Hubballi: Minister Santhosh Lad takes dig at PM Modi, questions his ‘Vishwa Guru’ claim
Hubballi: Labour Minister Santhosh Lad launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the credibility of his claim of being a ‘Vishwa Guru’ (world leader or supreme teacher). Speaking at a public event in the Hubballi-Dharwad West constituency, the minister asked why someone claiming to be a global leader had to go door-to-door seeking votes.
“We find Modi rushing to beg for votes during elections,” Lad said. “He even uses the bravery of our soldiers on the borders to ask for votes. This reflects a complete lack of shame,” he remarked, drawing criticism against what he termed the Prime Minister’s use of national issues for political gain.
Referring to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Lad said, “Barely three months after terrorists from Pakistan brutally killed innocent people, our government allowed the Indian cricket team to play matches against Pakistan in a championship organized by the ICC, which is headed by the Union Home Minister’s son. The question is whether we really needed to play those matches.”
He alleged that the Central government maintains double standards in its dealings with Pakistan and accused it of “enjoying friendly ties” despite repeated attacks. “They do all this because they don’t consider themselves answerable to anyone,” he said.
The minister also accused the BJP of dividing the nation along communal lines. “The BJP and leaders like Modi and Amit Shah campaign only on the basis of religion to gain votes. The youth of India must recognize this divisive strategy,” he added.
Urging young voters to engage critically with leaders, Lad said, “When Minister Pralhad Joshi mocks Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in press meets, question him about the loans of our country. In 1947, India’s loan was ₹55 lakh crore; today, it has risen to over ₹200 lakh crore. In 2014, one US dollar was worth ₹54 today it’s ₹90. Ask him these questions, but don’t expect the BJP to answer honestly.”
Lad concluded his speech by urging citizens to hold leaders accountable for the nation’s economic and social condition rather than being swayed by religious and emotional appeals during elections.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
