Latest news with #Priyank
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Priyank Kharge expresses gratitude to Kalaburagi citizens for supporting him against BJP attacks
In a press statement issued on Saturday, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge thanked citizens of Kalaburagi and supporters across the region for standing in solidarity with him in the wake of personal attacks by BJP leaders. Responding to the derogatory remarks recently made by Leader of Opposition int he Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and others, Mr. Priyank said that the people of Kalaburagi had given a fitting and dignified reply through their massive mobilisation and intellectual resistance. 'The conscious citizens of Kalaburagi, deeply rooted in the philosophy of Basavanna and B.R. Ambedkar have once again reaffirmed their belief in democracy and the Constitution,' Mr. Priyank stated, adding that their overwhelming support had not only strengthened his resolve but also silenced those resorting to personal and ideological attacks. Reflecting on the historical and intellectual legacy of Kalyana Karnataka, Mr. Priyank remarked that the region had been a cradle of progressive thought since the days of the Vachana movement, and would never allow the 'regressive and polluted ideology' of the RSS and the BJP to take root. 'The BJP's attempt to undermine me through personal slander reflects its inability to counter me politically, ideologically, or intellectually. They have launched these attacks because I have fearlessly exposed their failures and corruption,' he said. 'I am not alone. With me are thousands who follow the path of Ambedkar and Basavanna. This spiritual and ideological army gives me the strength and confidence to continue the fight against injustice,' Mr. Priyank said. Reaffirming his commitment to the marginalised, the Minister pledged to carry forward his mission to uplift the underprivileged and continue his efforts to dismantle social inequality. 'Basavanna gives me ideological strength, Babasaheb provides moral strength, and your support gives me the soul force I need. Together, we will confront and defeat the dangerous rise of communal and casteist forces,' he concluded.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Karnataka: Rules to tax unauthorised properties in rural areas soon
BENGALURU : Rural development and panchayat raj minister Priyank Kharge Thursday said guidelines to bring all unauthorised properties in rural areas under the purview of local bodies like gram panchayats for the purpose of collecting property tax will be ready by mid-July. The move is part of measures to implement The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed in March. "We are drawing up guidelines to bring illegal layouts in rural areas into the tax net," said Priyank. "By rolling out the initiative, we can bring around 95 lakh properties under the purview of property tax." While addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Priyank highlighted achievements of the RDPR department over the past two years. He said the department collected over Rs 1,273 crore in revenue this year and it will increase once unauthorised properties start paying tax. He said the department has issued e-khatas to over 50 lakh properties. He said the department has achieved several new initiatives, such as Arivu Kendras (digital libraries), creches, and e-khatas for rural properties, among others. Hitting back at criticism from BJP, which accused him of "doing nothing" for RDPR in the state, he said the central govt had awarded Karnataka RDPR the No. 1 position for decentralisation of power in the state. "This was given by Prime Minister Modi, but BJP still accuses me of not working," Priyank said. He said that while the Centre has ignored the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, the state provided employment for over 55 lakh people under the scheme in the past two years. Priyank said Karnataka has continued to implement the Jal Jeevan mission to provide safe drinking water in rural areas and that the state and Centre should bear project expenses equally. "The Centre's share is over Rs 3,400 crore but it has released only Rs 515 crore. The Union minister informed us that it would allocate the pending amount in the next budget and requested the state to arrange the funds for the scheme," he said. He said chief minister Siddaramaiah released funds to balance the Union govt's share, and the implementation of the scheme continues without any hindrance. "But BJP is falsely alleging that the state govt is not utilising funds released by the centre for the Jal Jeevan mission," he said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Rules to tax unauthorised properties in rural areas soon
