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. .

Parmesh S JAIN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Karnataka on April 5 to launch a slew of special programmes for the development of the State,Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was speaking to media persons at Hubballi airport.

Union minister Amit Shah to inaugurate ‘Ksheera Abhivridhi Bank’

Union minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah is set to visit the State on April 1.Shah is keen to bring major reforms in the Cooperation sector and the state government is set to start ‘Ksheera Abhivridhi Bank’.

Shah would launch the Logo of the ‘Ksheera Abhivridhi Bank’ and the Yeshaswini programme during his visit.

A huge convention is being organised as part of the launch programme as it would give a big boost for the dairy sector, Bommai said.

The cabinet expansion issue will have to be discussed with the party top brass in Delhi. I will go to Delhi when the leadership calls me.

Parmesh S JAIN

One Station One Product” is a novel initiative that was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 in a bid to promote local artisans / products / industries.

The initiative aims to promote local products by making each railway station a promotional and sales hub for the product.

Shyam Singh,Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru Division,today,inaugurated the ‘Stall of Channapatna toys under One Station -One product Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, at KSR Bengaluru Railway station.

It is an initiative by Ministry of Railways to promote local products in Railway Stations under Atma Nirbhar Bharath Abhiyan,a vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister,to make India a self-reliant nation.

The objective of the initiative is to encourage local craftsmen and artisans to market their product more effectively.

KSR Bengaluru is the first Railway Station in the State to market the famed Channapatna Toys.

Channapatna toys are special wooden toys and dolls manufactured in Channapatna town popularly known as “gombegala Ooru,(Toy Town) in Ramanagara district of Karnataka and have the Geographical Indicator (GI) tag.

Bengaluru Division has alloted a stall on pilot basis for promotion of Channapatna toys to V. Prakash,a local craftsman associated with Channapatna Handicrafts Artists Association .

Dr Anup Dayanand Sadhu,Chief Commercial Manager, Passenger Services, Smt Kusuma Hariprasad, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Admin) Dr. A.N. Krishna Reddy, Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager, were present on the occasion.

Parmesh S JAIN

TB (Tuberculosis) has been detected among several people who have recovered from COVID-19.

The government has sought a detailed report on this, said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar.

Speaking at an event organized by the Health Department on the occasion of the ‘World TB Day,’ he said,For the first time in India,TB screening has been conducted by government for those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the state.

Among 25 lakh people who were tested, 144 people were found to have TB. These people have contracted TB after recovering COVID-19.

So,the government has sought a detailed report on incidence of TB in Covid-19 recovered patients.

The State government is committed to make Karnataka TB free by 2025.

TB,like COVID-19,is a contagious disease.

COVID-19 is caused by a virus and TB is caused by a bacteria.The WHO has said that the entire world must be made TB free by 2030.

However, our Union government led by our PM Narendra Modi Ji has aimed to make India TB free much before that by 2025.

This cannot be done just by doctors and the government.The entire society needs to join hands and work collectively to achieve this target, he said.

Instead of starting treatment after the disease gets severe, treatment must be initiated at the initial stage as soon as symptoms become apparent.

People must undergo test if any of these symptoms are seen – cough for more than two weeks,fevers in the evening,sudden weight loss etc.

All government hospitals have facilities to conduct TB tests.People must go to the hospitals and get the test done. If detected early, the treatment given will be more effective, he said.

In rural areas, people don’t get tested even if they are unwell. One TB patient can spread the disease to at least 10 people. If this happens,one person’s negligence will end up harming others.

So, a lot more awareness has to be created about TB. The State government is spending more than Rs.5 crore every year to create awareness about diseases.

Fight the disease, not the patient

If a contagious disease is detected, immediately the people will start fighting the patient.We need to end such stigma in the society.Such stigma will cause mental and emotional distress among patients.

We must work towards supporting these people emotionally.Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic we have conducted over 25 lakh mental health counselling sessions with the help of NIMHANS.

Similarly,along with treatment for TB, the patient and their families need to be counseled. Additionally, once it is identified that a person has TB, they must be guided to isolate and ensured that others in their family are kept safe.

TB-free Karnataka

5 districts in our state have received Silver medals for curbing TB. In these districts, if we compare the previous years’ statistics, there has been a reduction of 40%.

