Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy

Mandya (Karnataka): Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, announced on Sunday plans to revive the Sir M Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Factory in Bhadravati with an estimated investment of Rs 15,000 crore.

Speaking at the 87th All India Kannada Literary Conference in Mandya, the Minister stated that this decision aligns with the Modi government’s efforts to address unemployment and focus on industrial growth in Karnataka.

The Minister highlighted the historical significance of the Bhadravati factory, established under Mysuru Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya. Once a source of employment for thousands and a livelihood for lakhs, Kumaraswamy expressed confidence that the glorious days of the steel factory would soon return. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entrusted me with the critical responsibilities of the Heavy Industries and Steel portfolios. I am working diligently to ensure these responsibilities benefit Karnataka,” said Kumaraswamy.

Responding to MLA Dinesh Gooligowda’s request to establish an IIT near KRS in Mandya, the Minister assured that the proposal would be examined thoroughly. “I will discuss this matter with the relevant Union Ministers. Karnataka already has one IIT, and I strongly believe we need another. Let us all work together to bring another IIT to our state, and I seek everyone’s support for this,” he added.

The Minister emphasised his deep connection with Mandya, calling it a land of Kannadigas, and expressed his happiness in participating in the conference. “I am here not just as a Union Minister but as a proud Kannadiga,” he said.

Kumaraswamy addressed the concerns raised by the conference’s president, Go Ru Channabasappa, about promoting Kannada and implementing bilingual education policies over trilingual ones. He acknowledged the challenges faced by rural parents in balancing the preservation of Kannada with their children’s future aspirations in a competitive global environment. “This is a complex issue, and we must collectively find solutions to address the anxieties of parents,” he said.

The Minister also expressed his concern over the declining interest in Kannada-medium education due to societal pressures and the competitive mindset of rural parents. Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, he said, “When I served as Chief Minister, I initiated the establishment of 1,000 public schools to equip rural children to compete with their urban counterparts while emphasising Kannada in education.”

Sharing his passion for literature, Kumaraswamy said, “I was deeply moved after reading the epic novel ‘Durgastamana’ by Ta Ra Subba Rao. “It’s a masterpiece that vividly narrates the end of Madakari Nayaka, evoking emotions that can move even the most unyielding souls.”

He also expressed admiration for the works of Vyasaray Ballal, including novels like ‘Channabhairadevi’ by Gajanana Sharma, ‘Swapna Saraswata’ by Gopalakrishna Pai, and ‘Swatantryada Ota’ by Bolwar Mohammed Kunhi, which have inspired him deeply.

Reflecting on the evolution of Kannada cinema, Kumaraswamy said, “As someone from the Kannada film industry, I have noticed a stark difference between the stories of the past and the present. It saddens me to see some films failing to address societal concerns. We need more films with good values, meaningful stories, and a positive impact on society.”

He reminisced about legendary songs like Dr Rajkumar’s ‘Haalina Holeyo… Jenina Maleyo’, which has left a lasting impression on him. He called for films that preserve the essence of relationships, foster peace, and revive the cultural harmony of rural Karnataka. “We need to bring back the days when communities dined together and celebrated unity,” he said.

Wishing a long life to conference president Go Ru Channabasappa, Kumaraswamy said, “May he live beyond 100 years, as foretold by astrologers. He is like a father figure to me, and his life continues to inspire us all. Let us hope his wisdom and guidance remain with us for many more years.”

The Minister concluded his address with a heartfelt appeal to preserve the Kannada language, culture, and unity, reiterating his commitment to Karnataka’s development and welfare.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah | Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed an open letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing strong disapproval of Shah’s recent remarks about Dr B.R. Ambedkar during a Lok Sabha session on December 18, 2024. Siddaramaiah accused Shah of trivialising Ambedkar’s legacy by referring to it as an “addiction.”

In the letter, Siddaramaiah lauded Ambedkar’s contributions, stating, “Ambedkar is not an addiction; he is a daily remembrance and an eternal inspiration.” He criticised Shah for disrespecting Ambedkar’s memory in a Parliament functioning under the Constitution authored by him. Siddaramaiah urged Shah to refrain from offering clarifications or claiming misrepresentation, challenging him instead to stand by his words.

Highlighting Ambedkar’s role in shaping modern India, Siddaramaiah credited the Constitution for enabling social equality and empowering leaders from marginalised communities. “Without Ambedkar, I would not have become the Chief Minister. Leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, who reached the pinnacle of Indian politics, would have been confined to labour in factories,” he said.

Siddaramaiah also criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its historical opposition to the Constitution, citing remarks by its leaders such as Hedgewar and Golwalkar. He argued that Shah’s comments reflected the BJP and RSS’s longstanding disregard for Ambedkar’s ideals.

