Why Siddaramiah remains INC’s most favoured leader in Karnataka despite all odds

Politics

Siddaramaiah has had a dream run in the Congress till now, and the party high command has even put up with his outbursts.

Naheed Ataulla

It was the TINA (There Is No Alternative) factor for the Congress high command when it reappointed Karnataka's former chief minister Siddaramaiah as the Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly, as any other choice would have resulted in fresh problems of identity crisis for the incumbent, when the Congress is trying to pick up the threads after parting ways with the JD(S). Former Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara and senior Congress MLA H K Patil, who lost the race for the post, were seen as meek leaders with limited connect to the masses, considering the party has to take on the BJP at both the Centre and the state, with Assembly bye-elections to 15 constituencies scheduled for December 5. The by-polls are crucial for all three parties in the state. The seats were held by the Congress and the JD(S), who have to retain the seats. Meanwhile, the BJP has to win in at least seven out of the 15 constituencies to ensure that the BS Yediyurappa-led BJP government is stable.  “I would like to be led by a person who has a connect with the public and party. Parameshwara and H K Patil are gentlemen but confined to their regions. If the Congress has to be rejuvenated in Karnataka, it needs a person who is combative and battle-ready,” a Congress legislator said. However, the appointment of the Leader of Opposition was a trying time for Siddaramaiah and the two front-runners. The issue of ‘loyal Congressmen versus the migrants’ cropped up again, as Siddaramaiah, despite being the Chief Minister for five years and being associated with the Congress since 2006, is still labelled as an outsider. The issue led to the tussle for the selection, with MP B K Hariprasad and former MP K H Muniyappa coming out against him publicly.  For the first time, there was also a demand for separating the posts of Leader of Opposition and the leader of the Congress legislature party, which Siddaramaiah stoutly opposed. According to Congress insiders, no one was sure which way the decision of party president Sonia Gandhi would go, although 60 party legislators had submitted a memorandum favouring him over AICC observer Madhusudan Mistry. The suspense continued even as the CLP meeting on Wednesday evening was in progress, as the AICC's announcement came during dinner time. In a tweet, Siddaramaiah thanked Sonia and Rahul for appointing him as the Leader of Opposition and the leader of the Congress Legislature Party. “I am honoured by her faith in me. All Karnataka Congress leaders will work to strengthen the party and expose the failures of the BJP government,'' he said. The high command has also agreed to Siddaramaiah’s request to quit the Congress Working Committee. If this bonanza was not enough for Siddaramaiah, his close associate, former minister S R Patil has been made the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council. He hails from Bagalkot district, where Siddaramaiah's Badami constituency falls. What makes Siddaramaiah tick with the high command The 71-year-old Kuruba leader, self-declared agnostic, who prefers to be called a champion of the other backward classes, has had a dream run till now. He was taken into the Congress after party leaders such as Mallikarjun M Kharge, D K Shivakumar and H Vishwanath (now disqualified JD(S) MLA) lobbied for him with the high command that he would bring in 6% of OBC votes to the party. In 2013, he successfully edged out Kharge from the race for CM’s post to establish his monopoly in the state Congress and emerge as the face of the party in Karnataka. The only Congress CM to complete five years in office after former CM D Devaraj Urs, some of Siddaramaiah’s political actions of favouring his ex-party colleagues, his decision to give a religious minority tag to the Lingayat community was not approved by the high command. On the contrary, they have put up with his tantrums. In June 2012, he resigned as the Leader of Opposition as he was miffed over not being consulted in giving tickets during the Legislative Council polls. The reason for this was that he is the face of the Ahinda (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits), with prominent castes Lingayats and Vokkaligas shifting their loyalty to the BJP and JD(S) respectively. Presently, the party, which has to rebuild from the grassroots-level in Karnataka, has no formidable leader with mass connect. Kharge has been keeping a low profile after his defeat, while Shivakumar is embroiled in money laundering cases. The animosity between JD(S) first family HD Deve Gowda-HD Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah lingers and the chances of the Congress getting the support of the JD(S) on the floor of the House are remote with Siddaramaiah as the Leader of Opposition. Kumaraswamy has already declared that his party will not support the Congress in the House. As a senior Congressman said: “In Karnataka, the bosses of the parties cannot antagonise Siddaramaiah, BS Yediyurappa or HD Deve Gowda, as they bring votes for their respective outfits.” Naheed Ataulla is a journalist who covered Karnataka politics for over two decades and is former Political Editor of The Times of India.

