Latest news with #Karandlaje
United News of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Siddaramaiah govt tried to free rioters: Union Minister Karandlaje
Bengaluru, May 31 (UNI) In a sharp escalation of her attack against the Congress-led government in Karnataka, BJP MP and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Saturday accused the Siddaramaiah administration of attempting to shield and rehabilitate criminals by seeking to withdraw 43 serious criminal cases linked to communal violence, arson as well as attacks on police personnel in Hubballi-Dharwad. Addressing reporters here, Karandlaje said the Congress government's move to drop the cases, including those which involved charges of rioting, attempted murder, and destruction of public property, was halted only after the High Court intervened. "These 43 cases involved more number of accused. Had the High Court not stepped in, these criminals would have been out on the streets, ready to target our youths again. What kind of government tries to protect such elements?" she asked. Karandlaje alleged that the government's intent was clear: to appease vote banks by quietly clearing criminal records of politically aligned elements. She said the move not only undermined the morale of the police force but sent a dangerous message to lawbreakers that political patronage could override justice. "We are seeing a dangerous collapse of law and order in Karnataka. In Hubballi-Dharwad, a police station was torched, shops were set on fire, and innocent people were assaulted. Instead of ensuring justice, the Congress cabinet moved to withdraw the very cases that were meant to bring the perpetrators to book," she added. According to Karandlaje, the Congress government had prepared a proposal to drop the 43 cases and place it before the Cabinet, but public outcry and a legal petition forced the Karnataka High Court to halt the decision. The MP further questioned the silence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar on the issue, alleging that senior ministers were either complicit or indifferent. She said this is the first time Karnataka has seen a government so determined to protect the guilty rather than the victims. She also alleged that Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara was himself embroiled in legal troubles related to the Ranya Rao case and was in no position to uphold law and order in the state. Karandlaje linked the attempted case withdrawals to a broader breakdown in governance. "District ministers are not visiting the districts. The CM is holed up in Bengaluru or flies to Mysuru in a chopper. No reviews are being conducted, no accountability exists. Officials are operating without direction or fear of consequence," she alleged. She warned that if such trends continue unchecked, Karnataka would become a haven for criminal elements emboldened by political protection. "This government is not for the people. It is for a select few — those with influence, those with muscle. The rest of Karnataka is being left to fend for itself," Karandlaje said. The Karnataka government has yet to issue a formal response to the High Court's intervention or to Karandlaje's allegations. (The Karnataka High Court on Thursday set aside the Government order, directing public prosecutors to withdraw 43 criminal cases registered/pending against persons accused of various offences including rioting, attempt to murder, stated to include highly influential persons including politicians, in breach of Section 321 of Criminal Procedure Code. (Among them were criminal prosecutions related to the Hubballi riots, where mobs allegedly attacked a police station, as well as cases involving serious charges such as attempt to murder, rioting, and assault on police officers.) UNI BDN RN
United News of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Kamal Haasan thrives on controversies: Karandlaje
Bengaluru, May 30 (UNI) Union Minister and senior BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje on Friday accused actor-politician Kamal Haasan of deliberately provoking tension between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu by making controversial statements on language and regional identity. Speaking to reporters here, Karandlaje said Haasan's remarks were not just irresponsible but appeared to be part of a larger attempt to misuse sensitive issues like language and water — long-standing flashpoints between the two southern states — to create unrest in society. "Language and water have always been the most emotionally charged and sensitive issues between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. When someone like Kamal Haasan stirs these issues, it's not accidental — it's an attempt to provoke, divide and destabilise," she said. Condemning the veteran actor's recent comments involving Kannada, Karandlaje asserted that Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam are rich Indian languages that deserve equal respect. "We must remember that above all, we are Indians. We have to live together in peace and harmony," she said. The minister further questioned Haasan's intentions, claiming that his declining relevance in both cinema and politics has led him to seek attention through controversy. "There was a time when Kamal Haasan was a prominent actor. Today, he holds little significance — neither in films nor in politics. After launching his party, he has failed to make any impact. Now, to stay in the public eye, he is resorting to sensational statements," Karandlaje charged. Terming his remarks divisive and inflammatory, she added, "People like Kamal Haasan thrive on controversy when they lose relevance. The best response to such rhetoric is to ignore it." UNI BDN GNK
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Renaming of Ramanagara as Bengaluru South driven by land mafia interests, says Union Minister Karandlaje
Sullia: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government, alleging that the decision to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South is part of a 'land mafia-driven political conspiracy' to appropriate farmlands around the state capital. Speaking in Sullia, the BJP leader alleged that the move is designed to benefit real estate interests. 'The name change is not for administrative convenience or urban planning. It's meant to take advantage of Bengaluru's brand to push land prices up and forcibly convert farmland into layouts for builders and developers,' she said. Karandlaje accused the government of sidelining farmers' interests and warned of a larger conspiracy to 'grab and redistribute' land under the guise of urban expansion. The Union Minister also criticised the Congress government's alleged decision to shut down Jan Aushadhi centres within hospital premises, claiming that such actions serve the interests of private pharmaceutical companies. 'These centres provide affordable medicines—medications costing ₹1,000 in the market are available for just ₹100. Not only patients, but their families and even residents from nearby villages benefit. Why close them unless there's pressure from the pharma lobby?' she asked. Established under a Central Government initiative, over 15,000 Jan Aushadhi outlets operate nationwide, with a further 10,000 planned. Karandlaje warned that the closure of such centres would disproportionately affect the rural poor and urged the public to resist the move. 'The people of Karnataka must rise against this dual conspiracy—the erosion of rural land rights and the attack on affordable healthcare,' she declared.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Karandlaje calls on woman, SC/ST entrepreneurs to use reservation
Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Shobha Karandlaje has called on female entrepreneurs and those from SC/ST communities to avail themselves of the 3% reservation in supply of spare parts to public sector undertakings (PSUs) of the Union government. Speaking at the inauguration of the four-day IMEX-Hubballi (Industrial Manufacturing Exhibition) organised by North Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (NKSSIA) in Hubbali on Friday, Ms. Karandlaje said that PSUs were procuring 25% of spare parts from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and the Union government had provided 3% reservation to female and SC/ST entrepreneurs. She however pointed out that the PSUs were not getting spare parts from female entrepreneurs at the expected level. 'As of now, only 1.5% of their demand was being supplied by female entrepreneurs. They should take note of it and focus on production of quality products and spare parts required for major industries,' she said. The Minister called on the entrepreneurs and industrialists from North Karnataka to register their industries in the Government e Market (GEM) portal as it would enable PSUs to place their purchase indent with respective industries. Ms. Karandlaje highlighted several of the measures taken by the Centre for supporting the MSME sector and said that 30% of the contribution to the GDP was from the sector. President of NKSSIA Girish Nalavadi emphasised the need for establishment of major industries in North Karnataka to facilitate the growth of the MSME sector in the region. He also urged the government for providing suitable land for holding industrial exhibitions. Inaugurating the industrial exhibition, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said that in the last 11 years the Centre had taken several measures to promote development of trade and commerce and industries. Because of these measures India had emerged as the fourth biggest economy in the world, he said. Mr. Joshi said that in the last one decade foreign direct investment to the tune of $667 billion had happened. 'Quality highways are being laid across the country and there is adequate power production. All infrastructure necessary for industrial development is being provided,' he said. In all, 272 stalls have been set up in the exhibition in which industries from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are participating.
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Business Standard
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
India follows its defence and diplomatic strategy, says Pralhad Joshi
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday said that India, its defence, and diplomacy follow their strategy, and that the government, after discussions with the armed forces, reached an understanding with Pakistan to stop all firing and military action. However, before reaching this understanding, the Government decided that India would treat any future act of terror on its soil as an "act of war" and respond accordingly, he said. "India has its strength. Earlier, even after major terror attacks, our response was mild. But this time, on the very first day, our soldiers attacked about nine terror bases or launch pads in Pakistan. A large number of terrorists were killed. So, I don't want to respond to those criticising the ceasefire announcement," Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, said in response to a question. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Joshi said that ever since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, terrorist activities, which earlier occurred across the country, have been restricted to the border areasand even there, the government is taking serious action. "India and its defence forces have strategies, including diplomacy and foreign affairs. After thorough discussions with the defence forces, the Government of India has made its decision. In the coming days, spokespersons from the External Affairs and Defence Ministries will share more details," he added. In response to a question about US President Donald Trump's claim of mediation, Joshi said that reports suggest that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) spoke to his Indian counterpart regarding the ceasefire violation. For further information, the concerned Ministry will respond, he added. Noting that the Indian government had taken a strong stand even before announcing the ceasefire that any future act of terror would be treated as an "act of war", he said Pakistan should learn a lesson. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, speaking in Bengaluru, hit out at Pakistan for violating the ceasefire. She said the time had come for the world to consider how to punish a country that has become a "haven" for terrorism. "Pakistan is exporting terrorists," she claimed. She noted that in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, India and its soldiers had destroyed nine terror bases in Pakistan and killed hundreds of terrorists, including the brother and family members of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar. Karandlaje added, "Fearing our retaliation, Pakistan ran to the US and other countries, pleading for a ceasefire." "But Pakistan, which is untrustworthy, once again tried to attack India last night after the ceasefire announcement. We, the people of India, stand firmly behind our armed forces, and it is every citizen's responsibility to support their families," she added. Karandlaje was speaking to reporters after participating in a "Walk for the Nation" march held in Bengaluru. She said people from all religions, castes, and political affiliations united in the march, showing their support for the armed forces. Stating that Pakistan continues to train terrorists despite its people lacking necessities, Karandlaje said the country has been troubling India for the past seventy-eight years by sending terrorists to kill innocent civilians and soldiers. "This must end. The people of India are with the Government. We are all standing in support of our soldiers," she said.
