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Siddaramaiah Loses Cool on Stage, Makes Slap Gesture at Police Officer | Watch

April 29, 2025, 11:19 am

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was involved in a heated confrontation with a police officer during a Congress rally in Belagavi on Friday. The incident, which occurred while the Chief Minister was addressing a crowd, has drawn strong reactions from political opponents and sparked controversy.

The incident took place when Siddaramaiah, standing on stage with Congress leaders and workers, was reportedly shown black flags by BJP supporters at the rally. Enraged by the protest, the Chief Minister snapped at Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Narayana Baramani.

Siddaramaiah was seen calling the officer over and asking him how such protests were allowed to take place inside the rally venue. “Hey, come here, who’s the SP? What are you guys doing?” the Chief Minister was heard saying, as tensions escalated. Witnesses said he raised his hand in a gesture resembling a slap towards Baramani, prompting the officer to swiftly step back.

?Karnataka | #Watch: Siddaramaiah’s Slap Gesture At Cop After He Loses Cool On Stage

Read more: https://t.co/KrY7F8PTEz pic.twitter.com/p3rG6KfN49

— NDTV (@ndtv) April 28, 2025

Political Fallout: Opposition Condemns the CM’s Actions

The Chief Minister’s actions have stirred up political controversy, with several opposition leaders condemning his behavior. Janata Dal Secular (JDS) shared their disapproval in a post on social media, reminding Siddaramaiah that power is transient.

“Power is not permanent,” the JDS wrote. “Raising your hand to hit the police officer does not bring any glory to your position or dignity. Your term of office is only 5 years. But a government officer serves till the age of 60. Power is not permanent for anyone. Correct your misconduct.”

BJP Slams Siddaramaiah for ‘Disgraceful’ Behavior

The BJP has also taken a strong stance against Siddaramaiah’s behavior, calling it disgraceful. Karnataka BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad criticized the CM’s arrogance and demanded an apology.

“Your act of raising your hand against a police officer is a disgrace of the highest order. Your arrogance has crossed all imaginable limits,” Prasad said. “You must immediately and unconditionally apologise to the officer you sought to humiliate. Your insatiable lust for power is corrupting your judgment.”

BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil, a former Union Minister, also termed Siddaramaiah’s behavior as unexpected and called for an unconditional apology. “The Chief Minister is demoralising not only the Police officers but also the entire Police Department,” Patil said. “Such a mentality of harassing and manhandling Police Officers for lapses deserves the harshest condemnation.”

DK Shivakumar Issues Warning to BJP

Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar warned the BJP over the black flags at the rally. “I am warning you (BJP). You have to set things right and advise your party workers against such acts. If not, I will not let any event of yours happen in Karnataka,” Shivakumar said, emphasizing his readiness for any type of protest. “Let this be a warning,” he added.

This incident comes a day after Siddaramaiah faced backlash for his comments on India’s stance regarding Pakistan. The Chief Minister clarified his position after Pakistani media picked up his comments, saying that he did not mean there should be “no war” but rather that war should only occur if it is unavoidable.

Siddaramaiah’s remarks followed the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack and taken several diplomatic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.

Karnataka Waqf Row: 81% Of Land Notices Served To Muslims

December 19, 2024, 11:16 am

The Karnataka government disclosed that 81% of the 11,204 farmers who received notices from the Waqf Board over land encroachment are Muslim. Only 2,080 farmers from the Hindu community were affected, sparking political debates in the state.

Government’s Assurance to Farmers and Temples

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the formation of a committee led by a retired high court judge to examine whether temples and lands cultivated by farmers fall under waqf assets. He assured the Karnataka Assembly that:

Notices issued to temples on waqf properties would be withdrawn.
Farmers cultivating waqf-designated lands would not face arbitrary action.

Clarifications on Waqf Land Data

Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda provided key insights into the waqf land distribution:

Of Karnataka’s 20,000 acres of waqf land, only 4,500 acres are cultivable.
Cultivable waqf land constitutes just 0.006% of the state’s total agricultural land.
The waqf land inventory has significantly reduced from 1.12 lakh acres in 1974 to 20,054 acres today due to redistribution under the Land Revenue Act and Inam Abolition Act.

Political Clash in the Assembly

The BJP staged a walkout during the Assembly session, demanding answers from Housing, Waqf, and Minority Affairs Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan. They also called for the withdrawal of the 1974 gazette notification that formalized waqf land data.

CM Siddaramaiah refuted the BJP’s demands, clarifying that the notification was based on the Central Waqf Act, which cannot be altered by the state government. Revenue Minister Gowda accused the BJP of spreading misinformation about Muslims encroaching on Hindu land to polarize public opinion.

A Heated Debate Continues

The waqf land issue has intensified political tensions in Karnataka, with both ruling and opposition parties trading accusations. While the government assures corrective measures, the opposition demands more transparency and accountability in addressing the waqf land controversy.

Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving issue.

Karnataka BJP and JD(S) to Protest Against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

September 25, 2024, 4:44 pm

Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra has announced that the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] will hold a protest in the Vidhana Soudha premises on Thursday. This decision comes in light of a recent court order directing the Karnataka Lokyukta to investigate Chief Minister Siddaramaiah concerning allegations related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) ‘scam’.

Court Directs Investigation
The Bengaluru Special Court has ordered an investigation against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites valued at ₹56 crore to his wife, Parvathi, by the MUDA. Vijayendra expressed support for the court’s ruling, urging the Chief Minister to resign and transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Legal Proceedings and Background
The Mysuru district police under the Karnataka Lokyukta will conduct the investigation and are required to submit a report within three months. This decision follows the Karnataka High Court’s recent ruling, which vacated an interim stay that had previously delayed proceedings against Siddaramaiah.

