said. Siddaramaiah also informed us that he has a meeting with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the energy department to discuss and cure the situation.

    State Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda informed that after lacking help from the central government, the state government has released Rs 80 crore to districts to manage the drinking water situation and fodder requirement for livestock. “There’s a drinking water problem in about 1000 villages of the state, out of which, in about 250 villages water is being supplied through water tankers,”  Gowda said. 

    The state Capital has been facing a water crisis for a long time. The is struggling with several water shortages before the summer arrived. Earlier, the citizens have also raised the issue of water scarcity in Bengaluru. Residents of many apartment complexes informed that their societies are sending out notices of water scarcity. 

  • `1-Hour Timer Fixed For…`: DK Shivakumar Says 10 Injured In `Low-Intesnity` Bengaluru Cafe Blast

    Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar said that a timer was fixed for blast to happen after 1 hour. He also urged all the Bangloreans to not panic and assured thorough investigation of the incident.

  • Rajya Sabha Election 2024 Live Updates: Cross-Voting Takes Place In Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka |

    Voting for the Rajya Sabha elections in three states – Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh – are underway with 15 seats up for grabs. The polls are likely to be highly competitive for three seats in two states governed by the Congress and one seat in Uttar Pradesh. Due to the fear of cross-voting in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, the Congress and Samajwadi Party are keeping a close eye on their MLAs. In a setback for the Samajwadi Party, while an MLA (Manoj Kumar Pandey) resigned from the party, two other indicated that they will vote for the ruling party candidate. According to Zee News TV, at least 7 SP MLAs held a meeting with the BJP minister.

    On Samajwadi Party MLA Manoj Kumar Pandey’s resignation, UP Minister Dayashankar Singh said, “Manoj Pandey has always been a supporter of Sanatana Dharma. He has always been giving statements regarding the same. He wanted everyone to visit Ayodhya and have a darshan. This is the reason he is showing faith in PM Modi’s leadership and is taking such a decision…”

    01.45 PM: On speculation of cross-voting, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu said, “We have 40 MLAs. If no one is sold, then we will receive 40 out of 40 votes. (Agar koi bika nahi hoga toh humein 40/40 votes aayenge).”

    01.36 PM: In response to speculations about cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections by Karnataka BJP leader ST Somashekar, Congress MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao asserts our unity remains unshaken. He added, “For the BJP, it has become a practice to use any method to win.”

    01.22 PM: ST Somashekar, BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) said that sometimes such things happen. He added, “The party had given clear direction to vote for BJP-JD(S) candidates.”

    01.15 PM: UP’s Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik) leader Raja Bhaiya affirmed that 8candidates from BJP will win. “We had made it clear that Jansatta Dal will support BJP candidates,” he added.

    01.03 PM: Voting concluded for the Rajya Sabha polls of Himachal Pradesh, a total of 68 MLAs voted.

    12.40 PM: Responding to the rumours of cross-voting Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Virbhadra Singh accused the BJP of using money power. “We will see when the results come out and face the situation. We will sail through, we have the majority,” she added. While, Himachal Pradesh minister & Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh said my conscience is clear.

    12.33 PM: On rumors of cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections, BJP Chief in Karnataka Assembly, Doddanagouda G. Patil says, “It is confirmed that ST Somashekar has cross-voted. We are discussing what can be done and what action to be taken.”

    12.24 PM: On Himachal Rajya Sabha elections, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said”…All our MLAs have voted for the elections. I hope they have all voted on the ideology of the party. We can only say anything once the results are declarred. ‘BJP mein antar-aatma naam ki chiz nahi hai, waha toh paisa antar-aatma chalta hai’…”

    12.14 PM: A number of cross votings were witnesses in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh during the ongoing Rajya Sabha polls. While SBSP MLA Jagdish Narayan, part of the BJP-led NDA alliance, voted for the Samajwadi Party, several SP MLAs voted for the BJP candidate. These MLAs include Manoj Pandey, Rakesh Pratap Singh and Pallavi Patel. In Karnataka, BJP MLA S. T. Somashekhar cross-voted in favour of the Congress. 

    12.05 PM: Reacting to the cross-voting, Akhilesh Yadav said that the BJP manipulated and lured MLAs by hook and crook method. Yadav alleged that some MLAs were offered various incentives while some were threatened. “Not everybody has the guts to stand against the Government…pressure is put on everybody, is there anyone who doesn’t know that BJP would go to any extent to win. BJP was dishonest during Chandigarh elections also… When it comes to UP, BJP did everything to get votes and those who left, might not have had the guts to stand against the govt. Action will be taken because our party leaders want such people to be kept away from the party,” said Yadav.

    12.00 Noon: On Karnataka Rajya Sabha elections, Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad said, “There will be no cross-voting. Congress candidates will get more votes than required. If people from some other party want to vote for us, then we won’t say no to it.”

    11.40 AM: Reacting to the BJP-JDS fielding additional candidate, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, “They (BJP) have also fielded candidate to win the elections, but for the 5th candidate they required 45 votes, do they have 45 votes? How will they win without numbers? Though they know that they don’t have numbers they fielded Kupendra Reddy and they tried to poach our MLAs, that’s why an FIR has been lodged against him. I’m sure all our 3 candidates are going to win.”