Body 2: 

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

'Sri Sri's mental health solutions unscientific': IISc staff, students oppose event

Controversy

In the petition, the opposing students and faculty had urged the director to intervene as they felt that “unscientific therapeutic” solutions were being suggested by Sri Sri.

Soumya Chatterjee

File image

An event featuring spiritual leader and founder of Art of Living Sri Sri Ravishankar at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru has stirred controversy. Sri Sri is slated to speak at an event titled  ‘Excellence Through Inner Peace’ on Thursday 4:45 pm at the JN Tata Auditorium. In the days leading up to the event, a section of students and professors had met the director of the institute and petitioned him against the event, following which he allegedly issued an unofficial gag order.  The opposing students and professors had claimed that hosting such an event under the IISc banner puts the reputation of the prestigious institute at stake. They also said that if such an event is organised by a group of students and/or faculty members - it should be clearly mentioned that the event has not organised been by IISc, and the names of the organisers should be clearly mentioned (as opposed to the ambiguous ‘a group of IISc faculty across all disciplines’). The event page in the official website of the IISc seems to have been taken off. An archived version of the page suggests that the event is being organised by a mix of faculty and student members. In the petition,  the opposing students and faculty had urged the director to intervene as they felt that “unscientific therapeutic” solutions suggested by Sri Sri will be a threat to the state of mental health on campus. When TNM tried to reach IISc Director Anurag Kumar for a comment, his office said that he will not be available for a comment as he will be busy with dignitaries including the Education Minister visiting the campus in the day. In their petition, the student and faculty members had asked the administration to organise lectures by practitioners and researchers from NIMHANS to discuss ways to achieve a relatively stress-free academic life.  ( You can read the full petition here). The petition reads, “We, the undersigned, hereby express our objections to the upcoming lecture by Sri Sri Ravishankar on the grounds of the threat we perceive it poses to the state of mental health on our campus and because of the unscientific claims we found on Sri Sri Ravishankar’s webpage." They added, “Our campus is currently struggling with widespread and varied issues of mental health. His organisation offers a blanket therapeutic solution to multiple mental health ailments. Such a blanket solution is medically baseless, and can be dangerous.” This incident comes close to the heels of noted rationalist Narendra Kumar questioning the IIM-Bangalore administration for hosting a pseudo science workshop. Read: Why did IIM Bangalore host ‘pseudo science workshop’ on brain activation, asks rationalist However, this is not the first such controversy surrounding the IISc. Back in 2017, there was a similar row over an event titled 'Astrology as a Scientific Tool for Individual Progress'.

Body 2: 

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

I-T Dept searches properties owned by former Karnataka Deputy CM Dr G Parameshwara

Raids

"Let them conduct the raids. I have nothing to hide," Parameshwara told TNM, reacting to the raids.

Soumya Chatterjee

Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and ex-Karnataka Congress chief G Parameshwara’s properties in Bengaluru and Tumakuru were searched by the Income Tax Department on Thursday morning. The searches began at 6.30 am on Thursday.  Income Tax sources say that search and seizure operations were carried out at a medical college in Nelamangala that belongs to Parameshwara. "Let them conduct the raids. I have nothing to hide. If they find anything out of order then we have to submit to the law right. Let them search," G Parameshwara told TNM, reacting to the raids.  The searches also coincide with the first day of the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly.  In a statement, the Congress leader said, "I welcome the raid of your instiitutions, all documents can be checked. We will cooperate with all relevant authoriters." The searches were conducted along with similar raids on properties owned by RL Jalappa and other known Parameshwara aides. RL Jalappa is a Congress politician and former member of the Karnataka Legislative Council and also an MP. He is a native of Tubagere in Doddaballapura. Income Tax Department sources say that there were several allegations against Parameshwara that he misused his position as Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister for his 'personal gains'. The search operation is being conducted to verify if there is any substance to these claims, the sources added. In a sharp reaction, former Karnataka Minister Siddaramaiah has called the raids "politically motivated." The series of IT raids on @DrParameshwara, RL Jalappa & others, are politically motivated with malafide intention. They are only targeting @INCKarnataka leaders as they have failed to face us on policy & corruption issues. We won't budge to any such tactics!! — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) October 10, 2019 This is a developing story.

