Page 37 - Karnataka

Guv's office has been misused: Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara

Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara on Saturday decried that the Governor's office has been 'misused' after Thaawarchand Gehlot granted sanction to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with alternative site scam in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. He claimed that there was pressure from the top on Governor Gehlot, which is now proved. In the MUDA 'scam', it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land which had been "acquired" by the MUDA. The opposition cried foul and three activists lodged a complaint with Gehlot, accusing the CM of 'misusing' his position. Siddaramaiah has rejected the allegations and asserted that his wife deserved a fair compensation. Addressing reporters here, Parameshwara said, "It is clear that there is pressure from the top. There was no clear information that the CM had given any direction or ev

Karnataka governor gives nod to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah in land scam

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has approved Siddaramaiah's prosecution in the MUDA land scam case, following petitions submitted by three activists

Karnataka Guv grants sanction for prosecution of Siddaramiah in MUDA scam

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has granted sanction for prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam', official sources said on Saturday. "The Governor has granted sanction for prosecution against the Chief Minister. It is based on three petitions filed by T J Abraham, one Pradeep and Snehamayi Krishna," an official at the Raj Bhavan told PTI. Based on a petition filed by advocate-activist T J Abraham, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had issued a "showcause notice" on July 26 directing the Chief Minister to submit his reply to the allegations against him within seven days as to why permission for prosecution should not be granted against him. The Karnataka government had on August 1 "strongly advised" the Governor to withdraw his "showcause notice" to the Chief Minister and alleged "gross misuse of the Constitutional Office ' of the Governor.

Siddaramaiah asks Foxconn to invest more in K'taka, assures full support

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday assured Taiwanese electronics major Foxconn of his government's complete support and commitment to ensure it gets all the assistance required and requested the company to further invest in the state. The chief minister held discussions with Young Liu, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) and his team, during the dinner meeting organised at a private hotel here. "... we work together to deepen and strengthen the collaborative relationship between Foxconn and our state. This partnership is of immense importance, and I am honoured to be part of an initiative that holds such significant potential for mutual growth and success," Siddaramaiah said. During his address at the dinner meeting, he said, Karnataka has established itself as a powerhouse in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector. "With several leading ESDM players operating within the state, we are proud to be among the t

Bangalore Airport first in Asia to receive ACI's level five accreditation

Kempegowda International Airport operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has marked a significant milestone by becoming the first airport in Asia to receive Airports Council International's (ACI) the highest Level five accreditation, officials said on Friday. Bangalore Airport has made a remarkable 95.6 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, attaining the highest emission elimination by an Indian airport, achieved seven years ahead of the initial target of 2030, they said. The accreditation comes into effect from May 5, 2024. "BLR Airport has made significant strides in its decarbonisation journey and set new benchmarks by transitioning to 100 per cent renewable electricity and implementing initiatives focusing on sustainable mobility and green infrastructure. "To offset its residual emissions, BLR Airport has procured Airports Council International (ACI) approved carbon units from verified carbon removal projects. Looking ahead towar

SBI, Punjab National Bank in talks with Karnataka to resolve issues

One incident involved PNB's Rajajinagar branch, where the Karnataka State Industrial Board had fixed deposits of approximately Rs 25 crore, but PNB released only Rs 13 crore on maturity

Guarantee schemes to stay, says Siddaramaiah, highlights issues with Centre

Amid pressure from within the ruling Congress to do a "rethink" on the ambitious five guarantees schemes, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday asserted that it will continue and highlighted the "Karnataka model" of development with focus on social justice and economic equality, thereby contributing to nation-building. Accusing the Centre of 'deviating' from the principle of the federal system in recent years, leading to discrimination in the allocation of funds to states, he urged it to understand the fact that the nation can develop only if states are developed and release a fair amount of grants for their development. In a democratic system, the opposition parties are expected to function responsibly in tandem with the principles of the Constitution, by respecting the mandate given by the people of the state, the Chief Minister noted. The electorate with their political acumen has made it clear in the last Lok Sabha elections that "democracy cannot be a puppet in anyone's ...

