Rahul Gandhi accuses Election Commission of favouring BJP, PM Modi

Lok Sabha 2019

The BJP Karnataka unit saw the tweet as Rahul accepting defeat.

TNM Staff

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Congress president Rahul Gandhi attacked the Election Commission on Twitter for allegedly favouring the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as polling for the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha 2019 elections drew to an end on Sunday. Rahul Gandhi tweeted that the Election Commission once used to be “feared and respected” but “not anymore.” He said, “...the Election Commission’s capitulation before Mr Modi & his gang is obvious to all Indians.” “From Electoral Bonds & EVMs to manipulating the election schedule, NaMo TV, ‘Modi’s Army’ & now the drama in Kedarnath; the Election Commission’s capitulation before Mr Modi & his gang is obvious to all Indians. The EC used to be feared & respected. Not anymore,” he said in a tweet. From Electoral Bonds & EVMs to manipulating the election schedule, NaMo TV, “Modi’s Army” & now the drama in Kedarnath; the Election Commission’s capitulation before Mr Modi & his gang is obvious to all Indians. The EC used to be feared & respected. Not anymore. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 19, 2019 Rahul’s remarks came just ahead of television channels airing their exit poll results for the Lok Sabha polls which will be declared on May 23. However, this was not the first time Rahul or the Opposition has attacked the Election Commission over issues of alleged favouritism towards the ruling party since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect. Rahul’s comment was echoed by former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who tweeted, “Polling is over. Now we can say that the 'pilgrimage' of the PM in the last two days is an unacceptable use of religion and religious symbols to influence the voting. “ He added, “Our charge had been that the EC was sleeping on the job. Now, we can go further and say that the EC completely surrendered its independence and authority. Shame!” Our charge had been that the EC was sleeping on the job. Now, we can go further and say that the EC completely surrendered its independence and authority. Shame! — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 19, 2019 While Rahul words were backed by his party and like-minded individuals, the BJP and its supporters saw this as a defence method as the exit polls predicted the return of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. The official Twitter handle of the Karnataka unit of the BJP was, “Let’s sum it up. He is accepting the defeat !” Let’s sum it up. He is accepting the defeat ! https://t.co/Yd9qnzXYG4 — BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 19, 2019 Six major exit polls conducted by English television channels along with agencies have predicted a huge win for the BJP-led NDA.

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How Democrats are failing on legalized marijuana

Overall, the year has not lived up to expectations.

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Man killed in explosion near MLA’s residence in Bengaluru, probe underway

Accident

Forensic experts are yet to ascertain the cause and nature of the explosion.

Soumya Chatterjee

Arun Dev

A 45-year-old man died in an explosion that took place in Vyalikaval in central Bengaluru on Sunday morning. The cause of the blast is yet to be established. The accident spot was just a stone’s throw away from Congress MLA from Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Munitrathna Naidu’s residence. The deceased has been identified as Venkatesh Kumar, who worked as a dhobi. The incident took place a little after 9am. The incident prompted the bomb squad and senior police officials including the Commissioner to rush to the spot. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar told TNM, “The person was walking near the MLA’s house. The victim is a known person named Venkatesh, he used to work as a ‘dhobi’. He was carrying something that has exploded. Forensic experts of the Forensic Science Laboratory are at the spot and investigating what might have triggered the explosion.” The senior cop refused to comment further on the incident. Due to the impact of the explosion, a crater has been formed on the road. Speaking with the media, MLA Munirathna called for a thorough investigation into the death and urged people to refrain from making wild speculations. He said, “Venkatesh is not an outsider, we grew up together. I'm very upset over what happened to him. This breaks my heart. Even our fathers were friends, they had gone to college together. So he is more like a family. But let us not say anything that comes to our mind about the accident and speculate. Let’s not spread rumours about a dead man. Police will calm things down. I was the one who called the police after hearing the explosion. I have faith in the police and let them investigate. The police commissioner is here trying to calm down the situation.” Further details are awaited.A 45-year-old man died in an explosion that took place in Vyalikaval in central Bengaluru on Sunday morning. The cause of the blast is yet to be established. The accident spot was just a stone’s throw away from Congress MLA from Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Munitrathna Naidu’s residence. The deceased has been identified as Venkatesh Kumar, who worked as a dhobi. The incident took place a little after 9am. The incident prompted the bomb squad and senior police officials including the Commissioner to rush to the spot. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar told TNM, “The person was walking near the MLA’s house. The victim is a known person named Venkatesh, he used to work as a ‘dhobi’. He was carrying something that has exploded. Forensic experts of the Forensic Science Laboratory are at the spot and investigating what might have triggered the explosion.” The senior cop refused to comment further on the incident. Due to the impact of the explosion, a crater has been formed on the road. Speaking with the media, MLA Munirathna called for a thorough investigation into the death and urged people to refrain from making wild speculations. He said, “Venkatesh is not an outsider, we grew up together. I'm very upset over what happened to him. This breaks my heart. Even our fathers were friends, they had gone to college together. So he is more like a family. But let us not say anything that comes to our mind about the accident and speculate. Let’s not spread rumours about a dead man. Police will calm things down. I was the one who called the police after hearing the explosion. I have faith in the police and let them investigate. The police commissioner is here trying to calm down the situation.” Further details are awaited.