Body 2: 

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

Karnataka HC raps BBMP chief over plea on temple encroaching public road

Civic Issues

The division bench said that the Karnataka government better transfer the BBMP commissioner as "he lacks minimum knowledge of the law”.

TNM Staff

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday took the BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar to task while hearing a petition on a temple that has encroached a footpath in Bengaluru's Malleshwaram area. Chief Justice Abhay S Oka and justice SR Krishna Kumar were hearing the petition and said that the Karnataka government better transfer the BBMP commissioner as "he lacks minimum knowledge of the law", Deccan Herald reported.  The division bench of Chief Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice SR Krishna Kumar rapped BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar while hearing the PIL regarding the Venkateshwara Temple that was illegally constructed at Malleswaram 16th cross. The BBMP Commissioner admitted that the temple was illegally constructed. He also said that a survey was being conducted and documents were being verified verified to take action against the temple. Objecting to the BBMP Commissioner's plan of action, Chief Justice Oka said, "If somebody builds a temple on the footpath in front of Vidhana Soudha, what will the BBMP Commissioner do? Is he going to demolish it under section 321 of the Karnataka Municipal Council (KMC) Act or look for documents on ownership of the land?” the bench questioned the BBMP Commissioner.    Chief Justice Abhay Oka also stated that putting an officer like Anil Kumar "in such a responsible post would not be good for the city or the government" and that the Commissioner's "adverse statement on the matter cannot be tolerated", The Hindu reported.  The bench also directed the BBMP to not turn a blind eye to religious structures that encroach on public spaces like parks, playground, lakes and footpaths. According to The Hindu, counsel representing the petitioner, AV Amarnath, contended that the temple encroached the road and footpath. However, the BBMP had not mentioned that in its clarification issued to the court on Wednesday. The temple is 35 years old in a private layout and the land was handed over to the BBMP after the temple was constructed, the counsel for the temple argued.  The temple management has appealed to the BBMP to grant the land back. However, this request has not been approved. The counsel also said that the temple management was ready to hand over the temple to Muzrai department. However, the bench disagreed and directed the BBMP to take over the land that was encroached upon. 

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2B9VYyh
via IFTTT

No order to kill Bandipur tiger believed to have killed 2 people: Forest Dept chief

Wildlife

The Karnataka Forest Department chief’s clarification comes after much outrage from conservationists.

TNM Staff

Representation photo

After issuing a capture or kill order, the Karnataka Forest Department on Wednesday changed its tune after much outrage from conservationists. The order had come from Aranya Bhavan in Mysuru after a tiger killed a villager in Chamarajanagar district and is believed to have killed another person. Sanjay Mohan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) told the media that no such order has been issued by him.  "Only the Chief Wildlife Warden, has the powers to issue orders to shoot a tiger involved in man-animal conflict. I have not issued such an order. We will capture the tiger alive. We will not leave the tiger in the forest as we believe it has killed two people. The tiger will be sent for rehabilitation to Bannerghatta Biological Park or Mysore Zoo,” Sanjay Mohan told the media.  Speaking on the sidelines of the valedictory programme of the 65th Wildlife Week celebrations on Wednesday evening, Sanjay Mohan said that hundreds of camera traps were set up as part of the search operations and the conservationists along with the Forest Department officials were combing the area. "Only when we properly identify the tiger we will capture it and tranquillise it. We will not shoot at it," he said.  Sanjay Mohan's clarification comes after Jagat Ram, the Additional Chief Conservator of Forest (Project Tiger), had on Wednesday morning issued an order to capture or kill the tiger in Bandipur within the next 48 hours.   "It was discussed with The Principal Chief Conservator Forest (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden regarding the killing of a villager by a tiger in Chowdenahalli Handipura village of Bandipur Tiger Reserve after which it is decided that the elusive tiger will be either captured or shot down within next 24-48 hours. The cooperation of the public in this regard is highly solicited,” the order issued by Jagat Ram said.  The order was issued after the incident on Tuesday, which was the second instance of a farmer being mauled to death by a tiger in the same area in the last two months.  The Hindupur area falls under the Gopalaswamy Range of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Tension gripped the area on Tuesday after residents were angered by the death of 80-year-old farmer Shivalingappa. In September, another man called Shivamadaiah was killed by a tiger. The Forest Department, prompted by angry residents, set up traps and cameras to track the movement of the tiger following Shivamadaiah's death.

