MUDA ‘scam’: Rahul Gandhi’s silence on developments against Siddaramaiah surprises many
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is under scrutiny after Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot granted permission for his prosecution in a case involving the alleged illegal acquisition of property through the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The decision has sparked controversy, particularly within the Congress party, as former Congress President Rahul Gandhi has yet to comment on the matter, leading to speculation about the reasons behind his silence.
The case against Siddaramaiah has drawn significant attention, with Congress members in Karnataka expressing their strong support for the Chief Minister. Despite this, Rahul Gandhi’s lack of response has led to widespread rumors and raised questions about his stance on the issue. The Congress leadership, including National President Mallikarjun Kharge, has also remained relatively quiet, with Kharge stating that he was unaware of the details when the Governor granted permission for prosecution.
The situation has escalated, with the Governor facing backlash from Congress members, prompting him to enhance security measures at the Raj Bhavan. Siddaramaiah, along with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, is expected to meet the Congress High Command, including Rahul Gandhi, in New Delhi to discuss the case and seek support from the party's top leaders. The meeting is seen as crucial for Siddaramaiah, who aims to secure his position as Karnataka CM even if a First Information Report (FIR) is filed against him.
The silence from Rahul Gandhi has been particularly noticeable, especially after he condemned the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata, which led to a sharp response from Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders. TMC leaders had questioned whether Rahul Gandhi would ask Siddaramaiah to resign if the corruption allegations were proven. However, Rahul Gandhi did not respond to these comments.
Within Karnataka, Siddaramaiah continues to receive strong backing from his colleagues, with several ministers emphasizing the need for support from the high command to prevent any destabilization attempts by the Opposition. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who has previously expressed interest in the Chief Minister's position, has publicly stood by Siddaramaiah, asserting that the CM will complete his full five-year term. Siddaramaiah's son, Yathindra, also voiced concerns about the potential impact of the case on the state government.
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Austrian police detain suspect in case of rat poison found in baby food jars on supermarket shelves
Vienna (AP): Police in eastern Austria say a 39-year-old suspect has been arrested after rat poison turned up in some HiPP baby food jars on supermarket shelves in central Europe.
HiPP, which recalled some of its baby food jars in Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic after the case came to light last month, said in a statement Saturday it was “greatly relieved” by the arrest, and would provide further updates as verified details come in.
The Burgenland State Criminal Police Office, under the direction of prosecutors, said a probe was launched after poison turned up in a baby food jar purchased at a supermarket in the city of Eisenstadt on April 18.
It said the suspect was being questioned, and that no further details would be immediately provided. The Burgenland public prosecutor's office has announced an investigation into suspected “intentional endangerment of the public.”
The Austrian Press Agency reported that an expert report on the toxicity of the poison was pending. A total of five tampered baby food jars were seized before they could be consumed, APA reported.
Authorities said previously they believe the tampering occurred in 190-gram (6.7-ounce) jars of baby food made with carrots and potatoes for 5-month-olds that were sold from SPAR supermarkets in Austria.
HiPP responded by recalling all of its baby food jars sold at SPAR supermarkets — which include SPAR, EUROSPAR, INTERSPAR and Maximarkt stores — in Austria as a precaution. Vendors in Slovakia and the Czech Republic also removed all of the brand's baby jars from sale.
The company said the recall was not due to any product or quality defect on its part, and said the jars left its facility in “perfect condition.”
Police said a customer at the time of the discovery had reported that a jar appeared to have been tampered with, but no one had consumed the baby food.