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K’taka Min DK Shivakumar alleges Maharashtra backtracked on water sharing promise

Water

Karnataka and Maharashtra had reportedly agreed on a barter deal for water-sharing.

TNM Staff

Days after the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra agreed on a water-sharing agreement, Maharashtra allegedly went back on its word. Karnataka Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday tweeted the development concerning the Krishna river. He said, “Earlier, based on our request, Maharashtra Govt had agreed to release water after due payment. But now they have backtracked and are not releasing water into Krishna river.  This is an unexpected & shocking decision by Maharashtra Govt, especially as it concerns drinking water.” “Karnataka Govt had also agreed for a 'Water for Water' deal, but that also has not been honoured As it's an emergency, for the benefit of our farmers & people in especially Kagwad & Athani of Belagavi district, we are releasing 1 TMC of water from our live storage in Hidkal dam,” the minister added in a subsequent tweet. Earlier, based on our request, Maharashtra Govt had agreed to release water after due payment. But now they have backtracked and are not releasing water into Krishna river. This is an unexpected & shocking decision by Maharashtra Govt, especially as it concerns drinking water. — DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) May 18, 2019 On May 4, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had tweeted, “I appreciate Maharashtra Govt's move to release water to Karnataka. Govt of Karnataka had written to Govt of Maharashtra seeking release of water to address the acute drinking water problem in districts of North Ktka. Maha. Govt has responded positively for the state's request.” I appreciate Maharashtra Govt's move to release water to Karnataka. Govt of Karnataka had written to Govt of Maharashtra seeking release of water to address the acute drinking water problem in districts of North Ktka. Maha. Govt has responded positively for the state's request. — CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) May 4, 2019 On May 12, the Maharashtra government reportedly had agreed on a barter deal after multiple rounds of talks at the bureaucratic level. No formal agreement could be done as the Model Code of Conduct is in place. As per the agreement, 4 TMC of water from the Koyna dam in Maharashtra will flow to Chikkodi, Bagalkot and Vijayapura in Karnataka, and water from the Almatti dam in Karnataka will flow to Maharashtra’s Solapur and Jath. DK Shivakumar’s tweet comes on the same day the Centre issued a drought advisory to the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with the water levels of dams in these states dipping to critical levels. 31 reservoirs in these states have waters at an alarmingly low depth. "The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 6.86 BCM, which is 13% of total live storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 13% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 16 per cent," Central Water Commission (CWC) said.

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2 transwomen from Manipur allegedly raped in Bengaluru, cops arrest 3 men

Crime

While one of the accused is a cook and another is a cab driver, the third person is a supporting actor in the Kannada film industry.