58 dead, 80,000 ha crop damage in K'taka due to above normal monsoon rains

Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Monday said that the state has recorded 58 deaths and crop damage in 80,000 hectares, due to "above normal" rains so far in the current monsoon season so far. More rains are anticipated in several parts of the state in the days ahead, and officials have been instructed to take precautionary measures, he said. "In the northern interior region, the average rainfall has been 260 mm, but this year it has received 322 mm, which is 24 per cent higher than normal. The Malnad region typically receives 1,127 mm of rainfall, but this year it has received 1,361 mm, 21 per cent higher than normal. The coastal region typically receives 2,299 mm of rainfall, but this year it has received 2,947 mm, which is 28 per cent higher. The state has received an average of 553 mm of rainfall (normally), but this year it has received 699 mm, which is 26 per cent higher. Notably, no district has received less rainfall than normal this year," Gowda said. ...

BJP-JD(S) protest march seeking Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah resignation

The opposition BJP and JD(S) walked the last stretch of their week-long protest march demanding the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam' on Saturday, ahead of its culmination with a mega rally here. The Bengaluru-Mysuru padayatre (foot march) sought to highlight the alleged fraudulent allotment of sites to land losers by MUDA, including to Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi. The eighth and final day of the 'Mysuru Chalo' protest march began at Ramaswamy circle here today and will culminate at Maharaja's College Grounds, where a valedictory rally is organised. BJP State President and MLA B Y Vijayendra, JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy, and several leaders and legislators from both parties took part in the march, after offering prayers at a temple. The ruling Congress on Friday hosted a mega Janandolana convention in the city, in support of Siddaramaiah, and to counter the opposition's ...

Oppn tarnishing image with false charges regarding MUDA scam: Siddaramaiah

Accusing the opposition BJP and JD(S) of trying to tarnish his image by levelling false allegations in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam', Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said he will not be cowed down by such things. Asserting that he will fight against the charges both politically and legally, the CM also said he will expose opposition leaders H D Kumaraswamy, B S Yediyurappa, B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in Assembly R Ashoka among others, and the scams in which they are allegedly involved, and take action against them based on inquiry reports. "We (Congress) organised the Janandolana conventions against their (opposition) padayatre. We have told the people that they are lying, they are doing the padayatre (foot march) with false allegations. They are trying to create a black mark on Siddaramaiah's image. They are trying to dislodge this government that has come to power with the blessings of the people,"

Truth will come out when court decides on POSCO case, says Yediyurappa

Responding to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's statement asking him to retire from public life as he is an accused in a POCSO Act case, veteran BJP leader B S Yediyurappa on Friday said the truth will come out when the court decides on the case, and the former will get a befitting reply. The former chief minister hit back at Siddaramaiah stating that the time for him to retire and go home is approaching, pointing at the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam'. "He (Siddaramaih) has to say such things. The time for him to retire and go home is approaching, it is natural for him to say such things about others. "Who will retire, who will not, we will get to know in the days ahead, when the case is decided by the court in a few days. Let's decide who will retire after that," Yediyurappa said in response to a question. Speaking to reporters here, the 81-year-old leader said, "Truth will come out once the court decides (on the case against me). I won't say

BJP-JD(S) 'Mysuru Chalo' march seeking CM's resignation continues on day 7

The combined Opposition, BJP and JD(S), on Friday continued their protest march, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam.' The week-long Bengaluru-Mysuru padayatre (foot march) has sought to highlight the alleged fraudulent allotment of sites to land losers by MUDA, including to Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi. The seventh day of the 'Mysuru Chalo' protest march began at Srirangapatna in Mandya district, and is scheduled to cover a distance of 10 km. This even as the Congress is hosting a mega "Janandolana" convention at Maharaja's College Grounds in Mysuru today in support of Siddaramaiah and to counter the opposition's allegations and their foot march. BJP-JD(S) are scheduled to conclude their protest march on Saturday by holding a mega rally on reaching Mysuru. BJP state president and MLA B Y Vijayendra, former Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan, former BJP national general ...

