Latest news with #Siddaramaiah-led
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Desperate to bring blood, tears to people's eyes": HD Kumaraswamy attacks Karnataka govt over rain situation
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 30 (ANI): Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday launched a fierce attack on the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka, accusing it of mishandling the rain situation and questioning him as to why preventative measures were not taken before the downpours. Kumaraswamy slammed the state government and said it was desperate to bring 'blood and tears' to the public's eyes as relentless torrential rains disrupt normal lives. 'Relentless torrential rains across the state, including the coastal belt, have severely disrupted daily life. People are left in tears. Instead of acting responsibly and wiping their tears, the Karnataka government seems desperate to bring blood and tears to their eyes! Homes, roads, and bridges have collapsed. Cities, towns, and villages are waterlogged, and people are in deep distress. What steps has the government taken to protect the lives of people who are already on the brink?' posted Kumaraswamy on X. 'What is the point if, after lives are lost to the floods, the Chief Minister merely instructs ministers to go visit? As the saying goes, What's the use of bolting the door after the fort has been looted? What preparations were made before the rains began? Is this what people-centric governance looks like? Is this what it means to walk the talk?' questioned Kumaraswamy on X. 'The Congress government shows no concern about the torrential downpour in the coastal region, but exhibits excessive interest in coastal murders, 'not to prevent them, but to extract political gain' even from those tragedies! CM Siddaramaiah, you have been in power for two years. You have spent this time blaming other parties. Since you assumed office, how many murders have taken place in the coastal region? Why haven't they been curbed? Didn't one community vote for your party 100%?' his post said. 'You have failed to protect them, yet you continue to spew venom against other communities. You have turned a once peaceful garden of communities into a garden of venomous snakes. Siddaramaiah..., enough of your government's excuses. Visit the coastal region immediately. Give strength and hope to the people shattered by both floods and murders,' he added. His post further said, 'While the floods may be nature's fury, the murder spree is a political disaster fueled by your party. As Chief Minister, this is your immediate responsibility.' Meanwhile, as heavy rains lashed parts of Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has assured citizens that the government is fully prepared to address any emergencies. Speaking to the media on Friday, Shivakumar outlined the proactive measures being taken by the state to manage the situation and told the media that all deputy commissioners have been asked to take the required action, and state ministers will be at their headquarters to look over the situation. 'We have called all the deputy commissioners and asked them to take action. For emergency cases, we have authorised all the deputy commissioners and the officers to be alert. After the meeting, all the Ministers must be in their headquarters and help the people because we can't avoid nature...,' he said. The IMD said that rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are likely over northwest India for the next 4-5 days due to the western disturbance. It also predicted that heavy rainfall would likely continue over Kerala, coastal Karnataka, and ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, with isolated extremely heavy falls over Kerala on May 30 and reduced thereafter. (ANI)
United News of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Kumaraswamy blames Cong for flood, violence
Bengaluru, May 30 (UNI) Former Chief Minister and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday launched a fierce attack on the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, accusing it of turning Karnataka's coastal region into a 'political disaster' amid relentless floods and rising murders. Addressing the ongoing crisis caused by torrential rains that have battered the state, Kumaraswamy said, 'The floods may be nature's fury, but the murder spree is a political disaster fuelled by your party.' The former CM highlighted the severe disruption caused by the unrelenting rains, with homes, roads, and bridges collapsing and cities, towns, and villages waterlogged across the state, leaving people in tears and deep distress. 'Instead of acting responsibly and wiping the tears of the people, the Congress government seems desperate to bring blood and tears to their eyes,' Kumaraswamy said, condemning the administration's inadequate disaster preparedness and response. He criticised the Chief Minister for merely instructing ministers to visit flood-affected areas after lives were lost, likening it to 'bolting the door after the fort has been looted.' Kumaraswamy questioned the government's pre-monsoon preparations and its claim of people-centric governance. Kumaraswamy also accused the Congress of selective concern, pointing out its apparent indifference to the flood crisis while allegedly exploiting coastal murders for political gain. 'You have been in power for two years, blaming other parties, yet murders in the coastal region have not been curbed despite a particular community voting 100% for your party,' he said, accusing Siddaramaiah's administration of failing to protect people and instead spreading communal venom. 'You have turned a once peaceful garden of communities into a garden of venomous snakes,' Kumaraswamy said, urging the Chief Minister to immediately visit the flood-hit coastal areas and restore hope among the shattered people. UNI BDN PRS