Similarly, 9 districts have received Bronze medals. It is commendable that a total of 14 districts have significantly curbed TB. In future years, more measures need to be taken to curb TB and we must receive a Gold medal. We must ensure TB-free Karnataka by 2025, he said.

Parmesh S Jain

In a swift action the Mahadevapura police arrested a gang of four who had come from Delhi to a music event in pheonix mall to steal mobile phones.

The accused has been identified as,Sadam,32,Waseem Ahmed,32, Mohammed Adil,33,and Irshad,29 all four residents of Delhi.

The police cracked the case within two hours of the theft and arrested the accused and recovered 24 phones from them worth Rs 10.5 lakh.

However the fifth accused managed to gave the police a slip and escaped with mobile phones.
efforts are on to track him down.

H Hariyappa,Inspector Mahadevapura,who led the operation has successfully nabbed all the four and recovered expensive phones from them.

The Incident occurred on Saturday night when the music event organized for Holi festival was going on and where around 2,000 guests visited.

The accused who came to know about the event booked the tickets online and came to Bengaluru by train and gained entry.

While the over enthusiastic crowd was high on music and drinks,the accused started stealing expensive phones from the crowd and storing it in their specially designed multi pocket jackets.

One of the guest who noticed the phone was stolen raised alarm.Other guests also alerted and upon checking their phones were also missing.

They raised alarm prompting the police to shut the exit gates and started closely observing the people coming out and caught the accused .

The accused are habitual offenders and their modus operandi is to get into the big events and steal expensive gadgets and valuables and they used to return to Delhi and sell it in Meena bazar a senior officer said.

Finally Bengaluru Police Commissioner,Kamal Pant has appreciated Addl CP East,A Subramanyeswara Rao,DCP Whitefield,Girish S,ACP,Shanthamallapa, PI,Hariyappa H,PSIs,as,Sarojini Waghmore,Harsha S,and crime staff as,Ramesh,Suresh, Shivakumar, Purshottam, Bhaskar Kambar,Shivaraj, Hariprasad,Srinivas,Anjanappa Bandivadar,Balaraju has been appreciated for the timely action taken by them and arresting four notorious mobile lifting gang and a suitable reward will be given to the team he added.

Parmesh S JAIN

The Yeshwanthpura police on Thursday arrested a gang of three interstate habitual offenders and recovered 15 grams of gold valuables and a fake pistol from them.

The accused have been identified as Amith,from Uttar Pradesh and his associates Manohar Singh and Ramesh from Rajasthan.

senior officer said the trio had barged into the house of Kamal Singh, a gold and cosmetic jewel shop owner,threatened the three woman including Ms.Singh her mother and daughter at gun point and robbed a pair of gold ear rings.

The accused also assaulted the trio when they tried to resist snatching mobile phone from the mother of Ms.Singh.

The accused soon fled the scene when they raised alarm prompting the neighbors to come to heir help.

In the melee one of the accused had dropped a chit from his pocket at home and the police who later visited the spot for spot investigations recovered the chit.

Based on the details from the chit the police track down the accused and arrested them.

Amith had come to Bengaluru a fortnight ago and stayed with the other accused Manohar Singh and Suresh who worked as labourers at a hardware shop .

Amith had a gun lighter and the trio hatched a plan to rob people and make quick money. As per the plan the accused kept a watch on the houses for few days and zeroed in on the house of Kamal Singh .

The accused Manohar Singh is a habitual offender involved in a robbery case in Rajasthan in 2019.

He was arrested and after coming out on bail, he jumped bail and came to India and working as salesman at a hardware shop since then.

The police have taken the trio into custody to ascertain their criminal background.

Finally Bengaluru police commissioner,Kamal Pant has appreciated Addl CP West,Sandeep Patil DCP North,Vinayak Patil,ACP,Arun Nagegowda,PI,Suresh K,PSIs,as,Narayan,Raju C and crime staff as,Muthappa Bajanthri,Rachappa Haki,Dattatreya Badigere,Lokesh Sannidhi,Motta Nayak has been appreciated and for the exemplary work done by them a suitable reward will be given to the team he added.