Allegations of Illegal Allotment
The allegations against Siddaramaiah involve the illegal allotment of prime sites in Mysuru city to his wife. The High Court’s ruling dismissed Siddaramaiah’s petition that challenged Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s approval for the investigation into these alleged irregularities.

Implications of the Ruling
In his judgment, Justice Nagaprasanna stated that the Governor’s sanction for prosecution did not indicate a lack of due diligence. With the High Court’s decision to lift the interim stay, a First Information Report (FIR) is now expected to be registered as part of the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Faces Lokayukta Probe in Rs 56 Crore MUDA Scam

September 25, 2024, 4:00 pm

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is under scrutiny following a Special Court in Bengaluru’s order for a Lokayukta investigation into his alleged involvement in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam. This development comes after the Karnataka High Court dismissed Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the Governor’s sanction to investigate the case.

The allegations center on the illegal allocation of 14 prime land sites by MUDA, valued at around ₹56 crore, to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi. The case claims that MUDA manipulated land records, allegedly benefiting the Chief Minister’s family. The High Court noted that such favorable allotments would not have been possible without Siddaramaiah’s political influence. The court emphasized the need for an inquiry, suggesting possible abuse of power.

Siddaramaiah, however, remains defiant. In a statement posted on social media, he expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation, declaring he has nothing to hide and labeling the accusations as politically motivated. He reiterated that he would face the legal battle head-on after consulting with legal experts..

The order for investigation was initiated by a complaint from social activist Snehamayi Krishna, who accused the Chief Minister of unfair practices in allotting valuable plots to his wife. The Mysuru district Lokayukta police will now lead the inquiry, with a report expected in three months.

Despite mounting pressure from the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has called for his resignation to ensure a fair probe, Siddaramaiah refuses to step down.

Also read: Kangana Ranaut Stirs Controversy With Remarks on Farm Laws; BJP Distances Itself

This case has significant political implications for Siddaramaiah, especially as he seeks to maintain a stronghold on Karnataka’s political landscape. While the legal process unfolds, the allegations have intensified political rivalries in the state.

Amid MUDA case troubles, Karnataka CM to arrive in Delhi to meet party leadership

August 23, 2024, 6:03 am

Even as Karnataka High Court gave relief to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA scam case, the Congress is holding the meeting of its MLAs in Bengaluru to decide on the future course action.

The Chief Minister will be arriving in the national capital on Friday along with is deputy DK Shivakumar and will meet the party leadership, sources said.

According to party sources, Siddaramaiah will be arriving in the national capital on Friday afternoon and besides his meeting with few of the Union Ministers he will also meet the senior party leadership, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge along with Shivakumar, where Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will also be present amid the former landing in trouble over the Governor granting sanction for prosecution in corruption allegations.

Meanwhile, the party is also holding a meeting of its MLAs in Bengaluru today. The sources said that Siddaramaiah is likely to brief the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on the latest developments related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case and the CLP is likely to pass a resolution fully backing him.

However, the exact agenda for the meeting in the national capital on Friday is not known though sources said both the leaders are expected to brief the central leadership about the fallout of the Governor’s action and how the state government and party unit plan to counter the allegations.

Earlier this month, Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot has allowed three private individuals to seek investigations against Siddaramaiah on complaints of corruption in the allotment of 14 housing sites in Mysuru to the wife of the CM — in exchange for 3.16 acres of land allegedly acquired illegally by a local authority in the city.

The Governor’s order was dated August 16, and was communicated the following day.
On August 19, while hearing a challenge to the order by the chief minister, the Karnataka High Court paused precipitative action based on the Governor’s sanction until August 29, the next date of hearing.

Siddaramaiah had denied the allegations. Meanwhile, the Congress and his deputy Shivakumar all have rallied behind Siddaramaiah and accused the BJP of using the Raj Bhawan against him.

Siddaramaiah emerges stronger after Guv’s prosecution sanction

August 19, 2024, 6:08 am

After suffering defeat in the Karnataka Assembly elections last year, the BJP’s attempts to destablise the elected government there, seem to have backfired. By granting prosecution sanction against Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, has apparently put his own position in doubt, with legal experts stating that he had acted hastily and without adhering to the due process.

While the legal eagles would battle it out on the correctness of the decision, the move has evidently united the Congress party, which is now fully with the Chief Minister.

Before Gehlot, a former Madhya Pradesh politician, gave his sanction in the issue pertaining to the controversial allotment of land, done when the BJP was in power in the state, Siddaramaiah was facing dissent from within his own party. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his supporters were unhappy with his style of functioning and many of them blamed him for favouring former Janata Dal (Secular) leaders who had joined the Congress.

On his part, Siddaramaiah was forcing the High command to replace DK Shivakumar as the PCC president in pursuance of the one-man, one-post principle and also permit him to have two more deputy CMs, one Dalit and another Muslim. While this inner party feud was gaining momentum, Gehlot by his arbitrary action has strengthened the CM.

In fact, apart from Shivakumar, all MLAs and the Central leadership of the Congress, have expressed full solidarity with the Chief Minister accusing the BJP of resorting to practices which lowered the prestige of the Governor’s chair. The accusation is that the BJP has been using Constitutional positions to further its political agenda.

The Karnataka developments come just before the possible Operation Lotus being planned for Jharkhand with attempts being made to entice former Chief Minister Champai Soren into the BJP fold. Incidentally, while the expectations were there for simultaneous polls in four States, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission, for reasons best known to its functionaries, has announced the dates for only two States.