Bengaluru: Rural development and panchayat raj minister Priyank Kharge Thursday said guidelines to bring all unauthorised properties in rural areas under the purview of local bodies like gram panchayats for the purpose of collecting property tax will be ready by mid-July. The move is part of measures to implement The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed in March. "We are drawing up guidelines to bring illegal layouts in rural areas into the tax net," said Priyank. "By rolling out the initiative, we can bring around 95 lakh properties under the purview of property tax." While addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Priyank highlighted achievements of the RDPR department over the past two years. He said the department collected over Rs 1,273 crore in revenue this year and it will increase once unauthorised properties start paying tax. He said the department has issued e-khatas to over 50 lakh properties. He said the department has achieved several new initiatives, such as Arivu Kendras (digital libraries), creches, and e-khatas for rural properties, among others. Hitting back at criticism from BJP, which accused him of "doing nothing" for RDPR in the state, he said the central govt had awarded Karnataka RDPR the No. 1 position for decentralisation of power in the state. "This was given by Prime Minister Modi, but BJP still accuses me of not working," Priyank said. He said that while the Centre has ignored the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, the state provided employment for over 55 lakh people under the scheme in the past two years. Priyank said Karnataka has continued to implement the Jal Jeevan mission to provide safe drinking water in rural areas and that the state and Centre should bear project expenses equally. "The Centre's share is over Rs 3,400 crore but it has released only Rs 515 crore. The Union minister informed us that it would allocate the pending amount in the next budget and requested the state to arrange the funds for the scheme," he said. He said chief minister Siddaramaiah released funds to balance the Union govt's share, and the implementation of the scheme continues without any hindrance. "But BJP is falsely alleging that the state govt is not utilising funds released by the centre for the Jal Jeevan mission," he said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
I would love to mentor young cricketers now: Priyank Panchal
Priyank Panchal Former Team Gujarat skipper Priyank Panchal , who announced his retirement from first-class cricket on Monday evening, says, 'It was a practical decision.' The 35-year-old batter, who has also captained India A in the past, adds, 'It (retirement) was on my mind for a while. I could have easily played for another two or three years. However, as a professional cricketer, my biggest dream was to play for India and realistically, I didn't think that was going to happen. So, I felt there was no point in playing just for the sake of it if the hunger (to succeed) at the highest level is no longer there.' 'I will continue to contribute to cricket' So, what does he plan to do next? Priyank says, 'For now, I just want to process this phase. I have a couple of things in mind, but I will start working on that later.' However, he adds, 'I will continue to contribute to cricket. I would love to mentor young cricketers because given how competitive the game has become, it is important to have a mentor who can guide you properly. Many talented youngsters don't have clarity about what they need to do to reach a higher level. I would be very happy if I can help them achieve their dreams.' 'My journey was full of challenges, but I enjoyed it' With 8856 runs in 127 matches, including 29 centuries, Priyank finished as Team Gujarat's second-highest run-scorer in first-class cricket. The classy innings of 148 against Kerala in February ( Ranji Trophy semi-final) will remain his last first-class innings. In 2021-22, he was even selected in Team India as Rohit Sharma's replacement for the South Africa tour, but did not find a place in the playing XI. Does he have any regrets? Priyank, who won all domestic tournaments with Team Gujarat (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2014-15, Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2015-16 and Ranji Trophy in 2016-17, where he scored 1310 runs, including a career-best 314 against Punjab), says, 'My journey has been full of challenges and sacrifices because first-class cricket requires a lot of hard work. But I enjoyed that grind. Being a part of the Gujarat dressing room taught me discipline, how to stay positive even during tough times, and how to stay calm under pressure. These important life lessons have helped me in all aspects. I may not have played for India, but captaining India A against international teams was a very proud moment.' 'My school and employers have supported me a lot' Reflecting on the journey, Priyank says, 'For me, everything started at school (Hiramani School, Ahmedabad) and some of the teachers, like Jani sir and Brahmbhatt sir, played a huge role in shaping my dreams as a cricketer. Later, my employers (Income Tax Department) also supported me immensely and the job gave me stability.' He adds, 'I think the turning point in my career came when I started scoring big in local matches. Once, I scored a double century and that gave me the belief that I could do this at the highest level too.' 