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Karnataka

Five Guarantees: Budgetary Reflections in Siddaramaiah’s Independence Day Speech

Siddaramaiah’s Independence Day speech highlights ‘Five Guarantees’ with budgetary implications.

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JD(S) Loses Secular Status by Aligning with BJP: CM Siddaramaiah
Photo:-Twitter/@CMofKarnataka

Bengaluru: Marking the 77th Independence Day celebrations, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of Karnataka delivered a powerful speech that focused on the state’s history, the sacrifices of its brave hearts for India’s freedom, and a vision for the future anchored by five crucial guarantees.

The Chief Minister took the occasion to indirectly address the previous BJP government, emphasizing that societal harmony is an essential prerequisite for development. He firmly stated, “The citizens of Karnataka understand that societal peace is an indispensable foundation for progress, rejecting concerted efforts by disruptive elements.”

Siddaramaiah elaborated on his administration’s commitment to five key guarantee schemes: Shakti, Gruha Jyothi, Anna Bhagya, Gruha Lakshmi, and Yuva Nidhi, all designed to ensure equitable social justice. In his address, he paid homage to the influence of visionary leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Jawaharlal Nehru in steering India towards its present robust global standing.

The Chief Minister highlighted that certain segments of the population were grappling with challenges stemming from inflation, unemployment, corruption, and social disparities related to caste and religion. In response to these concerns, his government embraced a “Universal Basic Income policy,” implementing the five guarantee schemes to invigorate the economic and social fabric.

Outlining the achievements of these schemes, Siddaramaiah reported, “The Shakti scheme has facilitated over Rs 38.54 crore worth of free trips for women via bus corporations. Gruha Jyothi has witnessed 1.49 crore enrollments, granting access to free electricity, entailing an annual expenditure of Rs. 13910 crores. Anna Bhagya has positively impacted 1.04 crore families by offering 5 kg of rice and disbursing funds for the remaining 5 kg. Gruha Lakshmi, on the other hand, allocates a monthly financial aid of Rs. 2000 to women heading households, benefiting approximately 1.08 crore beneficiaries. Finally, Yuva Nidhi extends a monthly unemployment allowance of Rs. 3000 to unemployed graduates and Rs. 1500 for diploma holders, catering to 1.30 crore economically disadvantaged families.”

Siddaramaiah made a resolute stance against the propagation of false information on social media, disruptions to social harmony, and activities driven by moral policing or communal discord. He appealed to the youth to resist the allure of vested interests.

In a swipe at the central government, the Chief Minister lamented the disproportion between Karnataka’s substantial contribution of over Rs. 4 lakh crore in taxes and duties to the Centre, and the comparatively modest return of Rs. 50,000 crore. He also spotlighted his government’s accomplishments in urban development, including traffic management, urban mobility enhancements, and boosting the Bengaluru brand.

As the state looks ahead, Siddaramaiah’s speech has set a determined tone, emphasizing not only the commitment to development but also the importance of social equity and unity in shaping Karnataka’s path forward.

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Karnataka

JD(S) Loses Secular Status by Aligning with BJP: CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka CM questions JD(S) on secular claim post BJP alliance for 2024 elections.

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JD(S) Loses Secular Status by Aligning with BJP: CM Siddaramaiah
File Photo:-Twitter/@CMofKarnataka

Chamarajanagar: Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, took a pointed jab at the JD(S), led by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, on Wednesday. He questioned the party’s claim to be secular after forming an electoral alliance with the BJP for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The JD(S) recently made the decision to join forces with the BJP following a meeting between its leader and former Chief Minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy (the son of Deve Gowda), Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National President J.P. Nadda in New Delhi.

Addressing reporters in Konanakere district, Siddaramaiah remarked, “They have now forged an alliance with the BJP for the elections, so what should we call them? The name suggests ‘secular,’ but are they still secular? Can we believe what they claim? Even after aligning with a communal party, can they still be considered secular? Let them align with the BJP or anyone else; we don’t object to that. But they shouldn’t claim to be secular; that’s all. The Janata Dal should not portray itself as a secular party.”

JD(S) had previously formed governments in coalition with both the BJP and Congress, serving for 20 months from January 2006 and 14 months from May 2018, with Kumaraswamy as the Chief Minister on both occasions.

