K’taka pushes for Mekedatu approval, claims project does not need TN consent

Dispute

The latest response by the government of Karnataka comes after the Ministry of Environment deferred the grant of ToRs for the project, citing Tamil Nadu’s concerns.

TNM Staff

Wikimedia Commons/Karthik Prabhu (CCBYSA 3.0)

The government of Karnataka has once again written to the central government, stating that there is no need to obtain Tamil Nadu’s permission to construct a dam across the Cauvery river in Mekedatu, as per a Supreme Court order.  The project aims to generate electricity and provide drinking water to parts of Bengaluru and Ramanagara districts. As per the verdict given by the Supreme Court in the Cauvery water dispute, no new structures must be constructed across the river without the consent of all the riparian states. Tamil Nadu is in opposition to the Mekedatu project because it will severely restrict water flow to the state and impact agriculture negatively. According to Karnataka’s letter to the Centre dated October 4, the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited responded to the observations of the Expert Appraisal Committee, which had opined that an amicable solution be arrived at between the governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Mekedatu dam after which the grant of Terms of Reference will be reconsidered.  “…The question of amicable solution does not arise since the project gets qualified based on the merits,” read the letter by Karnataka, which urged the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to approve ToRs at the earliest. The Karnataka government, as a response to the observation of finding an amicable solution, pointed to the clauses XIII and XVIII in the Supreme Court judgment dated February 16, 2018, which stated that there is no legal requirement for a state to take consent of other states to utilise its own water resources, even in the case of an inter-State river.  Further, the letter also quoted a portion of an SC order which said that the central government is not duty-bound to obtain the permission of the other states while sanctioning any project of any of the riparian states.  “…Though it may be fully desirable for all the states to know about the developments of the other states but neither the law on the subject requires that a state even for utilisation of its own water resources would take the consent of other riparian states in case of an inter-Stateriver,” the letter stated.  Emphasising that the Mekedatu Balancing reservoir and drinking water project is essential not just to store water and regulate releases to Tamil Nadu but also to supply drinking water to Bengaluru and its surrounding areas, the government of Karnataka stated that it can take up the project on its own accord while complying with the order of the Supreme Court.  This letter from Karnataka comes even as Tamil Nadu continuously opposed the construction of a new dam across Cauvery, stating that this would impact irrigation and agriculture in the state.  Also Read: Explainer: What is the Mekedatu dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka?

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2LVaT5D
via IFTTT

Bengaluru Uber driver leaves passenger with bloodied nose after argument over fare

Crime

The accused driver is still absconding.

TNM Staff

In yet another incident of unruly behaviour by cab drivers in Bengaluru, a driver partner of Uber on Thursday hit his passenger and left him with a bloodied nose. The incident occurred when one Aneek Roy (23) had booked a ride from his Whitefield residence to the airport. While he had booked an UberPool ride, Aneek said he was asked by the driver to pay him a higher price upfront of UberGo. This led to an argument which later escalated with Aneek being punched by the cab driver and left with a bloodied nose. The Mahadevapura police have booked a case under Sections 341 (wrongful restraint), Section 323 (assault), and Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code.  “In his statement, he said when he started loading his luggage in the taxi, the driver, identified as Harish K.S., demanded that he pay the Uber Go fare in advance,” a senior police officer told The Hindu. When Aneek said he would not pay the high fare demanded by Harish, he was asked to cancel the ride on the app and abort the vehicle to which Aneek protested. Claiming that he would be fined for cancelling the ride, he tried to persuade the driver. But to this, the driver started throwing his luggage on the ground and started hitting him when Aneek told him that he would complain against him on the app. Read: Bengaluru police forbids Ola, Uber from using alternate routes to airport Moreover, Harish in his complaint said that by this time there was a crowd of onlookers, but nobody came forward to help except a shopkeeper who also gave him water.  The accused in this case Harish KS, is still absconding.   Aneek was not allowed to board the flight even though he reached the airport on time using another cab, as he was still bleeding. Doctors at the Manipal Hospital diagnosed that Aneek has a nasal bone dislocation. Deccan Herald quoted an Uber spokesperson as saying, “We have removed the driver partner’s access to the app. We stand ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation.” However, this is not the first such incident when a cabbie has turned violent. Recently, a former police officer of ACP rank was assaulted by an Uber driver in August.There was another such incident in July as well.

