Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi criticises Rahul Gandhi for promoting unregulated tourism
Kalpatta: The Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi has expressed strong disapproval of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who they referred to as the ‘last hope of Indian democracy,’ for allegedly emerging as a brand ambassador of unregulated and illegal tourism in Wayanad. The committee accused Gandhi, along with Minister P.A. Mohammad Riaz and MLA T. Siddique, of promoting tourism projects that are causing severe environmental damage and undermining the livelihoods of farmers and tribals in the district.
In a statement, the committee emphasised that unregulated tourism activities have led to widespread destruction of the Western Ghats and have endangered the district's ecological balance. They argued that the political leaders have failed to address the concerns of farmers and tribal communities, who constitute 80% of Wayanad’s population.
Committee President N. Badusha highlighted that illegal resorts and night-time activities in forest areas have disrupted wildlife habitats and caused landslides in areas like Mundakai and Chooralmala. He called for a reassessment of the tourism policy in Wayanad, urging the implementation of eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices instead of the current profit-driven model.
The committee criticised Rahul Gandhi, Riaz, and Siddique for not standing by the people during times of natural calamities and instead supporting ventures that primarily benefit a small group of elites. The statement concluded by stressing the need for self-regulation among political leaders and tourism promoters to protect Wayanad’s fragile ecosystem.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