The reality is that the BJP is facing an uphill task in Maharashtra where the Maha Vikas Aghadi could wrest power. The indication of the NDA alliance crumbling was provided by deputy CM, Ajit Pawar, who has declared that he would not be contesting the Assembly polls.

Obviously, he can perhaps see the writing on the wall.
The Saffron Brigade’s chances in Jammu and Kashmir are not too bright and in Haryana, the atmosphere is for a change unless, the BJP central leadership is able to do some last-minute miracles.

Many also view the Karnataka developments as diversionary tactics by the BJP, which is still unclear about who its next president was going to be to replace J.P. Nadda, whose extended term has also come to an end, but he is just continuing in his job till an appropriate successor is found. The decision has been delayed because the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, the controlling authority of the BJP, which had not participated in the last Lok Sabha elections, is yet to give its mind on the possible contender.

Several names have been doing the rounds and unless, the RSS approval is obtained, the BJP would be reluctant to declare its nominee.

The fact remains that the BJP is yet to fully recover from the shock of electoral reverses during the Parliamentary polls and is in the process of introspection.
The developments in UP as also in some other places are a cause of worry for the leadership which wants to ensure that unity is maintained at all cost. Many in the party are also voicing their dissent on certain issues, something which was unthinkable prior to the Lok Sabha polls. It is evident that latent differences need to be ironed out before they come out in the open.

In Karnataka, the Governor may have a lot to answer.

While the BJP is demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation, the Congress wants the Governor to go. Such a confrontation has been witnessed in the past in some other states, West Bengal being an example from the time when current Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar was the Governor there. Politics is moving at an express pace and the outcome of the Assembly polls in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, may set the political agenda for the future. In addition, the RSS and the BJP need to return on the same page on major issues in order to add muscle to the robust organizational network of the Sangh Parivar.

Priyank Kharge alleges ‘Raj Bhavan misuse’ after Karnataka Governor allows prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA ‘scam’

August 17, 2024, 2:29 pm

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge accused the Central government of orchestrating the Karnataka Governor’s decision to allow the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. On Saturday, Kharge posted on X, claiming that Raj Bhavan is being misused as a tool by the BJP to undermine the state’s democratically elected government. He further stated that the Governor is creating a constitutional crisis to please his political superiors but expressed confidence that the Constitution is on their side.

This reaction followed the Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s decision to permit the prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah, which was reported by Raj Bhavan sources on Saturday. In response, the Karnataka government announced plans to challenge the Governor’s decision in the High Court.

Earlier, CM Siddaramaiah denied any wrongdoing, stating that everything related to the MUDA case was done according to the law. He emphasized that his wife received a replacement plot in 2021, during the BJP government, as per legal procedures.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore echoed Kharge’s sentiments, alleging that the Governor’s office is being used to tarnish an honest OBC leader. He expressed confidence that the people’s will would prevail against these tactics.

On the other hand, BJP state president BY Vijayendra defended the Governor’s decision, arguing that he acted within his constitutional powers. Vijayendra also accused Siddaramaiah of corruption, asserting that sufficient evidence supports the allegations against him and his government.

The controversy stems from a complaint filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna, accusing CM Siddaramaiah and nine others of forging documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority.

Controversy Over Karnataka CM’s Deleted Post on Job Reservations for Kannadigas

July 17, 2024, 3:46 pm

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sparked a heated debate by initially announcing, then deleting, a post declaring 100% job reservation for Kannadigas in Group C and D positions within private companies. The announcement, made following a cabinet decision, was met with backlash from industry leaders who labeled the move discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Details of the Issue

Siddaramaiah’s now-deleted social media post claimed the Karnataka cabinet had approved a bill mandating full recruitment of Kannadigas for Group C and D roles across all private industries in the state. However, objections quickly arose from industry figures, citing concerns that such a policy could harm Karnataka’s thriving tech sector and other industries dependent on skilled labor.

Ministerial Clarification

Labor Minister Santosh S Lad clarified that under the proposed legislation, reservations would be capped at 70% for non-management positions and 50% for management roles in private firms. He emphasized that the government aims to prioritize local hiring but acknowledged the need for skilled workers, suggesting provisions for training and exemptions for highly skilled roles.

Industry Opposition

Industry leaders such as Mohandas Pai and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw criticized the bill as “fascist” and detrimental to Karnataka’s technological advancement. They expressed concerns over potential government interference in private sector recruitment processes and called for exemptions to protect the state’s competitive edge in technology.

Government Response

The Karnataka government defended the bill, arguing it aims to ensure job opportunities for locals and promote the use of the Kannada language in workplaces. They proposed mechanisms for training local candidates and exemptions for highly specialized positions to mitigate industry concerns.

Conclusion

The proposed ‘Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024’ is set to be tabled in the assembly amid ongoing debate and opposition from various sectors. Critics continue to question the constitutionality and practical implications of the proposed legislation on the state’s economic landscape.

7th Pay Commission: Karnataka Govt Declares DA Increase For Employees, Check Figures

July 17, 2024, 1:29 am

Providing good news to beneficiaries and employees, the Karnataka Govt has hiked the dearness allowance (DA) by 27.5%.

This decision was taken on the basis of recommendation given by 7th Pay Commission, which was led by ex-chief secretary K Sudhakar Rao. This was declared during the cabinet meeting led by CM of Karnataka Siddaramaiah.

This latest increase will come into force from August 1, 2024. This latest development will most likely cause the annual depletion of govt exchequer Rs 17,440.15 crore additionally.

But the pressure was plaguing the Siddaramaiah government to authorize salary increase following Karnataka State Government Employees Association declaration of infinite strike in august.

Talking about this hike, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge has declared, that this was one of people’s demands and is set to provide benefits to around 14 to 15 lakh state employees.