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2MirQWz
via IFTTT

President on 3-day visit to Karnataka from October 10

Politics

President Kovind will participate in various educational, religious and judicial functions.

IANS

President Ramnath Kovind will be on a three-day official visit to Karnataka from October 10 to participate in various educational, religious and judicial functions, an official said on Sunday. "This is the first time the President will be on a three-day visit to the state. On October 10, he will flag off the centenary celebrations of the erstwhile Mysuru Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar at the famous royal Amba Vilas Palace," a state protocol official told IANS in Bengaluru. Mysuru, the cultural capital of the southern state, is about 150 km southwest of Bengaluru. On October 11, Kovind will visit the Chamundi Devi temple atop a hill on the outskirts of Mysuru before going to the Sree Srikanteshwara temple in Nanjanagud, 25 km southeast of Mysuru. "On the same day (October 11), Kovind will lay the foundation stone for the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research at Varuna in Mysuru district. Varuna is the home town of former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. On October 12, the President will interact with the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice and judges over a breakfast meeting at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru in the presence of state Governor Vajubhai Vala. "Kovind will also visit the residence of former Union Minister late H.N. Ananth Kumar and meet his widow Tejaswini and family members," said the official. Kumar, a six-time Lok Sabha member from Bangalore South constituency, passed away at the age of 59 on November 12, 2018 after a brief illness. The President will also visit the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Sansthana University at Jigani on the city's southern outskirts to interact with the students and the faculty. "Later in the day, Kovind will leave for Ahmedabad from the state-run HAL airport in the city's eastern suburb on a special IAF aircraft," the official added.

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2o8emVj
via IFTTT

Too late, too little: BJP slammed over interim relief given by Centre for Karnataka floods

Floods

Former Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has said that out of the Rs 1,200 crore given as interim relief, Rs 303 crore is part of State Disaster Relief Fund’s yearly allocation.

TNM Staff

File image

The much-delayed release of meagre central aid for floods that ravaged Karnataka in August has resulted in the BJP — which is in power in both State and the Centre — being slammed. More than 80 people died in the floods and thousands were left homeless for days. Apart from the delay in receiving aid, opposition parties and social organisations are castigating the BJP that the Rs 1,200 crore sanctioned as relief is not only too late but also too little.  The Rs 1,200 crore, termed as interim relief, came nearly two months after the disaster struck the state and is only a minuscule part of the total Rs 35,161 crore estimated loss. In fact, in a memorandum, CM Yediyurappa had asked for Rs 8,790 cr as interim relief for the damage caused in 103 taluks of the state, spread across 22 districts. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, CM BS Yediyurappa said that he will visit the Prime Minister soon to seek prompt disbursement of further funds. However, former Karnataka Minister Krisha Byre Gowda has stated that even out of the Rs 1,200 crore, Rs 303 crore was given as part of the central government’s regular allocation for the State Disaster Response Fund. Slamming the Prime Minister, KBG said, “This is released in 2-3 instalments. In times of calamities, instead of large hearted humane response, we get mean spirited optical games. Chest is 56 inches. But heart is 56 mm.” Central Govt has played a clever game. Out of the 1200 cr announced, ₹303 cr are coming from our regular statutory allocation- the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Every state has fixed SDRF allocation every year. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/s2XM0SMUXt — Krishna Byre Gowda (@krishnabgowda) October 5, 2019 https://twitter.com/krishnabgowda/status/1180381806844997633?s=20 As earlier pointed out by the Opposition, KBG also went on to say that when the state flooded in 2009, when there was a UPA government at the Centre and a BJP government in the state, the relief amount sanctioned was higher.  “In 2009, flood related losses were estimated to be ₹7400 cr. Karnataka got ₹1500+ cr from Centre. This year, bcoz of #KarnatakaFloods losses are estimated to be ₹38000 cr. After 50+ days , we are getting ₹897 cr,” he tweeted. In 2009, flood related losses were estimated to be ₹7400 cr. Karnataka got ₹1500+ cr from Centre. This year, bcoz of #KarnatakaFloods losses are estimated to be ₹38000 cr. After 50+ days , we are getting ₹897 cr. — Krishna Byre Gowda (@krishnabgowda) October 5, 2019 Speaking on the same, JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy termed the central government aid as “negligible”. Addressing reporters, he said, “The State estimated the loss at above Rs 38,000 crore. But the Centre has released only Rs 1,200 crore. As interim relief, the Centre should release at least Rs 10,000 crore.” He also announced that the JD(S) will hold state-wide protests on the issue starting October 10. Ashok Chandargi, President of the Belagavi District Kannada Organizations’ Action Committee, which held protests along with farmer associations, said, “Not only is the amount too low, it will create problems further of how money should be distributed among the 100-plus taluks and what work can be done. We urge the CM to follow Chamarajanagar MP Srinivas Prasad’s advice and take an all-party delegation to the PM.”