Soumya Chatterjee

Bengaluru police on Saturday arrested three men for allegedly raping two transwomen from Manipur at knife point. Although the incident took place on May 12, the survivors, a 23-year-old student and a 24-year-old professional,  were reluctant to go the police fearing the usual apathy sexual minorities face from the law enforcers. However, support from friends and All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association finally led them to approach the police who took prompt action in nabbing the accused. “Police was very fast in taking action. The three people are in police custody now. We are happy with the action,” Kathrin* (name changed), one of the women, told TNM. On Monday, two friends Kathrin and Jamie* (name changed) were enjoying their Sunday at the former’s Koramangala residence watching TV. The horrific incident took place when they thought their food delivery had arrived at their doorstep. As they unsuspectingly opened the door, the three men armed with knives forced their way in. They held the two with knives at their neck and forced themselves upon the survivors for the next two hours. Following the complaint filed on Friday, the police had registered an FIR. On Saturday, the survivors were asked by the police to come to the station to identify the accused who had by then been detained. They were arrested after the survivors confirmed their involvement. The three accused are residents of the same neighbourhood where the alleged sexual assault took place. While one of them is a cook and another is a cab driver, the third person is a supporting actor in the Kannada film industry. Santa Khurai, noted transgender activist and president of All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association, said, “This is a racial attack targetted towards gender and sexual minority people. This also shows the layers of inhuman treatment that people from the trans community from the North East region who live in big cities across the country face.” She added, “There are several other unreported incidents which are not revealed due to fear of stigma and future insecurity.” The threats Kathrin recounted to TNM, “The three men put their knives on our necks and asked us to remove our dress. When we begged them to leave us alone, they threatened to harm us. We were afraid and we did not do what to do. We had no option.” “I had seen one of these attackers in the neighbourhood before,” she added.   Not only that, the three men took down the phone numbers and threatened that they will harm the two if they dared to approach the police. Horrified, they soon left to another friend’s residence where they felt that they will be safe. “They had called us the same night again asking us to come back, otherwise they will harm us,” she further said.   *Names and details of accused retained to protect identity           Bengaluru police on Saturday arrested three men for allegedly raping two transwomen from Manipur at knife point. Although the incident took place on May 12, the survivors, a 23-year-old student and a 24-year-old professional,  were reluctant to go the police fearing the usual apathy sexual minorities face from the law enforcers.   However, support from friends and All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association finally led them to approach the police who took prompt action in nabbing the accused.   “Police was very fast in taking action. The three people are in police custody now. We are happy with the action,” Kathrin* (name changed), one of the women, told TNM.   On Monday, two friends Kathrin and Jamie* (name changed) were enjoying their Sunday at the former’s Koramangala residence watching TV. The horrific incident took place when they thought their food delivery had arrived at their doorstep. As they unsuspectingly opened the door, the three men armed with knives forced their way in. They held the two with knives at their neck and forced themselves upon the survivors for the next two hours.   Following the complaint filed on Friday, the police had registered an FIR. On Saturday, the survivors were asked by the police to come to the station to identify the accused who had by then been detained. They were arrested after the survivors confirmed their involvement.   The three accused are residents of the same neighbourhood where the alleged sexual assault took place. While one of them is a cook and another is a cab driver, the third person is a supporting actor in the Kannada film industry.   Santa Khurai, noted transgender activist and president of All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association, said, “This is a racial attack targetted towards gender and sexual minority people. This also shows the layers of inhuman treatment that people from the trans community from the North East region who live in big cities across the country face.”   She added, “There are several other unreported incidents which are not revealed due to fear of stigma and future insecurity.”   The threats   Kathrin recounted to TNM, “The three men put their knives on our necks and asked us to remove our dress. When we begged them to leave us alone, they threatened to harm us. We were afraid and we did not do what to do. We had no option.”   “I had seen one of these attackers in the neighbourhood before,” she added.     Not only that, the three men took down the phone numbers and threatened that they will harm the two if they dared to approach the police.   Horrified, they soon left to another friend’s residence where they felt that they will be safe.   “They had called us the same night again asking us to come back, otherwise they will harm us,” she further said.     *Names and details of accused retained to protect identity          

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Karnataka Assembly bye-polls: Polling begins in Chincholi and Kundgol

Politics

Vote count is on May 23 along with that of 28 Lok Sabha seats for which polling was held in two phase on April 18 and April 23 after a hectic campaign.

