Parmesh S JAIN

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has requested his Andhra Pradesh counterpart to provide protection for devotees from Karnataka who visit Srisailam.

Pilgrims from Karnataka have been assaulted at Srisailam.A large number of pilgrims from other states visit Srisailam for the religious Jatra(fair). The pilgrims from outside should be ensured proper protection, Bommai said.

Speaking to media persons at Vidhana Soudha about the incident at Srisailam,Bommai said, a large number of devotees from Maharashtra and Karnataka visit Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh.

A clash has happened between the pilgrims while returning.A stabbing incident too has been reported in the clash between the local pilgrims and the pilgrims from outside.

I have been in constant contact with Andhra Pradesh officials since yesterday night. The situation is now in control.

Two pilgrims were seriously injured and hospitalised.They are recovering. Efforts are on to speak to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister,” Bommai said.

BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is likely to visit New Delhi for two days after April 5 and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman and their cabinet colleagues to present copies of his maiden and last full-fledged budget of the BJP government before the 2023 Assembly polls.

Bommai will explain the essence of his budget and its repercussions on the government and the party to the national leadership. He also has to impress on the central leadership to release the grant-in-aid to the state.

Bommai, who held an all-party meeting on inter-state water disputes and also piloted a unanimous resolution condemning Tamil Nadu’s resolution against the Mekedatu project, is also likely to meet Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

It is interesting to see whether he will also call on Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav, who is close to Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah and is in the know of political affairs concerning Karnataka.

Cabinet reshuffle and appointments to boards and corporations to give a ‘fresh’ administrative look to his government may also come up during Bommai’s Delhi visit.

BJP committee to appreciate CM Basavaraj Bommai

The state BJP executive committee meeting slated to be held on April 16 and 17 at Vijayanagara is likely to pass a resolution appreciating Bommai’s budget, calling it development-oriented. Party’s national president JP Nadda will inaugurate the meeting which will be held at Tourism Minister Anand Singh’s residence.

Singh had met KPCC president DK Shivakumar at the latter’s residence in Bengaluru recently. The BJP executive committee meeting at Singh’s residence is to send out a message that he is not quitting the party, especially after its performance in four states, sources said.

BENGALURU: For the first time through the pandemic, 28 of the 30 districts of Karnataka listed on the state health department data sheet (Vijayanagar is part of Ballari) have recorded no additions to their respective COVID-19 tallies.

The COVID-19 death toll has remained stationary at 40,054 over the past three days, although the mortality rate has remained just a notch above the 1 per cent mark (at 1.01 per cent). The health department had aimed to bring the mortality rate below the 1 per cent mark in an effort to minimise deaths.

Of the total Covid-19 death toll, the first wave of the pandemic (March 2020 to January 2021) claimed approximately 12,400 lives; the second wave (March 2021 to December 2021) claimed about 25,900 lives; while the third wave (January 2022 till date) claimed about 1,700 lives. 

The third wave of the pandemic lasted just for three months. The low death count  in this wave is being attributed to a significantly less severe Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and increasing vaccination cover among the state’s population.

BENGALURU: Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Thursday expressed concern over recent incidents of communal tension in Karnataka, saying they could impact the state’s image globally.

Responding to Shaw’s concerns, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai appealed to people to maintain law and order and peace. “Karnataka is known for peace and progress, and every one should observe restraint and see to it that it is not affected,”he added.  

“When social issues arise, there is a possibility for us to discuss and resolve it. So before going public, everyone should observe restraint,” the CM added. Bommai also said that several issues have come up for discussion in the public domain in the state.

“Everyone should cooperate to maintain peace and order,” he added. He told reporters that the issue of school uniforms has been resolved. Shaw said, “Unfortunately, vested interests are hijacking the issue to political parties.

I am confident our CM will resolve the matter peacefully. I am a proud Kannadiga and don’t want to see these incidents detract from economic progress…” Later, Shaw said she agreed with Bommai for calling upon “all sections of society to observe restraint before going public on social issues , as they can be resolved through discussions.”

TUMAKURU: “At a time when hatred is spreading across the country, the philosophy of 12th century revolutionary Basavanna preaching a casteless society is the need of  the hour, and the job of the Siddaganga Mutt, which has been propagating the same, is commendable. We should remove hatred to shape a society of communal harmony,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said at the Siddaganga Mutt here on Thursday.  

He was speaking on the eve of the 115th birth anniversary of Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, just a few hours ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to take part in the mega event at the mutt on Friday. The visits have acquired their own significance.