Moreover, he also revealed, that it was mentioned in their manifesto. It was presented in the cabinet meeting earlier on Monday.

Earlier, the ex-chief minister of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai had provided employees a temporary 17 per cent salary increase. Subsequently to which, Siddaramaiah is likely to make an addition of 10.5 points. Thus, reaching the total of 27.5 per cent increase, as advised by 7th pay commission.

Will Karnataka See A New CM? Siddaramaiah’s Statement On Leadership Transition

July 3, 2024, 5:16 am

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday, stated that he would comply with the Congress high command’s decision regarding a leadership change.

This announcement follows a political dispute within the ruling Congress party. Siddaramaiah’s comments came a few days after a Vokkaliga seer publicly urged him to step down and allow his deputy, DK Shivakumar, to take over.

“It is not a matter to be discussed in public. Whatever decision the High Command takes, we will go by it,” Siddaramaiah told reporters when asked about the Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Mutt seer Chandrashekhara Swami’s appeal.

“I don’t want to comment on what Swamiji says. Ours is a national party. There is a high command,” the Chief Minister added.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Shivaganga Basavaraj has expressed support for DK Shivakumar to assume the role of Chief Minister.

Shivakumar, on the other hand, has cautioned leaders against making public statements regarding the leadership change and the potential creation of multiple Deputy Chief Minister positions.

“If anyone crosses the limit, the party will take a decision,” Shivakumar said.

It is notable that some ministers, considered close to Siddaramaiah, have called for the creation of additional Deputy Chief Minister positions to be allocated to leaders from the Lingayat, SC, ST, and minority communities, according to PTI.

This move is viewed by some as an attempt to diminish Shivakumar’s political influence, who is also the State party chief.

Reportedly, a compromise was reached based on a ‘rotational chief minister formula’, under which Shivakumar would become CM after two and a half years, though this has not been officially confirmed by the party, as per PTI.

Prajwal Revanna ‘Obscene Video Case’: HD Kumaraswamy Alleges 25,000 Pen Drives Involved

May 7, 2024, 7:02 pm

JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy alleged on Tuesday that 25,000 pen drives containing sexually explicit videos, purportedly recorded by his nephew Prajwal Revanna, were distributed across Karnataka before the Lok Sabha elections last month. Kumaraswamy accused Congress leader DK Shivakumar of orchestrating this “conspiracy.”

Prajwal Revanna allegedly flew abroad on April 27, following the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls. HD Kumaraswamy claimed that the pen drives were initially circulated in Bengaluru Rural, the constituency of DK Shivakumar’s brother, DK Suresh.

Prajwal Revanna, who is the MP and JD(S) candidate in Karnataka’s Hassan, along with his father MLA H D Revanna, faces allegations of molesting their cook, with an additional case of rape registered against him. Earlier this month, Revanna’s father was arrested in a kidnapping case related to alleged sexual assault. In response to these allegations, the Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the charges.

Hinting at DK Shivakumar’s involvement, Kumaraswamy criticized the SIT, dubbing it the “Siddaramaiah Investigation Team” and “Shivakumar Investigation Team.” He questioned why action wasn’t taken against individuals named in complaints related to the distribution of the pen drives, despite his party’s polling agent filing a complaint.

Kumaraswamy also raised concerns about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s remarks predicting the defeat of all three JD(S) candidates in the Lok Sabha elections, suggesting a possible conspiracy. JD(S) has suspended Prajwal Revanna, and authorities have issued a Blue Corner notice to locate him as he has been missing since April 27.

Siddaramaiah Urges Shinde to Release Water from Warna/Koyna Dam to Drought-Hit North Karnataka

March 22, 2024, 1:19 am

On Thursday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah penned a letter to his Maharashtra counterpart Eknath Shinde, urging the release of water from Warna/Koyna Dam to the Krishna and Bhima Rivers in northern Karnataka to fulfill the requirements of both people and livestock.

The communication urged the relevant authorities to promptly release 2.00 TMC of water from the Warna/Koyna reservoir into the Krishna river and 1.00 TMC of water from the Ujjani reservoir into the Bhima river.

In his correspondence to Shinde, the Karnataka CM mentioned that the monsoon season is distant, with no expectation of rainfall in the upcoming months.

“Presently, the Northern Districts of Karnataka are facing severe drought situation due to failure of monsoons. The storages of reservoirs have depleted substantially which is insufficient to meet the domestic needs of human and livestock. The monsoon season is quite far and there be no chance of any likely rainfall in the coming months before the onset of monsoon,” Karnataka CM wrote.

He also conveyed his appreciation to the Maharashtra government for their past instances of releasing water to the state.

“On earlier occasions, during the summer seasons, the government of Maharashtra had responded positively to the release of water from the Krishna River to meet the drinking water needs of human beings and livestock. The (Government of Karnataka hereby conveys sincere thanks to the State of Maharashtra,” he added.

The state is grappling with a severe water crisis, exacerbated by drought-like conditions leading to a decline in reservoir levels.

The state capital, Bengaluru, is contending with a deficit of 500 million litres per day (MLD), stated Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following a review of the city’s water supply during a meeting on Monday.

The present demand for drinking water and commercial purposes in Bengaluru stands at 2,600 MLD, out of which 1,450 MLD is sourced from the Cauvery river, he noted, highlighting that approximately 650 MLD is obtained from borewells. This leaves the city facing a deficit of 500 MLD of water.

He remarked that essential measures have been implemented to address this shortage.

“We have enough storage of drinking water in the Cauveri and Kabini. Sufficient water is available till the end of June. There is 11.02 TMC water storage in KRS (Krishna Raja Sagara) and 9.02 TMC in Kabini,” Siddaramaiah stated.

