Desperate IT Raids
Finally looks like the BJP has kicked off to a strong campaigning phase in the upcoming loksabha elections. IT dept officials have raided a few selected people including politicians of other parties in the state giving the BJP much needed campaign curtain raiser. In the recent past, the same IT dept officials had raided the house of minister D K Shivakumar’s residence. Centre had sent IT teams for the very purpose when DKS had created a safe haven for Cong MLAs from Gujarat.
A few years back, central governments would use IT department in a rather clandestine manner to issue a veiled threat to their opponents. But now things are not covered anymore. Government issues direct threat to opponents using the IT dept.
When Yeddyurappa’s diary was made public in the recently, a BJP sympathizer IT official had hurriedly clarified that the diary was fake. But one cannot even question how he was authorized to clarify the matter. The raid by IT dept around the same time as coalition partners are entering polls has created some controversy. Both JD(S) and Cong have alleged that the raids are connected with upcoming elections, a claim denied by the officials.
IT dept is bound to investigate into the matters of tax evasion. There is no doubt about this. The offenders might be the big shots or the powerful politicians, if their accounts don’t tally, the department has to investigate into the matter. In this regard, anybody interrupting the officers on job is liable to punishment. But even the IT officials during the raid have to maintain their credibility. The main question now is why are the officials raiding the offices of only one party's workers and supporters? Yeddyurappa diary is testimony to the fact that more tax evaders are present in Karnataka.
Reddys of mining mafia are still capable of spending thousands of crores during elections. Hence sparing all BJP workers, why did the teams raid only those who are with the coalition government? And why did the raids happen only at the time of elections? Why were they silent till now? IT officials are responsible to answer these questions.
The raids conducted by them during the assembly election at DKShi’s residence and now on the residences of JD(S) leaders are same in bear the same motive. Hence no matter how much one wants to defend them, the underlying rot is rather too evident. At the same time, another question also arises. The night prior to the raids, CM had said in no uncertain terms that raids on their party supporters were due soon. How did he get the inkling of this? Who leaked the information to him? If he had known beforehand, would the raid even have any impact? Persons concerned would have hidden important documents and details beforehand itself. What impact would the raids even have as an act? But despite this if the raids have happened, it means there is something more than what meets the eye here. This is about spreading negativity among people about the parties. The main purpose of this raid is over with turning into cover page news. At the same time, BJP leaders defending this raid is a mockery of sorts. If IT officers had been working independently even BJP leaders would have been the aggrieved ones along with JD(S) by now. It would have been a credible thing if the IT officers had raided all politicians that are corrupt irrespective of their party background. People would have appreciated this task by IT officers on the whole.
This raid has been some sort of a humiliating one for the central government itself for having timed it around elections. People are wise enough to understand this. They can sense the game centre is playing with the state. This shows Modi’s desperation, and his fear towards a rather bleak future for his party in the upcoming elections.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