Andhra Pradesh govt abolishes two-child policy for local body elections

The two-child policy was introduced in the then unified Andhra Pradesh in 1994, barring candidates with more than two children from local body elections

Karnataka, Himachal, Assam got highest funds for flood relief: Govt

The Centre granted the highest allocation to Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh and Assam under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) in the last two years, 2022-2024, the government told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The funds were given for relief and rehabilitation of people affected in natural disasters. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said while Rs 941 crore was approved by the Centre's high-level committee for Karnataka, Rs 873 crore and Rs 594 crore were approved for Himachal Pradesh and Assam for floods and landslides in 2022-24. In a written reply, he said Rs 939 crore was released to Karnataka from the NDRF, Rs 812 crore to Himachal Pradesh and Rs 160 crore to Assam in the last two years. Rai said Tamil Nadu has been given Rs 276 crore for flood and cyclone, Sikkim Rs 267 crore for flood and landslides, Nagaland Rs 68 crore in the last two years. The minister said during 2024-25 (as on July 31, 2024), Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) have been constit

Karnataka govt allows Bengaluru bars, hotels, clubs to operate till 1 am

Hotels, shops, bars, and licensed establishments in Bengaluru can now remain open until 1 am daily; policy is only applicable exclusively within the limits of the BBMP

NHAI ordered to do stability check of new Kali river bridge post collapse

Authorities in neighbouring Karnataka on Wednesday ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to check stability of the new Kali river bridge after an old bridge on the water body collapsed. The old bridge on the river collapsed at around 1.30 am on Wednesday, resulted in heavy traffic on national highway no. 66 connecting Goa to Karnataka, officials said. A truck crossing the bridge at the time fell into the river. Local fishermen later rescued its driver, a police official from Karwar in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka told PTI. The old bridge which collapsed was used for Goa-bound traffic after the construction of a new one a decade back, the official said. Uttar Kannada District Magistrate Lakshmi Priya K said it has been brought to the notice that the old Kali river bridge connecting Karwar and Sadashivgad collapsed at 1.30 am on Wednesday. She ordered the NHAI officials concerned to verify and report stability of the new Kali river bridge connecting Karwar a

SIT files preliminary charge sheet in K'taka Valmiki Corporation scam

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the misappropriation of funds from the state-run Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation has filed a preliminary charge sheet mentioning the arrest of 12 people and the seizure of Rs 49.96 crore in the case, police said on Monday. The opposition BJP and JD(S) have been demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the scam that has already led to the resignation of Minister B Nagendra, who is currently under ED scanner. The Valmiki Corporation's former officials including ex-Managing Director J G Padmanabha and Ex-Accounts Officer Parashuram Durgannanavar; First Finance Credit Co-operative Society Limited Chairman Sathyanarayana Etakari; acquaintance of Former Minister Nagendra Nekkunte Nagaraj; and Brother-in-law of Nekkunte Nagaraj Nageshwar Rao are among the 12 arrested, police said. According to a police statement regarding the charge sheet, the SIT is conducting the investigation under the .

MUDA scam: Guv's possible nod for prosecution against CM, says Parameshwara

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday expressed hope that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will not reject the Cabinet's advice to withdraw his "show-cause notice" to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam'. He said, in case, the Governor rejects the Cabinet's advice and grants permission for prosecution against the CM, the Congress government will fight it legally. "As a Cabinet we have advised the Governor to withdraw his show-cause notice and to reject the petition seeking Siddaramaiah's prosecution by activist T J Abraham. I'm hopeful and don't feel that the Governor will do it (sanction prosecution), despite the Cabinet's advice along with facts," Parameshwara said. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "He (the Governor) might have some powers, but I don't feel that he will reject the advice of the Cabinet so easily. In case he still goes ahead and gives permission for prosecution, we will fight .

BJP-JD(S) continues protest march against MUDA scam, demands CM resignation

The opposition, BJP and JD(S), on Monday continued their week-long protest march from Bengaluru to Mysuru for the third day, against an alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scam seeking to corner the Congress government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The 'Mysuru Chalo' padayatre (foot march) -- against the alleged fraudulent allotment of sites to land losers by MUDA, including to Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi, and demanding his resignation -- on its third day, began at Kengal here, and is scheduled to cover a distance of 20 km to reach Nidaghatta in Mandya district. BJP state president and MLA B Y Vijayendra, Opposition Leader in Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, several JD(S) leaders, also legislators, leaders and workers from both parties took part, as the march began at Kengal. Vijayendra and other BJP leaders paid floral tributes to the memorial of former Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah, ahead of the march today. Large number of workers and leader

IT workers rally in Bengaluru to protest 14-hour workday proposal

The proposal was presented in a meeting called by the labour department with various stakeholders in the industry recently