Congress can go ahead with KPCC prez coronation with limited people: K'taka CM
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Thursday said his government doesn't have any reservation about the Congress organizing an event for D K Shivakumar's formal take over as the party-state Chief, with a limited number of people in attendance.
The government on Tuesday had denied permission for the event that was scheduled to take place on June 14, citing COVID-19 related guidelines that are in place, aimed at controlling the spread of the virus, which elicited a strong reaction from the Congress.
"We don't have any reservations for D K Shivakumar to organize Congress party events, but because of COVID-19 there are restrictions everywhere regarding the gathering of people in large numbers," Yediyurappa said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, we don't have any problem with them organizing their party activities. political parties have their freedom.
"Yesterday, I contacted him (Shivakumar) over the phone and conveyed that he can organize the event in a peaceful manner without gathering many people and we don't have anything against it," the CM said, adding that they can do it on any day, but should not gather too many people.
The event for formal takeover as KPCC President was planned for June 14, after it was postponed twice in the past- on May 31 and June 7- due to COVID-19 related restrictions in place.
Shivakumar on June 5 had written to Yediyurappa, seeking to organize an event on June 14 to mark official take over party's headquarters here in the presence of around 150 senior leaders, and the event would be telecast live and party workers at about 7,800 locations across the state were to take an oath and read the preamble of the Constitution.
However, replying to Shivakumar on Tuesday, a Revenue Department official in a letter pointing out that large public gatherings or congregations continue to remain prohibited, under the new set of guidelines issued by the Centre, said, " hence the request cannot be considered."
Irked by the denial of permission, despite written assurance about following all precautionary measures, Congress leaders had hit out at the BJP accusing it of "double standard".
Meanwhile, thanking Yediyurappa for permission to go ahead with the event, Shivakumar on Thursday said he would speak to senior party leaders and decide about a new date for organizing the event.
He said, "it cannot be held on June 14, as I have already informed party men about rescheduling the event after the government denied permission."
The event will be organized as per the guidelines, taking all precautionary measures, he said, adding that "I will announce a new date soon."
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Attacks on Christians contradict PM's message of harmony, visit to church: Gehlot
Jaipur (PTI): Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday expressed concern over the reported attacks and disruptions in prayer gatherings of the Christian community in different parts of the country, saying such incidents were "worrying and condemnable".
In a post on X, Gehlot said that while the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting a church and giving a message of peace and harmony, news of attacks on members of the Christian community from various regions reflected a serious contradiction.
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"Symbolic gestures would not be enough, and strict legal action was required against those spreading hatred," the senior Congress leader said.
He added that Indian culture has always upheld the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", where every citizen has full freedom to practise their faith.
Gehlot urged the Centre and state governments to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no citizen is forced to celebrate their festival under fear.