The letter further took a dig at the BJP’s obsession with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, labelling it an “addiction,” and questioned the party’s moral compass. “If the RSS cadre chanted God’s name as often as they chant Modi’s, they might earn salvation for their misdeeds in power,” Siddaramaiah remarked.

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra on Sunday strongly dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and ruling Congress leaders’ charges that he attempted to bribe former state Minority Commission Chairperson Anwar Manippady to hush up his report on the Waqf encroachments.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a statement on Saturday said that Manippady had publicly stated that Vijayendra visited his house during Yediyurappa’s tenure as CM and offered Rs 150 crore to be silent about the Waqf property encroachment report.

Meanwhile, Manippady has denied that no such offer was made to him by Vijayendra while Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that there was video footage showing Manippady making such charge.

Questioning whether there was any logic in the allegation, Vijayendra said, the Congress and Siddaramaiah seem to be “perturbed” by the allegations of corruption and scam against them, especially by the MUDA site allotment case against the CM.

“This is a shameless government, its leaders, ministers, and legislators, I have seen their statements, they seem to have lost their mind. When B S Yediyurappa was CM and BJP government was in power Anwar Manippady had submitted a report on Waqf regarding irregularities committed during the previous Congress government and its leaders,” Vijayendra said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “As the then Chief Minister’s son, why should I go to Anwar Manippady’s house and offer Rs 150 crore? That too to save Congress leaders? Is there any logic in this (allegation)?”

The state BJP chief said if the Congress wants to use this issue to waste the time of the legislature during the ongoing session, it is nothing but the “height of stupidity”. The government which is in the midst of corruption allegations and scams is trying to waste time, he further alleged.

“I have not seen Anwar Manippady’s statement. Is there any meaning in the allegations (made by CM and Congress leaders)? What Priyank Kharge has said is meaningless, if the CM is speaking using what he (Kharge) has said, I don’t know what to say. It seems to be true that CM is perturbed,” he said.

Stating that he will respond to the allegations if raised in the Assembly, Vijayendra said, “by creating imaginary things, if they feel that they can make opposition and Vijayendra succumb to it, we are ready to take it as a challenge and respond to it.”

Demanding a CBI probe, the CM in his statement on Saturday said that Manippady has further stated that he sent Vijayendra out of his house when he offered money, and reported the incident to PM Narendra Modi and the BJP President.

Manippady, as the chairman of the Karnataka State Minority Commission, had prepared the report, submitted it to the then BJP government in March 2012. It was tabled in the legislature in 2020, when BJP was again in power.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Mangaluru Manippady said, Vijayendra did not come to his house and no such offer was made to him.

“Vijayendra was not in the scene when the report was submitted. I didn’t even know him then and had only heard his name. I only spoke to him and expressed displeasure about the delay in tabling of report when Vijayendra was party Vice President, and Yediyurappa was CM once again. There was no Rs 150 crore offer,” he said.

Reacting to this, Home Minister G Parameshwara said, there is a video footage of Manippady accusing Vijayendra and the media had covered it then.

“If he is changing his words now, don’t know how to take it. He himself had made such claims. Let’s see, the issue may be raised in the Assembly tomorrow,” he said.

Alleging that the Congress government was wasting time during the ongoing legislature session in Belagavi, Vijayendra said, the administration, including the Chief Minister, is not ready to discuss issues concerning the state, especially from the north Karnataka region, and also on recent maternal deaths at government hospitals.

At a time when the High Court is hearing whether the MUDA case against the Chief Minister should be handed over to CBI for probe, and ED is also investigating the case, the CM seems to be anxious, he said.

Noting that there are media reports that the ruling Congress wants to discuss cases of alleged rape and charges of using casteist slurs made against BJP MLA N Munirathna, cases against former CM B S Yediyurappa and the COVID scam, during the session from tomorrow, Vijayendra said, the government is clearly misleading the House.

“The government is not concerned about the development of the state, it is trying to escape from the issues,” he said, as he hit out at CM Siddarmaiah and Home Minister Parameshwara for not expressing at least regret over last Tuesday’s lathi charge against Panchamasali Lingayat protesters, who were demanding for higher reservation.

“The intoxication of power has reached its height, the state government seems to be in an illusion that the power is permanent, hence the CM and the government are behaving arrogantly. This is not right,” he said.

The BJP will not run away fearing the politically motivated probes against its leaders, he added. “We will face everything with courage,” he further said, alleging that the government of behaving “irresponsibly”. He called it as an “unpardonable offense”.

Hassan (Karnataka), Dec 5: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said he will stand by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah like a “rock”, until death.

He said this at the ‘Jana Kalyana Samavesha’, a convention jointly organised by the state Congress and Swabhimanigala Okkuta (federation organisations of oppressed communities).

