CM Siddaramaiah backs Priyank Kharge, says he won’t bow to threats over RSS remarks
Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly defended Minister Priyank Kharge, stating that there is nothing wrong in his demand to ban RSS activities in government premises, similar to the model followed in Tamil Nadu. He also said both he and Kharge will not be intimidated by threats.
Speaking to reporters at Mysuru Airport, the Chief Minister said, “Priyank Kharge himself has informed me that he has been receiving threat calls after his statement. He said the RSS should not be allowed to hold activities in government places and that Karnataka too should follow Tamil Nadu’s example. There is nothing wrong in that. Such threats will not scare us,” Siddaramaiah said.
He confirmed that the government has sought details on the RSS ban in Tamil Nadu, instructing the Chief Secretary to gather information on how the restriction was implemented there. “Once we receive the report, we will examine it. Meanwhile, Priyank Kharge will be given police protection,” he assured.
“Evil forces always indulge in such acts,” the Chief Minister remarked. “Priyank is not afraid of these threats, neither am I,” he added.
Responding to questions on the delay in the Social, Economic, and Educational Survey, Siddaramaiah clarified that the progress is satisfactory across the state except in Bengaluru, where the pace has been relatively slower.
On reports that Srinivasapura MLA had approached the High Court alleging discrimination in fund allocation, the Chief Minister dismissed the claim, asking, “Did the JD(S) ever provide grants to our MLAs when they were in power?”
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Elderly Dalit woman cremated on road after family denied access to village cremation ground in Bihar
Vaishali: An elderly Dalit woman was cremated on a public road in Bihar’s Vaishali district after her family was allegedly prevented from using the village cremation ground, triggering outrage and tension in the area, The Observer Post reported.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Sontho Andhari village under the Goraul police station limits. The deceased, identified as Jhapki Devi (95), belonged to a Mahadalit family. According to locals and police, when her family tried to take her body to the cremation ground, some people blocked the route, leaving the family with no option but to perform the last rites on the road.
Family members and residents said the obstruction has been a long-standing issue. “Every time we take a body for cremation, the way is blocked. This has happened earlier too, but no permanent solution was given,” said a local resident from Manjhi Tola, expressing anger over repeated denial of access.
As tensions rose, the funeral procession stopped at Andhari Gachi Chowk, where the body was placed on a pyre in front of a Shiva temple and cremated on the road. Villagers alleged that the pathway connecting the main road to the cremation ground had been encroached upon by local landowners.
Police and administrative officials later reached the spot. A fire brigade vehicle was deployed to extinguish the pyre, and the road was cleaned after the cremation. Public representatives who arrived at the scene were reportedly chased away by protesting villagers, who accused the administration of ignoring their complaints for years.
Vaishali Superintendent of Police Vikram Sihag said the issue arose due to the absence of a clear path. “Earlier, there was a route to the cremation ground, but some people built a temple on that path. Due to the lack of access, the family carried out the cremation on the road,” he said. He added that discussions were held with local officials and that arrangements would be made to restore access to the cremation ground. “The situation is currently under control,” the SP said.
Block Development Officer Pankaj Kumar Nigam and Circle Officer Divya Chanchal said the area had been cleared and an inquiry was under way. “All aspects will be examined, and steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” they said.