Earlier in the day, Kumaraswamy criticized Congress leaders for suggesting that Deve Gowda had proven JD(S) to be the “B-team” of the BJP by forming an alliance with them. He argued that had he chosen to align with the BJP, as per the invitation from Shah, instead of with the Congress after the 2018 Assembly polls, he could have governed for a full five years.

Accusing the Congress of undermining secular forces across the country, Kumaraswamy alleged that they even attempted to “eliminate” the JD(S) after forming an alliance with the party. He pointed out that the JD(S) did not expel Siddaramaiah from the party, countering claims that in 2004, Siddaramaiah had attempted to meet with the then BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu in Chennai to explore an understanding and form a government.

In response, Siddaramaiah clarified, “I have never met Venkaiah Naidu. It’s true that I met (L.K.) Advani. Advani was formerly part of the Janata Party; that’s how I know him, and I did meet him.”

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Karnataka

Muslim Leaders Resign from JD(S) Following BJP Alliance

JD(S) joins BJP-led NDA; Muslim leaders, including Syed Shafiullah, resign from party roles in response.

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Muslim Leaders Resign from JD(S) Following BJP Alliance
Photo:-Twitter/@hd_kumaraswamy

Karnataka:The JD(S) has officially joined the BJP-led NDA in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections next year. In response to this development, senior Muslim leaders, including Syed Shafiullah, who held the position of the party’s senior state vice-president, have resigned from all party positions.

This move by the JD(S) is part of the BJP’s efforts to reconfigure its electoral strategy in various states, both for the forthcoming Assembly polls in five states and the imminent general election. The JD(S), under the leadership of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, has affirmed its alliance with the NDA and emphasized its collaboration with the saffron party to challenge the Congress in Karnataka during the Lok Sabha polls.

Syed Shafiullah, the Senior State Vice President of JD(S), decided to resign from the party due to the JD(S)’s decision to form an alliance with the BJP. In his resignation letter, he expressed his commitment to the party’s secular principles and cited a previous instance when the JD(S) had aligned with the BJP to form the state government. He also noted his previous decision to stay outside the party during that period.

It’s worth mentioning that the JD(S) had previously formed coalition governments with both the BJP and Congress independently, with Kumaraswamy serving as chief minister for 20 months from January 2006 and 14 months from May 2018, respectively.

Shafiullah explained his resignation by stating, “Since the party’s senior leaders are now choosing to align with the BJP, I have no choice but to submit my resignation to the party’s Senior Vice President Office of the State and also my Primary Membership of the Party.”

According to a report by Deccan Herald, several other prominent figures, including former minister N M Nabi, former New Delhi representative Mohid Altaf, youth wing president NM Noor, and former minority wing chief Nasir Hussain Ustad, are also leaving the regional party.

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Karnataka

Mangaluru Coal Lorry Owners Declare Indefinite Strike Starting Sep 25

Lorry owners in Mangaluru are set to strike from September 25, demanding higher transport fees for coal delivery, citing rising operational costs and minimal price increases by coal buyers.

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Mangaluru Coal Lorry Owners Declare Indefinite Strike Starting Sep 25
Photo:-ibtimes

Mangaluru: Lorry owners who transport coal from Navamangaluru port (NMP) to steel, sugar and paper industries in different parts of the state have decided to go on indefinite strike from September 25 demanding hike in transport cost and other demands.

There are 2000 trucks supplying coal from NMP to steel industries in Bellary and Koppal and to sugar and paper industries in Shivamogga, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts. On an average, 300 coal-laden trucks leave the port every day.

“Our operational cost has doubled in the last five years, coal buyers have increased the transportation cost by only Rs 100-150 per tonne, which is causing loss to the truck owners,” said Sushant Shetty, president of Dakshina Kannada Lorry Owners Association.

“In the last five years, the price of a truck (14-wheeler) has gone up from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh, tire from Rs 16,000 to Rs 28,000, road tax to Rs 2,000. But the cost of fuel and spare parts has doubled. But only coal buyers have increased their freight cost by Rs 100. He accused.

1,300 per tonne of coal supply to Koppal. And the Lorry Owners’ Association has urged the government to allocate Rs 1,400 to Bellary. A fortnight ago, the association had appealed to the district administration to resolve their grievances. But as there was no response, the lorry owners decided to go on strike.

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