Page 31 - Karnataka

Karnataka Cong MLA Nagendra 'mastermind' of multi-crore Valmiki scam: ED

Karnataka Congress MLA B Nagendra is the "mastermind" behind the multi-crore Valmiki Corporation alleged scam and the funds diverted from this state government entity were also used for a candidate who contested the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year, the ED claimed Wednesday. The federal agency said it has filed a prosecution complaint or charge sheet in this case sometime ago before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Bengaluru. The court has taken cognisance of the charge sheet, it said. "B Nagendra, MLA and former Minister for Scheduled Tribal Affairs, has been named as the primary accused and mastermind behind the scam, allegedly orchestrating it with the help of 24 others, including key associates like Satyanarayana Varma, Etakari Satyanarayana, J.G. Padmanabha, Nageshwar Rao, Nekkenti Nagaraj, and Vijay Kumar Gowda," the Enforcement Directorate said in a statement. Nagendra was arrested by the ED in this case. The agency claimed its probe found that .

Karnataka hosts Maldives Prez Muizzu, aims to foster ties in IT, tourism

The Chief Minister highlighted Karnataka's reputation as the Silicon Valley of India, asserting, "We are known as the Silicon Valley of India and have developed an ecosystem for start-ups, AI"

Haryana polls: Our overconfidence made us losers, says Congress' DK Suresh

Former Congress MP and Karnataka's deputy CM DK Shivakumar's brother, DK Suresh speaking to media on Wednesday said that overconfidence within the party had led to the loss in Haryana assembly elections."In J & K, the people have given us a good mandate where the INDIA alliance is going to form the govt. In Haryana, I think we had overconfidence in the election procedure and that we are going to come back. That is the major disadvantage that we are facing. Our party's high command will discuss the length and breadth of the defeat and lapses of the election..." he said."Yes, it is a setback in Haryana for us, our high command looking everything how and what happened. High command will react. Our over confidence made us losers. Our party in AICC looking at it. It's an example that over confidence will affect, same thing happened in haryana. Our Party leaders are looking at everything," he added.BJP won 48 out of 90 seats in Haryana assembly while Congress managed to win 37 seats. ...

Course on caste census to be decided by next week, says Karnataka minister

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that the Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, also known as the "caste census", will either be referred to a Cabinet subcommittee or introduced in the legislature, based on what the Cabinet decides next week. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said the caste census will "most likely" be placed before the Cabinet for discussion on October 18. "We were accused of keeping the caste census in the cold storage after spending so much money. Now when we are saying that we will make it public, they are not able to take it," Parameshwara, a senior leader from the SC community, said, hitting back at the opposition over its criticism. Speaking to reporters here, he said everyone in the state knows that backward classes, minorities and Dalits are more in number, and in the days ahead for the government to plan and prepare programmes, the caste census will be helpful. "... shouldn't we prepare and give programmes for those ...

BJP Karnataka chief Vijayendra holds meeting with state minister Jarkiholi

Karnataka state BJP president B Y Vijayendra and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's brother D K Suresh called on state minister Satish Jarkiholi separately on Monday, triggering political speculation. These meetings took place in the context of several political interactions usually not seen among the leaders after Lokayukta police registered a case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the MUDA scam. These meetings triggered speculation as if they were held to work out a leadership change in Vidhana Soudha. The BJP leader told reporters that he, as an MLA from Shikaripura, met Jarkiholi to get some public works done in his constituency. When asked if he had any political discussion with the minister, especially on the possibility of changing the chief minister, Vijayendra said that the BJP had been demanding Siddaramaiah to resign and pave the way for a transparent investigation into MUDA scam and the Karnataka Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam. "You can

KSRTC announces to add 20 luxury buses each worth Rs 1.78 cr to its fleet

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on Monday announced that it will add 20 luxury -- Airavat Club Class 2.0 model buses -- each worth Rs 1.78 crore to its fleet by the end of this month. KSRTC currently has a total of 443 luxury buses, they said. According to officials, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy accompanied by KSRTC Chairman S R Srinivas (Vasu) visited the Volvo bus manufacturing factory near Hoskote to inspect new buses. Some of the key features of the bus include -- powerful halogen headlights and daytime running lights (DRL) with new plush interiors and Scandinavian-style exteriors, offering visually appealing aesthetics, aerodynamic design providing better fuel efficiency, advanced engine technology, delivering superior performance and improved fuel efficiency (KMPL). The new bus will have 3.5 per cent increase in overall bus length, providing more space between passenger seats. "Windshield glass is 9.5 per cent wider, improving driver visibility and .

