Congress high command likely to summon K'taka CM Siddaramaiah, DCM DKShi amid leadership tensions
Bengaluru: As the power tussle within the ruling Congress in Karnataka refuses to subside, the party's top brass is likely to summon Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, to New Delhi soon to resolve the escalating issue that is threatening to spiral out of control.
According to a report published by Deccan Herald on Wednesday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who recently held discussions with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in Bengaluru, has briefed top party leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, about the current political situation in Karnataka.
The high command is keen to address the issue before the winter session of Parliament begins on December 1. While the exact dates are yet to be confirmed, it is reported that both leaders could be called to the national capital on November 28 or 29.
Sources cited by the newspaper have suggested that Sonia and Rahul are likely to hold talks with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar jointly.
Shivakumar is keen to remind Rahul Gandhi of the informal “power-sharing” agreement discussed when the government was formed in May 2023, DH wrote in its report citing sources close to Shivakumar .
Congress President Kharge, when asked about the ongoing leadership issue, emphasised that the matter should not be discussed publicly. He refrained from confirming any meeting with Rahul Gandhi, stating, “You all know that the president does not discuss anywhere else. If a meeting takes place, we will discuss.”
Meanwhile, the political turmoil within the state Congress has also provided ammunition to the opposition parties, with the BJP and JD(S) accusing the ruling party’s leadership of neglecting governance amid their internal power struggle.
Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra said the state does not want "acting or outgoing CM", and urged the Congress to settle its leadership tussle before the winter session of the legislature begins in Belagavi next month.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