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Govt tribal park project for Banjaras in limbo for a decade
Bidar: A flagship initiative of the Congress government aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Banjara (Lambani) community — the Tribal Park in Borampalli, Humnabad taluk of Bidar district lies in a state of neglect, even a decade after it was first sanctioned. Locals and community leaders have now accused the government of failing to deliver on its commitment, despite allocating Rs 200 crore for the ambitious project. Launched with the intent to showcase Banjara attire, crafts, folk dances, music, and lifestyle, the park was expected to become a hub for cultural preservation and economic empowerment. However, delays bureaucratic apathy, and lack of political will have rendered the project a non-starter, triggering widespread anger among the Lambani community. The project was first sanctioned during the **Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in 2015-16, with a vision to complete construction within a year. A 34.06-acre plot was earmarked in Borampalli village, and initial infrastructure like compound walls and internal roads were constructed by the Karnataka Tanda Development Corporation. The government even approved Rs 200 crore in the Cabinet and released the first tranche of Rs 50 crore. Yet, ten years later, critical components like the hostel, training centers, and cultural exhibition halls remain incomplete. Contracts handed over to various departments, including land development arms, have failed to expedite the work, leaving behind only skeletal structures and broken promises. The proposed Tribal Park was intended to include a Banjara costume production unit with modern technology for cultural preservation and job creation, a Kasuti embroidery training centre for artisans to learn, produce, and sell traditional work. A folk arts school to teach traditional music and dance ,Semi-residential schools for children of migrant workers ,a rehabilitation centre for alcohol addiction and a cement and brick manufacturing unit for local employment generation The park was also envisioned as a space to promote Banjara handicrafts, generate tourism, and build a self-sustaining economic model for the community. However, none of these objectives have been achieved, as work remains stalled at the foundation level in most places. Former Minister Rajashekhar Patil has now urged local MLAs and Congress leadership to intervene, alleging that the lack of interest from officers and elected representatives** is turning the government's own pet project into a symbol of failure. 'Despite Rs 50 crore being released, the departments have not shown the will to complete this work. The government's apathy is killing its own ambitious project meant for a vulnerable and culturally rich community,' Patil said. Local citizens and activists have echoed the demand, asking the state to wake up and finish what it started. They warned that the Lambani community's cultural legacy is at risk of disappearing**, especially in the face of increasing modernization. The Tribal Park was conceived not just as a tourist attraction but as a living museum of the Banjara way of life — an effort to revive vanishing traditions, offer employment to tribal artisans, and introduce their craft to a global audience. But with a decade lost to red tape and inaction, what remains is a stark reminder of how grand ideas can rot without political will. Community leaders say the Banjara identity, already marginalized, is being pushed further into oblivion. Citizens have now demanded that the Congress government re-evaluate its priorities, hold officials accountable, and immediately resume construction to restore faith and dignity to the community that once celebrated the announcement of this dream project. If the government truly believes in inclusion and cultural preservation, let it prove it — not in words, but in action,' said a local activist from Humnabad. The Tribal Park lies unfinished — not because of lack of funds, but because of a lack of intent. For a government that promised empowerment and equity, the silence on this issue speaks louder than any speech.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Shettar welcomes HC order quashing govt move to withdraw riot-related cases
Belagavi: Former chief minister and Belagavi MP welcomed the Karnataka high court's decision to set aside the state government's order to withdraw 43 criminal cases including those related to the 2022 Hubballi riots. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Addressing the media on Thursday, Shettar termed the high court's verdict a 'strong rebuke' to the Siddaramaiah-led government. "This is a big slap on the face of the government, which seems to have acted without following due legal process. Before making such a decision, it is essential to consult the legal department. It appears that proper procedure was not followed," he said. The senior BJP leader criticised the state government's decision to withdraw cases, alleging that the move was driven by appeasement politics. "Most of the accused in these cases are Muslims. If the govt keeps favouring them in criminal matters, how will lessons be learned? There must be consequences for unlawful actions," he said. Shettar also expressed concern over what he described as the weakening of law and order in Karnataka. "This kind of approach encourages fringe elements and erodes the public's fear of law. The rising incidents of rape and murder in the state are a reflection of that," he added.