MUDA scam: RTI activist lodges FIR against K'taka minister, SP Lokayukta

RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna on Monday lodged a complaint against Karnataka Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh for allegedly shifting crucial files and documents related to MUDA 'scam' involving CM Siddaramaiah. In his complaint submitted to the Director General of Police Alok Mohan, he also accused the former Superintendent of Police of Lokayukta in Mysuru Sujeeth of "conniving" with the Minister in shifting the files in July this year, officials said. A complaint copy was also mailed to the DGP on Sunday seeking investigation into the matter. In the complaint, he alleged that the then Mysuru Lokayukta SP Sujeeth had allegedly alerted the Minister when the MUDA scam surfaced following which the Urban Development Minister flew to Mysuru via helicopter and took away the crucial files and documents related to the scam. Sujeeth had allegedly helped the Minister shift these files. The Lokayukta police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Siddaramaiah and ot

K'taka CM Siddaramaiah asks people to make Kannada their business language

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday gave a clarion call to the people of Karnataka to make Kannada their 'business language'. Speaking at an event to celebrate 50 years of naming the erstwhile Mysore state as Karnataka, the CM appealed to people to make Karnataka a Kannada state. "All the people living here are Kannadigas. No matter what your home language is, the business language' should be Kannada. Kannada should be the main and first language in the state," he said. "Learn every language, but Kannada should be the official language in the state," he added. Dwelling on the Gokak agitation, which was related to granting Kannada the first language status in the state, the chief minister said the 'Kannada Kavalu Samiti' was formed to create an atmosphere for Kannada to prosper in Karnataka. Later, the committee became the Kannada Development Authority, he explained. Siddaramaiah asked people to respect all languages, learn as many languages as possible but never be generous to

HC stays order declaring Ola's relation with drivers as employer-employee

The Karnataka High Court has stayed a single judge verdict, which had classified the relationship between ANI Technologies Private Limited (Ola) and its drivers as that of employer-employee. The original ruling required Ola to address complaints of sexual harassment involving its drivers. The interim order that stayed the original judgment was passed by a vacation bench consisting of Justice S R Krishna Kumar and Justice M G Uma, following an appeal by Ola against the earlier judgment dated September 30. In the original order, the single judge had directed Ola and its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh, along with Rs 50,000 in legal costs, to a woman who had filed a complaint of sexual harassment against an Ola driver. The court criticized Ola and its ICC for failing to take appropriate action, citing deliberate negligence. The single judge had ruled that Ola's refusal to act on the complaint based on the claim that drivers are not employees unde

Red velvet or red alert? Cancer-causing dyes found in cakes in Karnataka

In a shocking revelation, harmful artificial colours have been detected in cake samples from Karnataka bakeries, raising concerns about food safety

Cong targeting Savarkar to move attention away from MUDA scam: K'taka BJP

Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Friday accused the Congress government of targeting Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar just to divert public attention from the MUDA 'scam'. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao claimed on Wednesday that Savarkar used to eat meat and was not against cow slaughter. In an online post, Vijayendra said: "This is a betrayal of our national heroes! The Congress government, driven by its greed for power, has shamefully targeted Veer Savarkar - a patriot who dedicated his life to India's freedom - just to divert public attention from their corruption in the #MUDAScam. This desperate ploy to mislead the public is unacceptable." He further said that the BJP will fight until the "corrupt leaders" of Congress are held accountable. "It's not just an attack on Savarkar, but an insult to every Indian who values our nation's sacrifices. As Vir Savarkar himself said, 'Independence is never given, it is always taken.' No lies or distractions w

MUDA case: I have faith in judiciary, truth will triumph, says Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, facing probe into the MUDA 'scam' case, on Thursday asserted that he is conducting himself in accordance with his conscience and confident that truth would prevail as he once again rejected opposition calls for his scalp. "Satyameva Jayate," he declared as he spoke at the inaugural ceremony of the ten-day Dasara celebrations on the premises of temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru and its royals, atop the Chamundi Hills here. Amid demands by the BJP and JD(S) for his resignation over the MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority) 'scam', the Chief Minister emphasised that so long as he has the blessings of the people and Chamundeshwari, "no one can do anything." Siddaramaiah received support from unexpected quarters in the MUDA case as senior JD(S) leader and MLA G T Devegowda decried calls for his resignation. Reiterating that he has done no wrong, the Chief Minister said had he done anything wrong, it would not have