“Basavanna has said that we are all one, we should live together, keeping away hatred over caste and religion. I congratulate the Siddaganga Mutt authorities for imparting the preachings of  Basavanna and shaping the future of lakhs of children,” he stated.

Hailing the contributions of Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, the Congress leader observed that society  should tread the path the great saint has shown, to educate the youth and uplift the poor, for which he extended all help to the mutt. 

Relationship with Mutt is not new: MP

“It is a matter of great joy that a leader of eminence and youth icon has come here. Indira Gandhi had visited the mutt, which was momentous, and Rahul’s visit is also momentous,” remarked Sri Siddalinga Swamiji, the head of the mutt, while appreciating Rahul’s wish for a hatred-free society.

Adopting a diplomatic stance, the prominent Lingayat religious institution is giving equal footing to both national parties — BJP and Congress. Earlier, Rahul’s visit was restricted to paying a visit to the ‘gadduge’, the divine tomb of the Swamiji, but was extended wi th him addres s ing thousands of children of the mutt during an evening prayer,” remarked a Congress Lingayat leader.

The occasion helped the mutt and Gandhis reiterate their long-term relationship. “Our relationship with the mutt is not new, my grandmother, mother and I have visited the mutt in the past,” recalled Rahul, which Sri Siddalinga Swamiji also stressed in his speech later.

“Sonia Gandhi had dropped her security personnel from her car and picked me up to go to the venue, along with Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, to take part in his 105th birthday celebrations,” he said, turning nostalgic. Rahul and the Swamiji posed for a photograph along with the children of the mutt.

Rahul had snacks and was also felicitated. Congress leaders D K Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, B K Hariprasad, M B Patil, Eshwar Khandre, Dhruvanarayana and others put up an united front throughout the visit.

MYSURU: All eyes are on Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Bengaluru to launch development works, and attend the crucial BJP Core Committee meeting as there will be a clear picture on the buzz that the state government is likely to go for early assembly elections. 

Even the principal Opposition, Congress, and the JD(s) will watch what transpires at the core committee meeting. The clear picture in this regard is likely to evolve after the Shah’s visit as he, after the launch of development works, will also chair a meeting of the BJP core Committee. 

‘BJP leaders to tour state after Shah visit’

The committee will discuss the strategy to strengthen the party organization from the booth level and also emulate similar strategies that help the party take the programmes to the doorstep of people. It is also learnt that the Chief Minister may also seek Amit Shah’s advice on long-pending cabinet expansion to fill a few ministerial berths that are vacant.

It is learned that the majority of the leaders and cadres are in an upbeat mood and are in favor of early elections and wanted to take advantage of the favorable momentum from the BJP’s victory in four states, including the high-voltage Uttar Pradesh, which made the party claim that there was an incumbent factor. The BJP locked with the opposition Congress over the hijab row for more than a month and knowing the public sentiment, feels that issues like including texts from the Bhagwad Gita in school syllabus will help them reap rich dividends.

However, former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said they will have a clear picture after Shah’s visit and are expecting that the party will start the process for poll preparations. Asserting that the BJP will continue in power after the next Assembly elections in the state, Yeddiyurappa said there are no plans for advanced election in the state. BJP leaders will tour the state after Shah’s visit, he added.

Parmesh S JAIN

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has instructed the Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Limited to formulate an integrated plan for sustainable mining.

The Chief Minister in his address after inaugurating the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Minerals Corporation stressed the importance of putting an end to the environmental destruction due to mining.

Plans should be drawn up for judicious use of minerals and restoration of environmental damage in a phased manner over the next 50 years.

Mining should be undertaken in a scientific manner avoiding any damage to the environment, he said.

For the first time in the country a grant of Rs100 cr has been made under the head ‘Green Budget’ in the general budget of the State for 2022-23 to offset the environmental deficit caused to nature over the years,Bommai said.

Nature and man are part of the creation of the world.Thanks to modern technology, the mining waste has turned into wealth.

Mining has a long history.The earlier generations have preserved the natural wealth for the future generations and it is our duty to maintain the balance and pass it on to the future generations. So we should move towards sustainable mining, Bommai said.

The Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai assured all the assistance from the State government for the efficient functioning of the Minerals Corporation.

Parmesh S JAIN

Chitrakala Parishath is the epicentre for Chitrakale(art of drawing and painting) in Karnataka.It needs to be extended all over the State.

Action would be taken to establish Chitrakala Galleries in 6 regional spots,Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.

