'What's the rationale?' Farooq wonders about Centre's push for Constitution amendment bill
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Srinagar (PTI): National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday questioned the rationale behind bringing the Constitution amendment bill, saying the NDA government did not have the two-thirds majority needed to pass it.
"First, they withdrew the bill. Why did they do it? Because there were apprehensions among the people. They (the government) were sure that a two-thirds majority would not come. Then what did they do? They thought one more night and then brought the same old bill that was passed in 2023," Abdullah told reporters at Hazratbal here.
The former Union minister said the government then sent the bill to the Parliament Secretariat to see if it needed a simple majority to pass.
"However, it's a Constitutional amendment bill, and a two-thirds majority is necessary for it. They (the government) do not have it. Now, what will they do next, only God knows. But the truth is that there is an apprehension among the people that this is wrong. This method is wrong. May God grant them wisdom so that they listen to the people," he added.
Asked about provisions for enhancement of seats reserved for Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the former J-K chief minister said the government's delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir in 2023 was also wrong.
"You saw the delimitation here. How wrongfully they did it. Now people are also worried about what their purpose is. That is the point," he said.
Responding to a question about Pakistan's mediation in Iran and the US-Israel conflict, Abdullah said it was not a new thing and has been acknowledged by US President Donald Trump.
"It (Pakistan) is already doing that. It is not a new thing. We have heard President Trump's statement that if there is an agreement between both sides, I think he himself is coming to sign the agreement. May God make it happen so that peace is established, because the whole world is caught in this trouble," he said.
The NC chief also wished success to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the assembly polls underway in the state.
"Inshallah, Mamata will win. Our prayers are with them," he said.
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Have no personal involvement in Cong’s action against some minority leaders: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.
He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.
Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send the message that “Muslims are being targeted.”
“I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, he added, “People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline.”
Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers, and all sections of society.
The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.
Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.
The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.
They were also said to have not actively participated in the campaign.
Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were being targeted.
Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the CM.
Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Shivakumar said, “We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?”
“All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress,” he added, saying there are no factions within the party and that such claims are media-driven.
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.
Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.
“We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said he discussed with Shivakumar the issue of withdrawing Jabbar’s suspension. He said he will also visit New Delhi next week to meet the high command and discuss state developments.
“Jabbar’s suspension was discussed (with Shivakumar). It should be withdrawn. Let’s issue him a notice and allow him to reply. Then let’s send the report to the high command and seek their approval. High command approval is necessary because the instructions came from there. It may take some time,” he said.
Stating that he met the KPCC chief for “damage control,” the minister said, “We have tried to convince him. Sometimes certain decisions happen that need rectification.”
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