The Print
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
A chain of retaliatory killings & a political blame game keep coastal Karnataka on boil
The pick-up truck driver's was a third murder in the coastal district in nearly a month, in what is emerging as a disturbing pattern of retaliatory killings that haunt the coastal districts of Karnataka including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Mangaluru city. It was no surprise Rahiman's last rites procession witnessed heavy police security. 'We need justice,' an inconsolable Shabana, his sister, told reporters. 'He was involved only in his work and did no wrong to anyone. Those who did this to him should be punished.' Bengaluru: Hundreds of people braved incessant rains in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district Wednesday to take part in a funeral procession. The body of 32-year-old Abdul Rahiman was taken from the hospital to his house and then to a mosque before the last rites were conducted. On 17 April, a 35-year-old Kerala resident was lynched by a mob allegedly for chanting pro-Pakistan slogans during a cricket match in Mangaluru's Kudupu locality, bordering Kerala. This was followed by the brutal killing of 33-year-old Suhas Shetty, a rowdy-sheeter, in full public view on 1 May at the busy Kinnipadavu locality of the city. As soon as news of Shetty's murder hit headlines, the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government issued orders to form an 'anti-communal force,' in the state, potentially nothing like any state has seen so far. This force is yet to become operational, even as tensions in the communally sensitive coastal regions remain dangerously close to spiraling out of control. 'There are some formalities to be completed on how it needs to be formed, who will head it, what powers should these people be given…all of these have to be examined, studied and then be formed. So, yesterday (Wednesday) we have issued a government order to form the anti-communal force,' G. Parameshwara, Karnataka's minister for home affairs, told reporters Thursday. Rahiman was attacked Tuesday afternoon by a machete-wielding group of more than 15 people. Another person, Kalandar Shafi, also a pick-up truck diver, was injured in the attack and is under treatment. The police are yet to officially ascertain the motive behind the killing but all fingers point to the possibility of retaliatory murders. According to the FIR registered after the murder, at least 15 people attacked the duo near Kuriyala village. Deepak, Sumith and 13 other unnamed individuals have been listed as the main accused in the case that has pushed the coastal district on the edge again. Also Read: Coastal Karnataka on edge as murder accused 'Hindu activist' hacked to death in Mangaluru Random retaliation Some instances of stone-pelting were reported Wednesday in Surathkal in northern Mangaluru. After Suhas Shetty's murder too, there were at least three instances of machete-wielding groups trying to attack random strangers in parts of the district, apparently to avenge the killing. 'Unlike in cases involving rowdies, where one gang kills the others' members because they were involved, here they need a person from the other religion. If it's a Muslim, they need a Hindu and vice-versa. And in the process, the easiest ones get killed,' said a senior police officer who was posted in the region. What appears to be a cycle of tit-for-tat killings ostensibly triggered by the killing of 19-year-old Masood B. who was attacked by unidentified people on 19 July, 2022, in Kalinja in Sullia taluk. He died two days later in a hospital. His death did not make headlines but there were those who wanted to avenge his killing. On July 26 that year, bike-borne assailants hacked to death Praveen Nettaru, a Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BYJM) worker in Bellare village, fuelling tensions. The ruling BJP was unable to give an explanation. Suhas Shetty was out in vengeance and randomly chose a target. The next day, Suhas allegedly killed 23-year-old Faizal in the busy Mangalpete locality of Surathkal in the northern part of the coastal district. Adil, Faizal's brother, now is the main accused in the murder case of Suhas Shetty. Before that in June 2017, there were clashes triggered by the killing of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) leader Ashraf Kalayi, fueling a flare-up. This was followed by a fatal attack on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker Sharath Madivala in early July that year. BJP vs Congress Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka's minister for health & family welfare, said Wednesday the chain of retaliatory murders was giving the state and district a bad name, and also deterring investors. Rao, who is also the Dakshina Kannada district minister, said the entire Sangh Parivar ecosystem too was responsible for the situation. Asked if Rahiman's killing was another communally motivated murder, Rao said, 'Let the entire investigation come out, we are not people who speak out provocatively like the BJP. They have no control over their tongues…have no limit on their tongue. You have seen how they speak, the Sangh Parivar, the BJP and their leaders… if they get the opportunity, they will carry out their politics over a dead body.' BJP began its 2018 Karnataka assembly election campaign with a tableau in Uttara Kannada's Ankola, depicting Hindus and cows being killed by Muslims. Shobha Karandlaje, Ananth Kumar Hegde and others participated in the padayatra (foot march) to highlight the alleged systemic targeting of Hindus under Siddaramaiah's rule. Karandlaje also released a list of 23 names claiming they were Hindutva workers killed by jihadists. It was found later that several of these people had died of unrelated causes, and some are even alive, according to multiple reports, including police versions. The Congress and BJP have traded charges, accusing each other of emboldening the other side to carry out these murders. 'Some of these people believe that they can do anything under the name of Hindutva. They use religion as a shield for killing someone or making provocative speeches,' Rao said Wednesday. BJP hit back, accusing the Congress of appeasement. 'There is no system to keep law and order in the state. There are an increasing number of love-jihad cases, terrorism activities. The number of people saying Pakistan Zindabad has also gone up…there is a mindset for retaliatory killings that is not good for the state,' responded R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka. He said Congress's appeasement politics was the main reason for communal discord in the coastal districts. Meanwhile, a senior intelligence officer said the killings can be understood only through the lens of politics and local sentiments. 'That's where the entire game is.' (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Amid row over 'janeu' removal at CET centres, Oppn targets Siddaramaiah govt with 'hijab' jibe