The Chief Minister in his address after inaugurating the 19th edition of the ‘Chitra Santhe’ organised by the Chitrakala Parishath said, there is a demand to make Chitrakala Parishath,an autonomous institution, into a Deemed University.

Action would be initiated to declare it a Deemed University in the next session of the State Legislature.

A new dimension would be given to Chitrakala Parishath under the leadership of BL Shankar by bringing various institutions under its affiliation.

Chitra Santhe is a wonderful concept.Any art would find its value when it is showcased to the world.

Chitra Santhe is doing it in an innovative way enabling lakhs of people to witness it and get inspired.It is a great source of encouragement for the artists, Bommai said.

Referring to critics of art, the Chief Minister said, “you need not get disturved by the critics. Their criticism would make you improve further.”

Chitra Santhe,a confluence of artists and the patrons of art, is happening after two years. It should go on eternally.

Our government is committed to encourage all forms of art and culture,Bommai said.The Chief Minister praised BL Shankar for the growth of Chitrakala Parishath.

Bommai interacted with the artists and showed keen interest as he watched their pieces of art on display and sale at the Chitra Santhe which stretched from Windsor Manor Circle to Shivananda Circle.

Artists from various states and countries have put up their pieces of art on show and sale.

The Chief Minister enjoyed the occasion just like a common man and he was seen relishing his childhood favourite Joy ice cream candy of Mango flavour by purchasing it paying from his pocket.He freely mingled with people and appreciated the artists for their skill.

Bommai inaugurated ‘Chitra Santhe 2022’ by signing on the side of an art depicting Mother India.

Parmesh S JAIN

Instructions have been passed to issue work orders for all the programmes and projects announced in the 2022-23 budget before April 30, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.

Speaking to media persons in Savanur he said, a committee headed by the Chief Secretary has been constituted for speedy implementation of budget programmes.I myself will review the progress of their implementation on a monthly basis.

All inclusive,all pervasive budget

All segments of the society including traders,entrepreneurs, daily wage workers and women have appreciated the 2022-23 budget.

The budget is all inclusive and all pervasive. Greater emphasis has been given for education, health, women and child welfare, nutrition and welfare of weaker sections.

To boost the State’s economy the budget has provided substantial grants for roads, railways, pors, airports and schemes for industrial growth.

A new direction has been given for the development of Karnataka through special programmes in the social sector.

The budget has been prepared with the objective of New India from New Karnataka, Bommai said.

Development of Northern Karnataka

Greater importance has been given for the development of Northern Karnataka in agriculture, irrigation and industry.Industrial township,mega dairy in Haveri.

The new Milk Federation will start functioning from April 1.

A special programme to distribute cows in all taluks of the district,chilly processing unit at Byadagi,maize processing unit at Hirekerur,sericulture market at Ranebennur, mango processing unit at Hanagal,setting up of GTTC at Haveri and an Ayurvedic college at Savanur are among the major initiatives for development of the region in all sectors, Bommai said.

Parmesh S JAIN

BJP will get absolute majority and come to power on its own strength in the 2023 Assembly elections in the State.

People will bless us with full majority enabling us to govern the State again,Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.

Speaking to media persons in Savanur he said,I attended the swearing-in ceremony of Yogi Adityanath as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the second term.

BJP’s victory in 4 States has created a political ripple in the entire country.The victory in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh,Manipur and Goa is a clear pointer to the Lok Sabha polls to be held in 2024.

A huge mandate is evident in Karnataka too. BJP will come to power on its own with absolute majority in the 2023 assembly election in the State,” Bommai said.

Will contest from Shiggaon only

Replying to a question about the possibility of contesting from two constituencies in 2023, Bommai said,” people of Shiggaon have handed me victory three times. I will contest from Shiggaon only this time too.”

Abide by the HC verdict

Reacting to developments related to the hijab issue, Bommai said, the uniform rules in the schools is being followed for many years.

A confusion is being created due to the provocations from some vested interests even after the High Court delivered its judgement.

Despite this, we have maintained law and order in the State.The High Court verdict should be followed.Every one should respect the law of the land, Bommai said.

Peace and harmony is the solution

In response to a question about ban on business by traders belonging to other religions around the Temples, Bommai said, there is a clear order by the Endowment department regarding this issued in 2002.

This is not a new rule.The issue could be resolved through talks with a spirit of peace and harmony.

When asked about leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah’s comments on head coverings of women, “you better ask Siddaramaiah,” Bommai quipped.

There is a clear High Court order on school uniforms.There should not be any provocation on the issue, he said. .