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2B1FMyE
via IFTTT

Siddaramaiah appointed as Leader of Opposition in K'taka, after much deliberation

Politics

The post of Leader of Opposition was vacant for over two months with the party consulting with several leaders on their preference for the post.

Prajwal Bhat

Former Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah was appointed as the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday by Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The post of Leader of Opposition was vacant for over two months with the party consulting with several leaders on their preference for the post. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was one of the front-runners for the post alongside senior Congress leader HK Patil. The appointment comes ahead of the legislature session of the Karnataka Assembly beginning on Thursday. It is set to continue for three days from October 10 to 12. Meanwhile, SR Patil was chosen as the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council. After the disqualifications of 17 Congress and JD(S) MLAs, the strength of the house has reduced to 208, and the BJP has  the support of 105 MLAs and Independent MLA H Nagesh. There are 66 Congress MLAs and 34 JD(S) MLAs along with a lone BSP MLA in the house. The BJP is not expected to face difficulties in passing bills since it enjoys majority support in the house. Opposition leaders have stated that they will take up the issue of the lack of flood rehabilitation funds for the state. The legislature session was scheduled to be held in Belagavi, just like last year, however it was shifted to Bengaluru. The reason cited for the decision was the devastation caused by the floods in Belagavi.

Body 2: 

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

Pulled up for criticising PM, K'taka BJP MLA now questions Speaker's TV camera ban

Politics

Basangouda Patil Yatnal was recently issued a show cause notice by his party after he questioned PM Narendra Modi over flood relief to Karnataka.

TNM Staff

Karnataka BJP MLA and a former central minister Basangouda Patil Yatnal, who was recently issued a show-cause notice by his own party, has now spoken up against the Karnataka Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri’s decision to ban TV channels from video-graphing the proceedings of the Assembly.  Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the MLA said, “The work that we (legislators) do in the Assembly and the way MLAs behave in this assembly should be known to the public. I do not know why such a decision has been taken.”  Read: Karnataka Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Kageri bans TV cameras inside House He added, “I will certainly speak about this with the Speaker tomorrow and ask him why he has taken this decision. I will request the Speaker that the conduct of the debates be seen by the people of the state.” The party’s member secretary of the disciplinary committee on Friday had pulled up the Yatnal MLA for his public statements criticising the party, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yatnal had, on October 2, told the media said that the party was not taking the issue of carrying out relief and rehabilitation works in the state seriously.  “This is beyond politics. This is about the emotions of the people. Even after the state suffered devastating floods, Modi didn’t tweet for us, but he did for the people of Bihar. People will ask if Modi tweeted for Bihar just because elections are approaching there. Is this what people get for voting the BJP? The party should take it seriously. Or else, it will lose its ground in south India,” he had said. He added, “BJP has 25 MPs from Karnataka. They should speak up. It is their duty to protect people's interests. The country is above the party, then comes our state, then our people, the party comes last. We as individuals come after that. The MPs should bring it to the Prime Minister's notice. The Prime Minister should also take it seriously. Otherwise, it sends a wrong message to the people of Karnataka.”  However, the showcase notice does not seem to have stopped Yatnal from speaking his mind. On Wednesday, too, he made a veiled barb at a section of his party colleagues.  PTI quoted him as saying, “If you don't want him (Yediyurappa as CM), call him, tell him that you are now 77-years-old which is against our party's policy (to continue in electoral politics), take his resignation and select a new leader. Instead of doing this, you (central leaders) block the relief funds and encourage those who are Yediyurappa's opponents."  Also read: Dwindling powers of Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa: Is BJP curtailing his role? Without taking any names, he added, “You want one more month to go like this (without adequate flood relief from the Centre) and later remove Yediyurappa. This is your conspiracy.”

Body 2: 

from Karnataka https://ift.tt/2OAd9k7
via IFTTT