"There are many Hussain Obamas here", Himanta Sarma's tweet trigger controversy
Assam: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stirred controversy on Friday with a remark following former US President Barack Obama's recent comments on the protection of Muslims in India. Sarma claimed that there are many "Hussain Obamas" in the country and stated that the state police would act according to its priorities. The opposition criticized the Assam Chief Minister's statement.
Sarma's remark came in response to a journalist's tweet regarding Obama's interview with CNN on Thursday, where the former US President mentioned the importance of protecting the Muslim minority in a predominantly Hindu India if he were to meet with US President Joe Biden.
The journalist Rohini Singh's sarcastic tweet questioned whether an FIR (First Information Report) had been filed in Guwahati against Obama for allegedly hurting sentiments. The tweet appeared to allude to the filing of FIRs against opposition leaders in Assam for their remarks in various parts of the country.
In reply, Sarma tweeted, "There are many Hussain Obamas in India itself. We should prioritize taking care of them before considering going to Washington. The Assam police will act according to our own priorities."
Sarma's comment followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement at a joint White House press conference with President Biden, where he claimed that there is no discrimination in India based on caste or religion, as his government adheres to the Constitution, which is founded on the principles of democracy.
Opposition leaders reacted to Sarma's remark. Congress spokesperson and social media head Supriya Shrinate questioned the Indian government's stance on the matter and referred to Sarma's insinuation about President Obama being Muslim and the need to teach Indian Muslims a lesson.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticized Sarma's tweet, implying that it confirmed the validity of Barack Obama's comments.
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Saket Gokhale highlighted the perceived contradiction between Prime Minister Modi's statement on non-discrimination and Sarma's remark, characterizing it as a veiled threat and exposing the alleged hypocrisy and lies of the Indian government on the international stage.
Barack Obama's comments in the CNN interview expressed concerns that India may face division if the rights of religious and ethnic minorities are not protected. He emphasized the need to safeguard the rights of ethnic minorities in India to prevent potential fragmentation within the country.
The controversial remark made by Chief Minister Sarma has sparked a heated debate, drawing attention to issues of religious tolerance and minority rights in India.
There are many Hussain Obama in India itself. We should prioritize taking care of them before considering going to Washington. The Assam police will act according to our own priorities. https://t.co/flGy2VY1eC
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 23, 2023
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