Bengaluru Water crisis : ‘Out of 14,000 bore wells in Bengaluru, 6,900 have dried’ says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

March 19, 2024, 3:06 pm

Bengaluru is grappling with a significant drinking water crisis. The Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing reporters on Monday, disclosed that authorities have been directed to convene daily to devise a strategy for addressing the issue. “We have 11.04 TMC water storage in KRS, 9.02 TMC in Kabini,” Siddaramaiah emphasized. Additionally, the government intends to drill bore wells at 313 locations and revive 1,200 inactive bore wells.

Siddaramaiah underscored Bengaluru’s water scarcity, emphasizing the deficit of 500 million litres per day. He stressed that the city’s actual water requirement stands at 2,600 MLD, drawn from the Cauvery river and bore wells, with a shortfall of approximately 500 MLD. “Out of 14,000 bore wells in Bengaluru, 6,900 have dried,” he mentioned.

Nearly 6,900 bore wells in Bengaluru have dried up due to encroachment or water body depletion. To address the crisis, the Karnataka government is banking on the Cauvery Five project, slated to begin in June, to supply water to 110 villages incorporated into the Metropolitan Bengaluru Municipal Corporation in 2006-07.

Assuring the public, Siddaramaiah reiterated the availability of adequate drinking water storage in Cauvery and Kabini until June. He affirmed the government’s commitment to tackle the shortage by drilling new bore wells and rejuvenating inactive ones.

To manage the situation, officials have been instructed to utilize private tankers, including those from the Karnataka Milk Federation, in slum areas, uplands, villages, and bore well-dependent regions. Task forces will be reinforced to promptly address complaints, and drinking water consumption in parks will be restricted.

Moreover, the government aims to replenish dried lakes in Bengaluru with treated water, akin to the approach adopted in KC Valley. Siddaramaiah assured that there is no dearth of funds to provide drinking water.

CCTV Footage Suggest Bomber May Be In North Karnataka; NIA Team Arrive Ballari

March 8, 2024, 10:14 am

Recent CCTV footage has surfaced, a week after the explosion at a well-known restaurant in Bengaluru. It shows the bombing suspect, who has so far managed to avoid capture. A group of NIA officers arrived in Ballari after receiving information that the suspect was travelling to northern Karnataka.

The suspect may have departed Bengaluru following the explosion by bus, as evidenced by CCTV footage showing sightings of the person at Tumakuru and Ballari. This could indicate that the culprit travelled to Kurnool area of Andhra Pradesh. The 350 mile travel is being monitored by investigators to see if anyone saw the suspect, and NIA teams are actively combing these areas, including Uttar Kannada, to try and find the culprit.

It is thought that the suspect—wearing a baseball cap—arrived at the Rameshwaram Cafe via bus route 500D. He entered the restaurant at around 11:34 am and left after nine minutes. While wearing a mask at the cafe, his entire face is visible in video taken inside a public bus, free of sunglasses, a mask, or a cap.

If the suspect changed his appearance while travelling, the NIA is looking into it. At least one person is being questioned by authorities at the place of worship where the baseball cap was allegedly discovered, some 5 km away from the cafe.

On Friday, the public is expected to reopen the Rameshwaram Cafe, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah may be present. Even though all relevant evidence has been gathered by the police, NIA, National Security Guard (NSG), and forensic experts, the precise spot of the explosion will be guarded while the rest of the restaurant is available to the public.

Rameshwaram Cafe Bomb Blast: NIA to take over case

March 4, 2024, 10:50 am

The investigation into the Rameshwaram cafe blast incident in Bengaluru, which rattled the IT capital on Friday, is set to be taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The low-intensity bomb blast at the Whitefield eatery was under scrutiny by the Bengaluru Police and Central Crime Branch, with no arrests made thus far. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has transferred the case to the NIA, and their officials are slated to handle the matter from Monday. Around 10 individuals sustained injuries, and they are presently receiving treatment at various private hospitals, with the Karnataka government assuring responsibility for their medical care.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the blast site, met the injured at the hospital, and presided over a high-level meeting with senior officials, instructing a fair investigation into the case.

The suspect, identified through CCTV footage as a 28 to 30-year-old individual, entered the cafe during lunch, purchased a coupon for Rava idli, and left without consuming the idli, leaving behind a bag containing an improvised explosive device (IED). Bengaluru police released snapshots from the CCTV footage, where the suspect’s face was concealed with a mask and cap.

Raghavendra Rao, the co-founder and CEO of Rameshwaram Cafe, urged both the Union and state governments to ensure preventive measures against such incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for strict action. He dismissed any possibility of business rivalry as a motive, stating that such harmful activities have no place within the business circle.

In contrast, the opposition criticized the Siddaramaiah-led government, alleging concealment of facts related to the bomb blast. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka accused the Congress government of withholding information about the culprits and attempting to manipulate the FSL report, drawing parallels with a previous incident involving slogans of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ raised in Vidhana Soudha.

Court summons Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah & Shivakumar in defamation case filed by BJP

February 24, 2024, 9:46 am

In the backdrop of last year’s Karnataka Assembly elections, the Congress accused the BJP of involvement in “40 percent corruption” and extensively propagated these allegations through multiple newspaper advertisements. On Friday, a city court issued summons for the former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, directing them to personally appear on March 28. This legal summons is in response to a case filed by the BJP.