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2IoPsHB
via IFTTT

Controversy over ex-Bigg Boss couple’s on-stage proposal at Dasara event in Mysuru

Controversy

Minister-in-charge of Mysuru district V Somanna asked the police to issue a show cause notice to the couple for using a public stage for private use.

TNM Staff

Kannada rapper Chandan Shetty’s impromptu proposal to his fellow former Bigg Boss contestant Nivedita Gowda during the official Yuva Dasara event in Mysuru on Friday did not go well with all. On October 4, the rapper went down on his knees for the proposal on the stage at the Mysuru Maharaja’s College Grounds in front of the crowd during the state government program. The singer had said, “I thought it would be the right opportunity to take our relationship to another level. It is music that binds us,” according to The Times of India. Reacting to the incident, Minister-in-charge of Mysuru district V Somanna asked the police to issue a show cause notice to the couple for using a public stage for private use. “I have told the police to issue a show cause notice. We will consider action as per the law. It is wrong to misuse the platform,” Somanna told reporters, stating he was not happy with the “surprise act.” He added, “Yuva Dasara stage is sacred as it is associated with Dasara festival, which has religious significance. He shouldn’t have used it to ask a girl to marry him.” Other than the minister’s objection, three private complaints were also registered with Lakshmipuram police against the duo. The rapper later apologised in a video posted on social media, saying, “This was done purely for entertainment to keep my fans happy. But I had not informed the organisers about this,” according to The Hindu. He further stated that he did not want to hurt the sentiments of people. While Chandan received a lot of criticism, there was a mixed response on social media over the proposal. Finally @chandanspshetty proposed #Niveditha officially. Love you guys . So happy for you both .#madeforeachother #bbk5 #biggbosskannada #chandanshetty — Namrata Bhat  (@Happiegirlsoul) October 5, 2019 OMG OMG OMG.... I'm so so so so freaking happyyyyyyyyyy.....#ChandanShetty & #nivedithagowda getting married.... M soooooo happyyyyyyyyyy... I just can't believe  Lots of love from Kannadigas #ChanNivi#BiggBossKannada — I_live_for_ARR (@ARRunlimited) October 5, 2019 Shame on organisers to allow such indecency on public platform. Should hav cut off power, as soon as they got a glimpse of it. #ChandanShetty. Fame can't get u manners. — vishwas (@Vishwas_Hwy) October 5, 2019 ಇದೇನು ಖಾಸಗಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಾನಾ? ಅವರಿಷ್ಟ ಬಂದ ಹಾಗೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು. ಇದು ನಾಡ ಹಬ್ಬ ದಸರಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ. ಇವರು ನಿಯಮಗಳನ್ನು ಗಾಳಿಗೆ ತೂರಿ ಈ ರೀತಿ ನಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು ಎಷ್ಟು ಸರಿ #yuvadasara #ChandanShetty pic.twitter.com/2icQdfx2KK — Dhanush Shetty (@DhanushShetty_) October 5, 2019

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2p0W6gn
via IFTTT

'Don't have other clothes? Follow Indian rules': B'luru man harasses woman in shorts

Moral Policing

The incident that was caught on camera took place near Bengaluru’s HSR Layout.