IANS

PTI/File

Polling began on Sunday in Karnataka's two assembly segments -- Chincholi and Kundgol, amid tight security, an official said.   "Voting began at 7 a.m. in 241 polling booths in Chincholi and 214 polling stations in Kundgol where 3.83-lakh electorate are enrolled to exercise their franchise," a poll official told IANS.   Of the total booths, 60 have been declared critical in Chincholi and 25 in Kundgol.   The polling will end at 6 p.m.   Of the total voters, 1,93,869 are in Chincholi and 1,89,313 in Kundgol.   Chincholi is 580 km from Bengaluru and Kundagol 410 km from Bengaluru.   As many as 25 candidates, including 4 women are in the fray for the twin by-elections.   "A total of 1,016 polling and police personnel are conducting the by-election in both the seats under tight vigil," added the official.   There are 17 candidates in Chincholi in Kalaburagi district and 8 in Kundgol in Dharwad district.   Prominent candidates for Chincholi are Avinash Umesh Jadhav of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Subhash V. Rathod of the Congress and Gautam Bomnalli of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).   Avinash is the son of Umesh Jadhav, whose resignation from the seat as a rebel Congress legislator necessitated the by-election.   In the Kundgol contest, Kusumavati Channabasappa is contesting from the Congress against SI Chikkanagoudar of the BJP. The remaining 6, including a woman are Independents.   Death of Congress Minister for Municipalities C.S. Shivalli on March 22 necessitated the by-poll. The Congress has fielded his widow Kusumavati to retain the seat on sympathy vote.   A three-time legislator, Chikkanagoudar lost to Shivalli by a narrow margin of 633 votes in the May 2018 state assembly elections.   Vote count is on May 23 along with that of 28 Lok Sabha seats for which polling was held in two phase on April 18 and April 23 after a hectic campaign.

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Why B'luru pourakarmikas are protesting the dismissal of two workers

Civic

BBMP Ward Committee officials stated that the pourakarmikas were removed for forming unions but some sanitary workers have a different version to tell.

Prajwal Bhat

Pourakarmikas, the sanitary workers, in Bengaluru have launched fresh protests against the BBMP again, this time against the removal of two workers who spoke out against the non-payment of minimum wages entitled to them. Hundreds of protestors, mobilised by the BBMP Pourakarmikara Sangha, an organisation affiliated to the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), gathered at the Mahadevapura BBMP office on Wednesday to highlight the plight of two workers – Amar and Abraham – who they claim were wrongfully removed from their jobs. Amar is a pourakarmika working in Marathahalli and Abraham works in Hagaduru. According to the proceedings of the BBMP Ward Committee in Hagaduru, Abraham was removed for “not carrying out his cleaning work properly” and “forming groups and unions among pourakarmikas and wasting time.” Activists allege that Amar, a pourakarmika from Mahadevapura (Ward 54), was removed for highlighting discrepancies in waste collection and the use of auto-tippers. TNM has not been able to access ward committee proceedings to independently confirm his dismissal. "The ward committee has taken a decision to remove the workers but it has no authority to do so. The committee members are employed by BBMP to look at how solid waste management is taking place. Despite this, in two wards, workers have been dismissed by the ward committee. We are contesting this because these workers were previously questioning the contractor for not paying full minimum wages to them," explains Lekha Adavi, an activist working with the BBMP Guttige Pourakarmikara Sangha. The discrepancies in the use of auto-tippers in Bengaluru were also highlighted by the Aam Aadmi Party earlier this week. Party officials alleged that garbage contractors are ‘looting’ Rs 89.5 crore from the BBMP in the name of deploying more auto tippers. Meanwhile, Appanna, another activist from AICCTU, added that Abraham, in particular, was targeted for filing a complaint against a contractor, Puneeth from Hagaduru in 2017. Abraham had alleged Puneeth of forcing him to do manual scavenging work. Manual scavenging work is prohibited by law but the inhuman practice continues to take place today. Appanna added that NC Jagadeesh, the BBMP Joint Commissioner for the Mahadevapura zone, had promised to look into the issue and resolve it by speaking to ward-level officials. This is not the first time pourakarmikas have protested to fight for their rights in Bengaluru. In 2018, pourakarmikas in the city had staged protests against the BBMP after the civic body failed to pay wages for up to six months. The issue came to the fore after a new biometric-based payment system for pourakarmikas was introduced in January 2018. The system was brought in so that the BBMP can pay genuine workers directly and remove 'fake' workers who were being paid by contractors. However, many pourakarmikas were not paid in spite of registering their attendance and working every day. Pourakarmikas in the city had then been forced to resort pawning off their jewellery, selling their utensils and even pulling their children out of school to be able to manage without being paid their rightful wages.  

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