Karnataka govt delivered on unprecedented scale, people will vote for Cong in bypolls: Jairam Ramesh
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Tuesday claimed that its government in Karnataka has delivered on its promises and brought unprecedented prosperity to its people, exuding confidence that they would vote for the party in the upcoming bypolls.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said that in May 2023, the party went to the people of Karnataka with five guarantees that would help the people of the state achieve prosperity, equity, and justice.
Eighteen months into its tenure, the Congress government has delivered on an unprecedented scale, he claimed.
Listing the guarantees, Ramesh said that under 'Gruha Lakshmi' an annual transfer of Rs 25,407 crore has been made to bank accounts of 1.22 crore women in Karnataka "Anna Bhagya - Annual transfer of '8,433 crores in bank accounts of 4.08 crores citizen, as the non-biological PM's Government refused to allow the Food Corporation of India to sell rice to the Karnataka Government," he said in his post on X.
Under Gruha Jyothi, an annual transfer of Rs 9,455 crores for 200 Units of free electricity to 1.64 crore households has been made, he said.
Under Shakti Free Bus Travel, Ramesh said, Karnataka's women have taken 320 crore plus free bus trips since May 2023, at a cost of Rs 7,310 crore.
"Under Yuvanidhi, five lakh youth (graduate and diploma holders) get Rs 3,000/Rs 1,500 per month for a period of two years post passing of graduation/diploma," he pointed out.
This is a government that has delivered on its promises and brought unprecedented prosperity to its people, Ramesh said.
"The people of Karnataka will vote for guarantee and vote for Congress in the upcoming bypolls," he said.
Byelections to the assembly constituencies of Channapatna, Sandur, and Shiggaon constituencies are set to be held on November 13. The results will be out on November 23.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