Theja Ram

“You must follow Indian rules. Please wear proper clothes,” a man can be heard saying to a mobile camera. The man shooting the video, who is clearly outraged, questions the moral policing and says, “I know the Constitution? Do you know the Constitution? We have the freedom to wear whatever we want.” This video was shot near Bengaluru’s HSR Layout, where a couple was stopped and subjected to moral policing by a passerby. The 28-year-old techie from Mumbai was targeted by an unidentified man, who began telling her that she must “wear proper clothes”. The incident that occurred on Thursday night was caught on camera and later uploaded on Facebook. At around 10 pm on Thursday, the woman, a resident of HSR Layout, was out shopping with her boyfriend. The couple was returning home on their two-wheeler when a stranger on another scooter allegedly stopped them. Speaking to TNM, the woman, who does not want to be named, says, “I heard someone yelling. I was riding pillion and I looked to my right side. There was a man on a two-wheeler, who began yelling at me and said, ‘Don’t you have any clothes at home?' When I asked him what his problem is, he began yelling at me, saying that Indian women must not wear ‘such’ clothes. I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. I don’t see what the problem is." Her boyfriend, who is also a resident of HSR Layout, parked his bike near the sidewalk and demanded that the man, too, get off his bike. He then started shooting the video. “My boyfriend began questioning him and when the man realised that we were shooting the whole thing, he lowered his voice and became polite. But he did not stop telling me that I must not wear such clothes and that it's ‘Indian rules’. My boyfriend yelled back; he told him that we are free to choose what we wear and he has no right to tell me what to wear,” she added. The woman says that the man allegedly kept telling her to change her clothes. “Maybe he expected us to be scared. I also told him that I would go to the police. That’s when he got back on his bike and fled,” she says. She said that she wanted to file a police complaint but strongly feels that the police would not support her. “Even the police have the same mindset. If I went to them, they would probably ask me to wear other clothes too, so I did not file a complaint,” she says. This is not the first time such an incident has been reported in Bengaluru. In May this year, four men who decided to play moral police, harassed a woman and attacked her boyfriend in Banaswadi, when they went for a ride at night. The men waylaid the couple and asked them what they were up to at midnight. When the man, Kiran Kumar, told them it was none of their business, the gang attacked them by throwing a stone at Kiran’s head and they allegedly molested the woman. In March this year, students from Christ College had complained to DCP Isha Pant, alleging that women police officers were moral policing students in the locality.  

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2LLQ24u
via IFTTT

Siddaramaiah, HK Patil vie for post of Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly

Politics

Congress sources say that HK Patil went to New Delhi on Friday to hold talks with the high command in this regard.

TNM Staff

With the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly slated to begin soon, the Congress high command is under pressure to appoint a leader of opposition in the Assembly. This has started a fresh round of lobbying with both Siddaramaiah and Gadag MLA and former Karnataka Congress Campaign Committee chief HK Patil, vying for the post. A game of one-upmanship is underway with HK Patil flying to New Delhi on Friday, in a bid to convince the high command to offer him the post. Congress sources revealed that the party is reluctant to give Siddaramaiah the post as it intends to curb his power in the state unit of the party. “But at the same time, Siddaramaiah cannot be distanced. KH Muniyappa and Veerappa Moily, both seniors in the party had been unhappy with Siddaramaiah. In turn, Siddaramaiah worked against these two leaders during the Lok Sabha elections, which is why the leaders in Delhi have not yet decided,” the source said. Sources say that HK Patil pushed for more representation of North Karnataka leaders in the Congress and said that appointing him as the leader of opposition would be the first step. “HK Patil also wants the responsibility of building the party at the grassroots level in north Karnataka. The BJP’s grassroots movement there is very strong and to counter it, HK Patil told the high command that he should be put in charge. He also wants to be projected as the Congress’ face of north Karnataka,” the source added. Party sources stated that HK Patil proposed that Siddaramaiah remain the leader of the Congress Legislature Party but he must be given the post of the leader of Opposition. “The high command is not convinced. But there are many leaders in the state unit who are not happy about giving Siddaramaiah full reign of the party,” the source added. Congress insiders say that the high command is also mulling over a new Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President. “Dinesh Gundu Rao was given a chance to build support for the party during the Lok Sabha elections but factionalism intensified. Senior Congress leader Madhusudhan Mistry had come to Bengaluru on Friday to discuss the issue. A list of names has been suggested to the high command,” the source added. 

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2VgoM1h
via IFTTT