'I am grateful to my family and friends for their constant support' Getting emotional, Priyank says, 'I am grateful to my family and friends for their constant support. When I was a kid, my dad always inspired me to pursue my dream of playing for India. After he left us, my mom (Dipti) and sister (Brinda) made sure that I could focus on cricket and not worry about anything else. They kept believing in me even when I did not do well. My wife (Kalna) and in-laws have been a constant source of strength too. I couldn't have achieved whatever I have done without them.' He adds, 'After I informed my family about retirement, they said, 'Do whatever you feel is right. We are always there for you.' Everyone agreed that it was a practical decision.' Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
BJP leader's ‘Pakistani' remark against Kalaburagi DC sparks widespread condemnation
N. Ravikumar, BJP MLC, is facing intense criticism from civil society organisations, political leaders, and public associations following his controversial remarks questioning whether Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Fouzia Taranum was 'from Pakistan' during a recent party rally in the city. In a strongly worded statement, the Karnataka State Committee of the Akhil Bharatiya Janawadi Mahila Sanghatan condemned Mr. Ravikumar's comments as 'irresponsible and inflammatory'. The statement, signed by organisation president Meenakshi Bali, vice-president K. Neela, and general secretary Devi, called for a public apology from the BJP leader. 'This tendency among BJP leaders to target officials based on their caste and religion is deeply ingrained in the party's ideology,' the statement said. It further demanded that the BJP take disciplinary action against Mr. Ravikumar and cultivate a culture of respect towards women serving the nation. The group also recalled a previous instance in which another BJP leader had allegedly referred to Col. Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Army officer, as a 'terrorist's sister'. In a related development, a delegation of Muslim women submitted a memorandum to Kalaburagi Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa demanding legal action against Mr. Ravikumar. They described his remarks as 'driven by hatred and prejudice' and urged authorities to ensure institutional protection and public support for officers who are being targeted based on religion. 'This is not an isolated incident. Earlier, Col. Qureshi was similarly targeted. Now, it is IAS officer Ms. Taranum. This points to a disturbing pattern of repeated humiliation of qualified, dedicated Muslim women officers in public discourse,' the memorandum stated. Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge sharply criticised Mr. Ravikumar's remarks in a Facebook post. Describing the comments as 'highly objectionable and communal', Mr. Priyank accused the BJP of consistently invoking Pakistan to vilify both public servants and political rivals. 'BJP leaders seem unable to function without mentioning Pakistan; it appears they even dream of it,' Mr. Priyank wrote. He noted that Ms. Taranum is a meritorious officer of the Indian Administrative Service, who was recently honoured by President Droupadi Murmu for her exemplary conduct as an election officer. 'She did not gain her post through political flattery or allegiance, but through sincere public service,' he remarked, drawing a pointed contrast with what he implied were politically motivated appointments within the BJP. Mr. Priyank further criticised Mr. Ravikumar for attempting to undermine the integrity of a senior bureaucrat, saying such remarks reflect a 'lack of basic common sense'. He linked the incident to a broader pattern of communal polarisation citing a past instance where BJP leader Vijay Shah referred to Col. Qureshi as a 'terrorist's sister' owing to her religion. 'The BJP's arrogance and communal mindset, where officials and soldiers are vilified based on their faith, will not be tolerated. The public will respond to such bigotry,' he warned. The Karnataka State Government Employees' Association also condemned Mr. Ravikumar's remarks. In a statement issued on Tuesday, district president Basavaraj Balundagi said such irresponsible statements contribute to the harassment of honest officers. Echoing this sentiment, Basavaraj Ingin, State president of the Tur Growers' Association, also criticised the comments. 'Such remarks are not only unacceptable but utterly condemnable,' he said. Speaking to The Hindu over the phone, Mr. Ingin added: 'I know Ms. Taranum personally. She is an honest and hardworking officer who listens attentively to people's problems. When we approached her regarding red gram growers' grievances, she responded promptly and took action.'