“Don’t worry, in Mysuru I have said that this bande (rock) — D K Shivakumar — will be with Siddaramaiah. This Shivakumar will be with him, now, tomorrow, and until death. Keep this in mind. This is the history of this Kanakapura bande,” Shivakumar, who is often referred to as “Kanakapura bande” by local media and supporters, said.

Shivakumar represents Kanakapura assembly segment.

Addressing the convention, he said, “It is my duty and Dharma to work honestly, wherever I work.”

“….no need to worry. We are working for the poor honestly…unitedly all our Ministers in the cabinet and legislators will work under his (CM) leadership to serve the state and its people….”

The convention was initially planned by the federation of organisations of oppressed communities as a Siddaramaiah-centric mega “show of strength” event, in solidarity with the Chief Minister, who is facing allegations in the MUDA site allotment scam.

However, the Congress party’s involvement as the joint host of the event was confirmed by the Chief Minister himself last week, amid reports that a section of leaders within the party were against such an event being organised outside the party framework. An anonymous “complaint letter” purportedly written by a Congress leader to AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge had also surfaced.

The state Congress led by its President Shivakumar had also renamed the convention as ‘Jana Kalyana Samavesha’ from ‘Siddaramaiah Swabhimaani Janandolana Samavesha’.

Interestingly, Shivakumar’s statement came a day after Siddaramaiah rejected his claim that they have a power-sharing pact.

Shivakumar had reportedly told media recently that there was an agreement between them, before coming to power.

In response, Siddaramaiah had on Wednesday said there was no such pact, and that he would abide by the high command’s decision.

There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister’s post after the declaration of Assembly election results in May last year, and the Congress had managed to convince the latter and made him the deputy chief minister.

There were some reports at the time that a compromise had been reached based on a “rotational chief minister formula,” according to which Shivakumar will become CM after two-and-half years, but they have not been officially confirmed by the party.

Shivakumar has made no secret of his ambition to become CM.

Addressing the convention, Shivakumar claimed that the Congress’ five guarantee schemes are “permanent”, and it was certain that the party would come to power in 2028. “No one can change this.”

He also expressed confidence about Congress winning all seven assembly segments in the Hassan district in the next polls. The party currently represents only one seat in the district. “We need your cooperation for it.”

Pointing to BJP and JD(S)’ defeat in recent by-polls to Shiggaon, Sandur and Channapatna Assembly segments, the Deputy CM said, JD(S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda and his son and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy during campaigning had claimed that they will “root out” the Congress government.

“Mr Deve Gowda, this isn’t a potato crop grown in Hassan or a groundnut plant to root out. This is a government which has the support of 138 MLAs, it has public support….” he said.

Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre

Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre directed forest officials on Thursday to study the effectiveness of the methods followed by Tamil Nadu in controlling man-animal conflicts.

Noting that Karnataka’s elephant population alone stood at 5,395, not to mention bison and wild boars, the minister urged the officials to come up with an alternative plan to prevent damage to life and crops.

Kodagu, Hassan, Sakleshpura, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Bengaluru Rural and Ramanagara are the worst affected districts in Karnataka due to man-animal conflicts.

According to him, at present Karnataka is spending Rs 1.5 crore per kilometre for barricading the villages adjoining forested areas with used railway fences.

Karnataka has so far barricaded 312 km using these old fences.

“But Tamil Nadu is using steel ropes that only cost Rs 45 lakh per kilometre. We should see if the steel ropes can withstand the elephants and other wild animals’ trespassing,” the minister told the officials.

He instructed them to submit the report within 10 days.

The minister also asked officials to submit a comparative report on the loss of life and crop damage before and after the installation of the old railway fences.

A note in this regard has been sent to all Additional Chief Secretaries as well, said a press release from the office of Minister Khandre.

Belagavi: Senior BJP leader Ramesh Jarkiholi expressed reservations about B.Y. Vijayendra’s leadership abilities, stating that he lacks the necessary experience to serve as the state president of the BJP.

Speaking to media representatives at Sambra Airport, Jarkiholi said, “In some circumstances, Vijayendra has been appointed as president. However, his approach to the position reflects a sense of inexperience. No clear instructions or guidance have been given under his leadership.”

Referring to Vijayendra, the son of BJP veteran and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Jarkiholi remarked, “Whatever personal disagreements there may be, once you become the state president, you must approach the role with seriousness. Vijayendra, in my opinion, is not suitable for the position.”

He acknowledged the efforts that brought Vijayendra to the role but warned, “Vijayendra is riding on the legacy of his father. Yediyurappa’s struggles and sacrifices are unparalleled, but if Vijayendra does not perform effectively, his father’s legacy risks being diminished.”