    Resort Politics In Karnataka

    Ruling Congress in Karnataka has relocated its MLAs to a hotel to safeguard them from external pressures. On Monday, the Congress shifted all its MLAs to a hotel, marking the beginning of the state’s trademark resort politics. All parties have issued whips to their MLAs ahead of today’s election. On Monday, Janardhan Reddy, Karnataka MLA and chief of Kalyana Karnataka Pragati Paksha, met CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar after he announced his support for Congress in the Rajya Sabha election. This further solidifies Congress’s winning chances. 

    While the Congress had a smooth path in securing four of Karnataka’s three seats due to its numerical strength, the BJP-Janata Dal Secular alliance complicated matters by nominating a second candidate. If there were four candidates, each would need 45 votes to win; however, in the case of additional candidates, preference votes would come into play. The Congress with 135 MLAs has the exact number to elect its three candidates, Ajay Maken, Nasir Hussain and G C Chandrashekhar.

    The entry of multi-millionaire real estate baron, D Kupendra Reddy, a Janata Dal (Secular)-BJP candidate has turned the elections to the fourth seat into a keen contest. Reddy, who declared Rs 1,200 crore assets in his election affidavit, has been fielded by the JD(S)-BJP combine. Reddy is confident that he will get the votes to win the election. Earlier, the Congress has complained that MLAs are being blackmailed to vote for Kupendra Reddy. A Congress delegation filed a complaint with the Bengaluru Police Commissioner. The BJP has 66 MLAs, which means it can easily get its main candidate, party worker Narayansa Bhandage, elected. Combined with the 19 JD(S) MLAs, the BJP-JDs second candidate Kupendra Reddy will need to get support of three Independents and get at least three Congress MLAs to cross-vote if he wants to win.

    Khela In Uttar Pradesh

    In Uttar Pradesh, the cross-voting fear has gripped the Samajwadi Party but the leading opposition party has maintained that all is well. According to Zee News TV sources, 8 to 10 of the Samajwadi Party MLAs may vote for the BJP alliance. The ruling BJP and SP had sufficient support to secure the unopposed election of seven and three members to the Rajya Sabha, respectively. However, the BJP escalated the competition by nominating Sanjay Seth, a former SP member and industrialist, as its eighth candidate. To secure an election, a candidate from the state requires approximately 37 first-preference votes.

    Ahead of voting, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav hoped that all three candidates of his party will win despite the BJP’s tactics. “BJP will do everything possible for victory. Some of our leaders who want personal gains can go to the BJP,” said Yadav expressing apprehension of the cross-voting.

    The SP has put forward Jaya Bachchan, an actor-MP, retired IAS officer Alok Ranjan, and Dalit leader Ramji Lal Suman. This decision has reportedly caused a rift with ally Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) leader Pallavi Patel, who expressed disagreement with the choice of Bachchan and Ranjan and stated she would abstain from voting.

    Congress’s Whip To MLAs In Himachal 

    In Himachal Pradesh, the actions taken were not as extreme as in Karnataka. The party has warned its MLAs about the election of its lone Rajya Sabha seat.  The focal point of the Congress’ contest in the state is its senior leader, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, pitted against the BJP’s core committee member, Harsh Mahajan. The Congress enjoys a clear majority with 40 MLAs, while the BJP has 25 members. Three MLAs, including two BJP rebels, identify as independents. Sources indicate that the BJP is currently seeking to woo dissatisfied Congress MLAs. 

    41 MPs Elected Unopposed

    Elections were due for 56 Rajya Sabha seats but since 41 leaders were elected unopposed including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, BJP chief JP Nadda, Ashok Chavan, Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and L Murugan, the elections are being held for 15 seats in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh.

  • Karnataka Budget: Siddaramaiah-Led Congress Govt Allocates Rs 300 Cr For Waqf Properties, Rs 200 Cr For Christian Community |

    The Karnataka Congress government has allocated around Rs 330 crore in the budget for waqf property, construction of Haj Bhavan in Mangaluru, and development of the Christian community. The state government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah allocated Rs 100 crore for Waqf properties and Rs 200 crore for Christian communities. However, the move did not go well with the BJP and the saffron party termed it an appeasement budget.

    “The Congress-led Karnataka state government has allocated Rs 330 crores in its budget for the development of waqf property, the construction of Haj Bhavan in Mangaluru, and the development of the Christian community. Meanwhile, despite receiving around Rs 450 crores annually from donations by Hindu devotees to temples under its control, Congress opposes any legislation aimed at freeing Hindu temples from state control,” said Amit Rakksshit, BJP leader. 

    Speaking about the Waqf properties, CM Siddaramaiah said that there will be a special emphasis on the protection and conservation of protected monuments, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The Congress government has allocated Rs 10 crore for the construction of Mangaluru Haj Bhavan, and it has been announced that 100 Maulana Azad schools will be established in the state. Siddaramaiah also disclosed that Rs 50 crore will be designated for the development of major pilgrimage destinations for Jains.

    The Chief Minister further stated that the sacred texts of the Buddhist community, the Tripitakas, will be translated into Kannada, with necessary grants allocated for the translation. A budget of Rs 393 crore will be allocated for programs formulated and implemented during 2024-25 through Minorities Development Corporations, as per Siddaramaiah’s announcement.

    Despite presenting a revenue deficit budget, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to welfare programs, with a significant increase in budgetary allocation to Rs 1,20,373 crore. Moreover, he underscored the importance of fiscal discipline by ensuring that the fiscal deficit remains within 3 per cent of GDSP.