Special Judge J Preeth directed the commencement of a criminal case against the accused, including the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. The BJP contended that the Congress leaders, including the then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, circulated deceptive advertisements targeting their party leaders. These allegations originated during the Karnataka Assembly elections, where the Congress asserted “40 percent corruption” by the BJP and published various newspaper ads accusing the then ruling party of corruption. A poster campaign, featuring ‘PayCM’ posters adorned with Bommai’s images, was also initiated, accompanied by the release of a ‘corruption rate card’ against the previous government. Following the Assembly elections, the BJP filed a defamation case against the Congress leaders, alleging that the advertisements had adversely impacted the party’s reputation.

Vinod Kumar, the BJP’s legal representative in court, argued that the “false” advertisements had caused damage to the BJP’s image. After careful consideration of the arguments, the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court mandated the personal appearance of the Congress leaders on March 28 in connection with the case.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar reach at Jantar Mantar to attend tax devolution protest

February 7, 2024, 12:49 pm

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have reached at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, initiating a protest named Chalo Delhi against the Central government’s tax devolution policies towards the southern state. The demonstration is witnessing the participation of several cabinet ministers from the Congress government.

Siddaramaiah has accused the Central government of perpetuating economic disparities, asserting that his government opposes the unjust treatment in tax devolution and grants for the people of Karnataka. In a pre-protest statement, DK Shivakumar emphasized their demand for rightful entitlements, stating, “We are asking for our rights, we are getting only 13 per cent of what we are supposed to get. I do not mind if other states benefit. The policies and schemes that they (Centre) have given to Gujarat, they should extend the same to us.”

State minister Priyank Kharge highlighted various demands, including tax devolution and the release of drought relief funds. He emphasized that Karnataka, as an economic powerhouse, deserves fair consideration from the central government.

Simultaneously, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka MPs are staging protests in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament, focusing on the alleged misappropriation of funds by the Siddaramaiah government. BJP MP Lehar Singh accused the Congress of corruption and mismanagement, attributing their protest to internal disputes.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi dismissed Siddaramaiah’s accusations of reduced tax devolution share by the Centre, labeling it as baseless and asserting that the Karnataka Chief Minister is engaging in dirty politics. Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yediyurappa criticized the Congress government for orchestrating a protest in Delhi, claiming it to be a mere attempt to create drama ahead of upcoming elections.

Karnataka CM to raise pension for senior citizens to Rs 2,000

October 2, 2023, 12:55 pm

Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has announced that his government will take necessary actions to increase pensions for senior citizens in the upcoming state budget.

He mentioned that they will seriously consider the request made by his cabinet colleague, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, to provide a monthly pension of Rs 2,000 to the elderly. A final decision on this matter will be made during the next budget deliberations. Currently, eligible elderly individuals in the state receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,000.

Speaking at an event to honor senior citizens who received state awards in various fields, Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of respecting and adopting the values of elders. He expressed the sentiment that living a meaningful life is a valuable aspect of their existence.

In July, Siddaramaiah, who also serves as the finance minister, presented the state budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. The Congress government, which recently came to power in Karnataka, significantly increased the budget size from Rs 265,720 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 327,747 crore in 2023-24, marking a substantial increase of Rs 62,027 crore, equivalent to a growth rate of 23 percent.

Siddaramaiah’s latest budget presentation was his seventh as Chief Minister, having previously presented six budgets during his tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018. The state government referred to this budget as their ‘Guarantee Budget’ and stated that it fulfills all five key promises made to the people before the assembly polls. To implement these pre-poll promises, a total of Rs 35,410 crore has been allocated in the budget.

The Congress party’s five “guarantees” outlined in their manifesto included providing 200 units of free power to all, offering Rs 2,000 in monthly assistance to the female head of each family, distributing 10 kg of free rice to all members of below-poverty-line (BPL) families, granting Rs 3,000 every month to graduate youth, providing Rs 1,500 for diploma holders (aged 18-25) for two years, and allowing free travel for women in government buses.

In the May 10 elections, the Congress party secured 135 seats in the 224-member Karnataka Assembly, leading to the ousting of the previously ruling BJP, which won 66 seats, while the Janata Dal (Secular) secured 19 seats.

Tamil Nadu creating disputes “unnecessarily”: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

September 11, 2023, 8:20 pm

In the midst of the Cauvery-water-sharing issue, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed on Monday that the federal government has not granted approval for the Mekedatu Project and that Tamil Nadu people are making unnecessary disputes.

In a series of tweets on X, Karnataka CM said “The BJP government at the centre has not given permission to the Mekedatu project and Tamil Nadu has no right to bring on dispute this project. 177.25 TMC water allocated to the state should be released to Tamil Nadu in normal years. It is said that in the time of hardship, the Sutra of hardship should be followed. But the people of Tamil Nadu are creating disputes unnecessarily.”

Siddaramaiah went on to say that Tamil Nadu BJP leaders should petition the Cauvery Water Management Authority to approve the Mekedatu project because it is overseen by the central government.

“The state BJP leaders should appeal to the Cauvery Water Management Authority to give permission to the Mekedatu project as it is under the government at the centre @BJP4India. The state BJP said in the all-party meeting that they will cooperate with the state government on the Cauvery issue, and outside they are doing politics on the same issue,” Siddaramaiah added.

“Providing drinking water to the people of Mysore and Bangalore districts is the first priority as per the water policy. In the meantime, the interests of the farmers should be protected. Tamil Nadu has filed a case in the Supreme Court and the government will make the state’s stand clear.

“No one should politicize the welfare of the farmers of the state for any reason. In this matter, the Prime Minister’s time has been requested for the meeting of the all-party delegation, but no reply has been received from him, so let the state BJP MPs fix the time for the meeting with the Prime Minister,” Siddaramaiah said.