Jarkiholi also spoke about the contributions of leaders like Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in fighting for farmers’ issues and noted the return of a key report on agricultural matters to a joint parliamentary committee led by Jagadambika Pal.

Nasheman news

Kristu Jayanti College’s Department of Social Work has taken a major step towards
fostering health awareness among students through an engaging training program
on “Health and Nutrition” for grades 8th to 10th at Clone International School,
Kothanur. Fr. Dr. Augustine George, Principal, KJC motivated the students to
serve the community in whatever way possible and to be responsible citizens.
The session began with a warm welcome from Ms. Eloa Gladis, followed by a
presentation from Ms.Yugapriya on the connection between diet and academic
performance, including a hands-on activity where students designed balanced meal
plates. Mr. Pratap Raj continued with an insightful session on macro and
micronutrients, followed by a “Nutrition Quiz” to test the student’s knowledge on
healthy eating habits. Ms. Eloa Gladis concluded the program with a session on the
benefits of healthy eating, finishing with a mindful eating activity.

The initiative, guided by Dr. Jonas Richard A, head of the department and Dr.
Winnie Joyce, Program coordinator, provided students with practical exposure to
serve the community. Mrs. Shila Chandrashaker, Principal, Clone International
School appreciated the presenter’s effort and their contribution to the community.
This successful event marks another milestone in promoting wellness among
young learners.

New Delhi: Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday called on Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and urged him to expedite environment clearances for the Kalasa-Banduri irrigation project, highlighting ongoing challenges in inter-state water infrastructure development.

In a representation made to the Union Minister, Shivakumar, who is also in charge of the Irrigation Ministry, argued that the project remains critical for the state’s water needs.

The Kalasa-Banduri Project is a water diversion project that aims to supply drinking water to the arid districts of Karnataka.

The Deputy CM informed that the National Board for Wildlife previously rejected Karnataka’s proposal, citing legal disputes among Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra over the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal’s award, which is pending before the Supreme Court.

Karnataka has significantly reduced its forest land requirements for the project, trimming the Kalasa project’s footprint from 258 hectares to 26.92 hectares, and the Banduri project from 243 hectares to 28.44 hectares.

The state government contends that the proposed land is part of a tiger corridor and could potentially provide water resources for wildlife in the area, he noted.

Shivakumar also met Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi to discuss the urgency of securing clearances for multiple water projects, including the Mekedatu Irrigation Project, and resolving ongoing water distribution disputes.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar (PTI)

Ramangara (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday hinted at cracks and squabbling within the BJP and the JD(S), as he gave credit to the leaders of these parties for the defeat of JD(S) candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy in the Channapatna assembly bypoll.

Congress candidate C P Yogeeshwara won in Channapatna bypoll with a margin of 25,413 votes against his nearest rival and NDA candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy, as results were announced on Saturday.

The Congress party swept all the three assembly constituencies in Karnataka, namely Channapatna, Sandur and Shiggaon, which went for bypolls.

Nikhil Kumaraswamy is the son of Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy and grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. In September last year, JD(S) joined the NDA led by BJP.

“Many people from across the parties have helped us in this election (Channapatna). Congress had only 16,000 votes in the previous assembly election. It increased in the Lok Sabha election,” Shivakumar told reporters here.

According to him, many people from the JD(S) and the BJP supported the Congress. “If the BJP and the JD(S) leaders had not supported us directly or indirectly, we wouldn’t have got so many votes. I congratulate them,” Shivakumar, who is also the Congress state president, said.

He quipped that the JD(S), which had 19 seats in the Karnataka Assembly, has now reduced to 18.

Hailing the electorate, the Deputy CM said this was people’s verdict in favour of C P Yogeeshwara to develop Channapatna constituency.

There was no immediate reaction from the BJP or the JD(S) on it.

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday assured families living Below the Poverty Line that the government will reissue BPL cards to eligible households if their cards were mistakenly cancelled.

The assurance follows controversy over reports that over 22.6 lakh BPL cardholders were deemed ineligible, prompting criticism from the opposition BJP. The party accused the ruling Congress of mishandling the issue.

Addressing reporters, Shivakumar said the government’s actions adhered to parameters set by the Centre for BPL eligibility. He added that any errors leading to the cancellation of cards for eligible families would be rectified.

“There have been discrepancies in some areas and we will address them. A review is underway to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries,” Shivakumar said.

When questioned about the lack of physical verification before cancelling cards, he noted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had issued instructions to the relevant minister.

Shivakumar said a list of cancelled cards would be sent to MLAs for verification.

The Deputy CM also announced that the Guarantee Implementation Committee would oversee home visits to resolve errors in the cancellation process.