Govt failed to disburse finance commission funds: BJP MLC
The allocated funds are earmarked for fundamental development initiatives throughout Karnataka's gram panchayats, encompassing sectors like agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, poverty alleviation, primary and secondary education, health, and programmes for women's and children's welfare.
The state govt's inaction has resulted in the conversion of untied funds (40% allocation), which are allocated for a specific purpose.
but without strict restrictions on how they can be used, into tied funds, effectively stopping development activities in gram panchayats. Arun urged the govt to promptly release the untied funds and implement strict measures against officials responsible for these delays and mishandling.
Arun criticised the govt's stance regarding the Bengaluru stampede during the RCB victory celebration. He questioned the administration's decision to attribute blame to cricketer Virat Kohli rather than accepting responsibility. He insisted that the govt should acknowledge its accountability for the unfortunate event and take appropriate action against those at fault.
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The Wire
23 minutes ago
- The Wire
A Political Soup is on the Boil for Telangana's BJP
Politics Pavan Korada This feud between the two Telangana BJP leaders is the first and most severe test for the new state party president, N. Ramachander Rao, a veteran appointed to quell such factionalism. New Delhi: An uneasy ceasefire holds in Telangana's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but it is a thin veil over a deep schism that has burst into public view. The war of words between Malkajgiri MP Etela Rajender and Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar is more than a clash of personalities. It is the peak of a long-simmering power struggle rooted in ambition and political culture. Critically, it is a conflict between the party's two most prominent Backward Class (OBC) leaders, threatening the BJP's core strategy for social expansion in the state. This feud is the first and most severe test for the new state president, N. Ramachander Rao, a veteran appointed to quell such factionalism. Instead, the conflict has intensified, exposing fault lines that could derail the party's ambitions where it once seemed poised for growth. Anatomy of a public feud The trigger was a visit by Bandi Sanjay to Huzurabad, an assembly segment in his Karimnagar Lok Sabha seat. He questioned the loyalty of unnamed leaders and alleged a conspiracy to cut his vote share in the parliamentary polls. "Should we give the party ticket to such a candidate?" he asked, a clear reference to upcoming local elections. The target was unmistakable. Etela Rajender, who represented Huzurabud for multiple terms and sees it as his bastion, took the remarks as a direct challenge. His response was swift and theatrical. Gathering hundreds of supporters at his home, Rajender launched a furious counter-attack. Without naming Sanjay, he unleashed a personal tirade. "Who is he? Is he a psycho, a sadist, a human or an animal?" he charged. Using familiar Telugu terms, " kodaka" (son) and " ra" (a disrespectful 'you'), he warned, "Be careful, son, be careful." The fallout was immediate. Goutham Reddy, a close Rajender aide and the BJP's in-charge for Huzurabad, resigned from his post and the party. His letter cited the "suppression of Etela's faction", giving an official name to a problem the party's leadership prefers not to acknowledge. The BJP's high command has since imposed a gag order. But the damage was done. The conflict was no longer a backroom whisper; it was a public spectacle. The original sin of removing a president To understand the feud, one must revisit a key moment; the unexpected removal of Bandi Sanjay from the state presidency in mid-2023. At the time, Sanjay was at his peak. His aggressive Praja Sangrama Yatra had electrified the party cadre and positioned him as the main challenger to the ruling BRS and its chief, K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself had praised his efforts. His ouster seemed politically incomprehensible. Many believed it was the result of an internal campaign led by Etela Rajender, who had joined the BJP after his own rebellion against KCR. Rajender's by-election victory in Huzurabad was built on an anti-KCR "victim" narrative and his status as a formidable BC leader who could unite the opposition. Sanjay's removal created a damaging perception; that the BJP had struck a secret deal with the BRS. The narrative proved disastrous. The energised anti-KCR vote, now distrustful of the BJP, swung to the Congress, which swept to power. The BJP's image was shattered and its election results were a deep disappointment. For Sanjay's loyalists, this history is a story of internal betrayal that fuels the current fight. The high stakes of OBC politics This strife comes at a critical time. According to the state's recent caste survey, backward classes (BCs) make up a staggering 56.33% of Telangana's population. This demographic makes the OBC vote the single-most decisive bloc in state politics. The BJP's growth strategy depends on winning a large share of this community, a goal it has stressed by repeatedly promising a "BC chief minister." In fact, it nominated R. Krishnaiah, president of the National BC Welfare Association, to the Rajya Sabha recently. The spectacle of its two top OBC leaders in a public, personal feud shatters this narrative. It projects weakness and disunity to the very community the party is trying to court. The appointment of N. Ramachander Rao, a Brahmin, as state president – bypassing a top BC contender like Rajender – already surprised many observers. While the party called it a move to bring in a "quiet organiser", the decision is now seen through the lens of this conflict, suggesting that internal power balancing came before the broader social project. A collision of cultures The feud represents a clash of political cultures. Bandi Sanjay is a product of the BJP-RSS ecosystem, a homegrown ideologue whose OBC identity is part of the larger Hindutva framework. After being removed as president, he accepted the party's decision and took on a national role. His loyalty was ultimately to the institution. Etela Rajender is a powerful import from a different political world. A