MUDA 'scam': Mahatma Gandhi's life has given me courage, says Siddaramaiah

Facing the Lokayukta police and ED probes on MUDA 'scam', Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday Mahatma Gandhi's life and thoughts have given him courage, strength and hope in his "current struggle." On the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar took out a march from Gandhi Bhavan to Gandhi statue on the premises of 'Vidhana Soudha' here. In an online post, the Chief Minister said: "In a world full of communalism, dictatorship and violence, only Mahatma Gandhi, the embodiment of truth, peace and non-violence, can lead us by the hand." "Bapu's life and thoughts have given me courage, strength and hope even in my current struggle of facing the real test of truth. Happy Gandhi Jayanti to all the people of the country," he added without referring to the twin investigations. The ED on Monday registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), equivalent to an FIR by police, against the Chief .

MUDA takes back plots of CM's wife after she conveys decision to return

The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) on Tuesday decided to take back 14 plots allotted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi B M, following her decision to relinquish their ownership and possession. The MUDA has ordered to cancel the sale deed of these plots. Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) booked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a money laundering case, his wife on Monday wrote to MUDA conveying her decision to relinquish the ownership and possession of 14 plots stating that no site, home, asset and wealth is bigger for her than her husband's respect, dignity, honour and peace of mind. "Smt. Parvathi's son Dr Yathindra, a MLC, had submitted a letter....we have gone through the provisions in our act. There are provisions in our act to take it when given (back) voluntarily," MUDA Commissioner A N Raghunandan said. Addressing reporters here, he said, "After consulting panel advocates and the legal officer, and after determining that everything is correct,

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah responds as wife Parvathi surrenders MUDA plots

In a surprising turn of events, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, has surrendered 14 prime land plots allocated to her by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

Muda 'scam' row: Siddaramaiah 'surprised' by wife's move to return plots

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah expressed surprise at his wife Parvathi's decision to surrender 14 plots amid the Muda land allotment row. The BJP has labelled the decision as an 'admission of guilt'

K'taka HC halts probe against FM Nirmala Sitharaman in electoral bonds case

The Karnataka High Court on Monday stayed the investigation into an FIR registered against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others in the extortion case linked to the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme. Justice M Nagaprasanna passed the interim order on a petition by BJP leader Nalin Kumar Kateel, who is named as the fourth accused in the FIR. The case registered by Bengaluru city police on September 28, followed a magistrate court's directive in response to a private complaint submitted by Adarsh R Iyer, co-president of the Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath (JSP) relating to the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme. According to police, an FIR was registered under IPC sections 384 (punishment for extortion), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) against Sitharaman, ED officials, office-bearers of the BJP at state and national level, based on the order of a special court.

Exploring legal options on BJP MLA's claim on toppling govt: Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said legal options would be explored in the wake of a senior BJP MLA claiming that a "great leader" of his party has set aside a huge amount of money to topple the Congress government and become Chief Minister. The BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, however, also said on Sunday that his party's central leadership and MLAs are opposed to any such "operation and horse-trading", adding, the government would fall on its own. He did not reveal the name of the "great leader" who he alleged had set aside Rs 1,000 crore to bring down the government and "become Chief Minister." I have convened a meeting of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). They' have earmarked Rs 1,200 crore to overturn our government. We will discuss with our legal team. I have also brought this matter to the notice of the party high command, Shivakumar, who is also the Congress state president, told reporters here. Whatever is there, the matter

Karnataka court orders FIR against FM in case related to electoral bonds

A case was registered on Saturday against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others on the directions of a court here, following a complaint relating to the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme. Accorsing to police, an FIR was registered under sections 384 (punishment for extortion) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) read with 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) against Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, ED officials, office-bearers of the BJP at state and national level, based on the order of a special court. The complaint was lodged by Adarsh R Iyer, Co-President of 'Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath' (JSP) alleging that the accused "committed extortion under the guise and garb of electoral bonds and benefitted to the tune of 8,000 and more crore of rupees." The complainant further alleged that Sitharaman through the clandestine aid and support of ED officials facilitated extortion of thousands of crores of rupees for the benefit of others .

Online sellers on Walmart's Flipkart sue CCI over antitrust probe

Three of Flipkart sellers- CIGFIL Retail, Wishery Online, Xonique Ventures- in their lawsuits argue that during the investigation they were called to submit data to help officials, but were framed