CM Siddaramaiah: Karnataka budget to be presented on 7 July

June 5, 2023, 8:10 pm

The Karnataka budget will be presented on 7 July and a decision will be made in the cabinet meeting, according to Siddaramaiah, the chief minister of Karnataka, who made the announcement on Monday.

Speaking to the reporters at Davanagere helipad, “Budget session is likely to begin from July 3 and the budget will be presented on July 7 and a decision would be taken in this regard in the cabinet meeting.”

The chief minister of Karnataka also stated that discussions and consultations are necessary before determining the budget’s size.

“The previous Government had presented a budget of Rs. 3.09 lakh crore. We can only get clarity regarding the size of the budget only after the meeting on budgetary preparations will begin,” the Karnataka CM said.

While reacting to the questions on the Cow slaughter bill, the CM said “Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act, 1964 already existed and an amendment was brought to the same.”

He further added that the CEOs of the Zilla Panchayats and Deputy Commissioners have been given orders to deliver seeds and fertiliser to farmers on schedule.

In response to the concern over rising electricity rates, he stated that the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) had made a decision regarding the hike.

“The earlier decision is being implemented,” he said.

Congress pledges to deliver on all 5 poll promises this fiscal year: CM Siddaramaiah

June 2, 2023, 4:11 pm

On Friday, during the cabinet meeting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that the five guarantees promised by the Congress ahead of the Assembly polls will be implemented in the present financial year.

The 5 ‘main’ assurances, which Congress promised to fulfil after coming to power in Karnataka, were:

200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti)
Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi)
10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya)
Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18–25) for two years (Yuva Nidhi)
Free travel for women in public transport buses (Uchita Prayana).

Addressing a press briefing here after the Cabinet meeting, Siddaramaiah said that the implementation of the guarantee of about 200 units of free power will begin on 1 July. “A total of 200 units of power will be free. Consumers who haven’t paid their bills until July will have to pay,” he added. The Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which promises Rs 2,000 every month to every woman ‘kartha’ of a family, will be implemented from 15 August, the CM said. The online application will be open from 15 June to 15 July. Beneficiaries will have to submit their Aadhaar card and bank account details.
“June 15–July 15 Aadhar card and application need to be filed. Then from July 15–August 15, after analysing the bank accounts,” he said.

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CM Siddaramaiah holds meeting with officials to implement ‘5 Guarantees’

June 2, 2023, 12:34 pm

Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, convened a meeting of top state officials on Friday to decide whether to carry out the five pledges that the ruling Congress made prior to the Assembly elections.Before the state Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister met with the senior officers. On the five pledges made by the State government, the cabinet is anticipated to make a decision.

The five ‘main’ guarantees promised by the party in its poll manifesto are –

– 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti)
-Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi)
-10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya)
-Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (Yuva Nidhi) and free travel for women in public transport buses (Uchita Prayana).

Members of the Karnataka State Contractors Association, who levelled claims of ‘40% corruption’ against the former BJP government in the state, also met with CM Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru, led by the Association’s president D Kempanna.Notably, “40% corruption” was one of the most prominent concerns in the recently concluded assembly elections, which many observers believe harmed the BJP’s campaign.The Congress Cabinet in the state reached its full complement of 34 on May 27 with the addition of 24 new ministers.The Karnataka Cabinet was increased following negotiations with the party’s central leadership by the Chief Minister and Shivakumar.

Addressing a press briefing after the first Cabinet meeting in Vidhan Soudha, here, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, “Five guarantees in the manifesto were promised and the order for the implementation of those five guarantees was given after the first cabinet meeting. All will be in force after the next cabinet meeting which will be called within a week.”

Karnataka Cabinet allocation:Siddaramaih keeps finance,home ministry to G Parameshwara,Shivakumar gets Bengaluru city development

May 29, 2023, 10:29 am

Two days after the Karnataka cabinet reached its maximum size of 34, the portfolios were distributed, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah holding the finance ministry and his deputy DK Shivakumar receiving the major and medium irrigation, as well as the ministry for Bengaluru City Development.Other than this, CM Siddaramaiah has also kept the ministries of Cabinet Affairs, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, Intelligence, Information, IT and BT Infrastructure development and all unallocated portfolios. DK Shivakumar, under the Bengaluru City Development Ministry, will be having control over BBMP, BWSSB, BMRDA, BMRCL and BDA.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s son and Chittapur MLA Priyank Kharge have been given the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
G Parameshwara was allocated the crucial Home Ministry in the state of Karnataka.
HK Patil has been allocated the Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation and Tourism. Former Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao was allocated the Health and Family Welfare Ministry. Former Minister and Batarayanapur MLA Krishna Byregowda got the Revenue Ministry (excluding Muzrai).
MC Sudhakar has been allocated the Education Ministry and D Sudhakar has been assigned to the Ministry of Planning and Statistics.
Karnataka cabinet reached its full strength of 34 with 24 ministers taking oath as ministers on May 27. Earlier, eight ministers along with CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar had taken oath on May 20.
The eight MLAs who took oath on May 20 were; Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s son Priyank Kharge, party’s MLAs G Parameshwara and MB Patil, KH Muniyappa, KJ George, Satish Jarkiholi, Ramalinga Reddy and BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan.The state cabinet gained its full complement of 24 ministers on May 27: HK Patil, Krishna Byregowda, N Cheluvarayaswamy, K Venkatesh, HC Mahadevappa, Eshwar Khandre, Kyathasandra N Rajanna, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Sharanabasappa Darshanapur, Shivanand Patil, Timmapur Ramappa Balappa, SS Mallikarjun,
After negotiations with the party’s central leadership, the Chief Minister and Shivakumar expanded the Karnataka cabinet.In the 224-member Karnataka Assembly elections held on May 10, the opposition Congress party defeated the incumbent BJP, which won 66 seats in the southern state.