former radical Left student leader, his identity is primarily that of a major BC leader and a key figure in the Telangana statehood movement. A seven-time MLA and former finance minister in KCR's cabinet, his career in the BRS was built on a strong personal brand. His style, common in regional parties, sees a loyal faction as a source of strength. Observers suggest his error may be applying these methods within the BJP, a centralised party where open factionalism is anathema. While his Huzurabad win showed his personal appeal, his recent victory in Malkajgiri depended heavily on the BJP's organisation and the 'Modi wave' – a key distinction from the party's perspective. The endgame: pressure, exit or stalemate? With the conflict open, analysts see several outcomes. One view is that this is a high-stakes pressure tactic. Having helped force a leadership change once, Rajender may believe he can create another crisis. He has always aimed to be the party's Chief Ministerial face. He may be angling for a Union Cabinet post or another key role, assuming he is too influential to sideline. A second possibility is an exit. Yet, his options are difficult. A ghar wapsi (homecoming) to the BRS seems unlikely. The ruling Congress is already crowded with ambitious leaders. Launching a new BC-based party is a huge risk in a state where regional identity has proven stronger than caste, at least for now. This leaves the BJP in a dilemma. Punishing a prominent BC leader like Rajender could alienate a crucial vote bank and warn off other potential leaders. But inaction is just as risky. It undermines the new state president, shatters the party's image of discipline, and demoralises the cadre. Worse, it makes a mockery of its own OBC outreach. The future of the Telangana BJP now hinges on resolving this internal war. The choice is not just about managing two ambitious leaders; it is about salvaging its most important political project in the state. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
News18
37 minutes ago
- News18
After Dhankhar Exit, Numbers Stack Up In Favour Of NDA For Vice Presidential Poll: Here's How
Last Updated: Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh said the further constitutional process concerning vacancy in the Office of Vice President of India will be communicated as and when received A day after the surprise resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from the post of the vice president of India, there has been much speculation on social media about who will assume the office next – from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. The ruling NDA has a comfortable edge in the elections to the post of the next vice president, necessitated by Dhankhar's exit on Monday (July 21). The Union home ministry notified Dhankhar's resignation on Tuesday, a day after he sent a letter to President Droupadi Murmu saying he was stepping down with immediate effect due to medical reasons. The vice president of India is ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha, whose deputy chairman Harivansh presided over the House soon after it met on the second day of the monsoon session in Parliament. Harivansh told members that the further constitutional process concerning vacancy in the Office of Vice President of India will be communicated as and when received. The vice president is India's second highest constitutional office. He serves for a five-year term, but can continue to be in office, irrespective of the expiry of the term, until the successor assumes office. HOW DOES NDA HAVE A COMFORTABLE EDGE? In Lok Sabha, the BJP-led NDA enjoys the support of 293 members in the 542-member House. The NDA has the support of 129 members in Rajya Sabha, which has an effective strength of 240, assuming that the nominated members vote in support of the NDA nominee. Hence, it has the support of 422 members among 786 members – the combined strength of both the Houses. HOW DO THE POLLS TAKE PLACE? According to Clause 2 of Article 68 of the Constitution, an election to fill a vacancy in the office of the vice president occurring due to his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise, will be held 'as soon as possible" after it goes vacant. The person elected to fill the vacancy will be entitled to hold office 'for the full term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office". Article 66(1) of the Constitution provides that the election shall be held in accordance with the system of Proportional Representation by means of the single transferable vote and the voting at such election shall be by secret ballot. In this system, the elector has to mark preferences against the names of the candidates. (With PTI inputs) view comments First Published: July 22, 2025, 18:07 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
News18 Evening Digest: Key Talking Points Of PM Modi's UK Visit & Other Top Stories
Last Updated: We are also covering: Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as VP, Andy Byron's kiss scam scandal, and Ahaan Panday's alleged girlfriend. In today's evening digest, News18 brings you the latest update on key talking points during PM Modi's UK visit, Sharad Pawar's praise for Fadnavis, & other top stories. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his fourth visit to the UK, India-UK ties will see new energy, with the finalisation of the much-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Read more 'How Does He Not Get Tired': Sharad Pawar Praises Fadnavis In Book Released On CM's Birthday In a coffee book released in honour of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's 55th birthday, NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar is all praise for the BJP leader. Read more Jagdeep Dhankhar, The Governor Who Refused To Be 'Rubber Stamp', The VP Who Shook Power Corridors In the summer of 2019, when Jagdeep Dhankhar walked into the stately corridors of Kolkata's Raj Bhavan, probably a few expected that the newly appointed Governor would soon become the principal political antagonist of the state government. Read more Ahaan Panday Dating Model Shruti Chauhan? Here's The Truth About Saiyaara Actor's Girlfriend Ananya Panday's cousin, Ahaan Panday, is enjoying the success of his Bollywood debut, Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri. Read more view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
