CM Siddaramaiah promises efforts to include Kannada label on products made in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has assured steps to include Kannada language on the labels of all products manufactured in the state, in addition to English.
He also warned of stringent action against those who insult Kannada and Kannadigas on social media.
Speaking at the 69th Karnataka Rajyotsava event on Friday, he said, “Products manufactured in Karnataka, whether by the private or government sector, typically have labels only in English. In the future, we will aim to include Kannada as well.”
The CM also announced plans to convert the 'attarah kacheri' (18 offices) on the premises of the Mysuru Deputy Commissioner’s office into a ‘Kannada Museum.’
Siddaramaiah urged attendees to pledge their commitment to fostering a Kannada-friendly environment across the state and to assist newcomers to Karnataka in learning the language.
At another Rajyotsava event on Friday, he addressed the growing trend of disrespecting Kannada and Kannadigas on social media, calling it “treachery against Karnataka” (Nadadroha). "The government will mercilessly take stringent action," the CM said.
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Sanjay Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls
Mumbai, Nov 25: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded a re-election in Maharashtra using ballot papers, claiming there were irregularities with the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged several complaints about EVMs malfunctioning and questioned the integrity of the recently held elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly elections, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 out of 95 seats it contested.
"We have received nearly 450 complaints regarding EVMs. Despite raising objections repeatedly, no action has been taken on these issues. How can we say these elections were conducted fairly? Hence, I demand that the results be set aside and elections be held again using ballot papers," Raut said.
Citing some instances, he said a candidate in Nashik reportedly received only four votes despite having 65 votes from his family, while in Dombivli, discrepancies were found in EVM tallies, and election officials refused to acknowledge the objections.
The Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the credibility of the landslide victories of some candidates, saying, "What revolutionary work have they done to receive more than 1.5 lakh votes? Even leaders who recently switched parties have become MLAs. This raises suspicions. For the first time, a senior leader like Sharad Pawar has expressed doubts about EVMs, which cannot be ignored."
Asked about the MVA's poor performance in the elections, Raut rejected the idea of blaming a single individual.
"We fought as a united MVA. Even a leader like Sharad Pawar, who commands immense respect in Maharashtra, faced defeat. This shows that we need to analyse the reasons behind the failure. One of the reasons is EVM irregularities and the misuse of the system, unconstitutional practices, and even judicial decisions left unresolved by Justice Chandrachud," he said.
Raut stressed that though internal differences might have existed within the MVA, the failure was collective.
He also accused the Mahayuti of conducting the elections in an unfair manner.
"I cannot call the elections fair given the numerous reports of discrepancies in EVMs, mismatched numbers, and vote irregularities across the state," Raut said.