Congress’ Priyank Kharge slams BJP as “Loose Cannons” for siddaramaiah remark

May 25, 2023, 2:02 pm

Priyank Kharge, a minister in the Karnataka government, has compared BJP leaders to “loose cannons” and cautioned that they cannot make irresponsible remarks without facing consequences. Regarding the potential reversal of the hijab ban in Karnataka, Kharge, who has been included in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s cabinet but has not yet been assigned a portfolio, stated that the party will assess and potentially reject any legislation that is not in the best interest of the people or goes against constitutional principles.

“BJP has become loose cannons. They have lost the connect between their tongue and their brain. They don’t think before they speak…They think they can get away with it. That is not going to happen anymore in Karnataka,” Priyank Kharge, who is also the son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said.

In response to BJP leader and former State minister C N Ashwath Narayan’s purported remarks ahead of the State Assembly elections in February, where he allegedly suggested that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should be “eliminated” like the historical figure Tipu Sultan, the Congress leader currently in Delhi expressed his concerns. An FIR was lodged against Ashwath Narayan at the Devaraja police station in Mysuru on Thursday, under Sections 506 and 153 of the IPC, for his alleged statement against Siddaramaiah.

Kharge said, “People need to be very careful about what they speak. As long as they are well within their rights, we have no issues but you cannot demean the Office of the CM or the CM himself and get away with it.”

Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar meet Congress high command on Karnataka cabinet

May 25, 2023, 1:35 pm

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar traveled to Delhi on Wednesday to hold discussions with the Congress high command regarding the expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet and the allocation of portfolios.

They held a meeting with Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal and General Secretary (in charge of Karnataka) Randeep Surjewala, which lasted late into the night and is expected to continue on Thursday.

According to reports, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are working towards securing significant portfolios for their loyalists. Upon their arrival in Delhi, Shivakumar also had separate meetings with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, and General Secretary (in charge of Karnataka) Randeep Surjewala to garner support and strategize the Cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation.

Bengaluru Underpass Drowning: Former CM accuses BBMP of negligence

May 22, 2023, 4:58 pm

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday accused the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) of neglecting to take precautionary measures to deal with heavy downpour, despite warnings from the Meteorological Department. The former CM warned that there would be “chaos” in the state capital if this continues.

A 23-year-old techie from Andhra Pradesh lost her life on Sunday after her vehicle got stuck in a flooded underpass in Bengaluru’s K.R. Circle. Heavy rainfall and hailstorms led to severe water-logging in several parts of the city.

The woman, identified as Bhanurekha, was travelling with visiting family members and a driver, when the vehicle they were in got submerged in the underpass. The 23-year-old drowned and died on the way to the hospital.

https://twitter.com/Yazhini_11/status/1660596586072932352

“It was painful that the life of a woman was snuffed out in rains that lashed only for a few hours in the state capital on Sunday,” Bommai told reporters in Bengaluru. “Heavy rains and underpass waterlogging happened earlier also but I don’t remember any death happening before…this (death) could have been avoided and timely action by BBMP.”

According to police, an FIR has been registered against the driver and BBMP officials under Section 304A (death caused due to negligence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Meanwhile, newly-elected Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the hospital Bhanurekha was taken to and later announced a Rs 5 lakh compensation for her bereaved family.

The underpass suffered severe water-logging and several people stuck there had been rescued hours before the incident.

Delhi: Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar to discuss cabinet formation

May 19, 2023, 4:58 pm

Karnataka Chief Minister-designate Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar arrived in the national capital on Friday to meet with the party’s high command to discuss cabinet formation modalities. The pair will also formally invite the top brass to the swearing-in ceremony.

On Thursday, the Congress confirmed Siddaramaiah’s appointment as Karnataka’s next chief minister and named DK Shivakumar as his sole deputy in the government. When pressed on a possible power-sharing formula during the official announcement in New Delhi, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said: “Power sharing means sharing power with the people of Karnataka… that is all.”

Even as the power-sharing formula devised for the two leaders remained a mystery, intense lobbying for the council of ministers began. The announcement by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal that some ministers will also take oath on May 20 prompted the intense lobbying.

A senior party leader told HT that the focus would be on providing adequate representation to all regions and taking special care of the communities that have supported the party in a big way, pointing to the support given by Lingayat, the BJP’s traditional vote bank, Dalits, and Muslims in the Congress victory.

Leaders of several opposition parties are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony in Bengaluru on Saturday. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has extended an invitation to several chief ministers and party leaders for what is viewed as a chance to demonstrate the opposition’s unity ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

‘The winning team’: Siddaramaiah, DKS pose together at Kharge’s residence

May 18, 2023, 1:28 pm

Before leaving for Karnataka, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge met with Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, the leaders of the Karnataka party, at his residence in the national capital on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, Karnataka Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar along with the party’s state in-charge Randeep Surjewala held a breakfast meeting with the party’s general secretary-organisation KC Venugopal.Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, “The winning team ! #Karnataka.”
Kharge taking to Twitter said that Congress is committed to ushering progress, welfare and social justice for the people of Karnataka.
In the meantime, Siddaramaiah, a leader of the Congress, supporters lit fireworks and distributed sweets outside his Bengaluru home.In a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Bengaluru, the Congress will officially proclaim that Siddaramaiah would be the new chief minister of Karnataka.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to invite opposition leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Karnataka chief minister and deputy chief minister, according to sources.They said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Rai Bareli MP Sonia Gandhi, party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior party leaders will attend the event.The oath-taking ceremony will be held in Bengaluru on May 20.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah arrives to meet AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal

May 18, 2023, 12:10 pm