Congress to file complaint with IT dept, police regarding Yatnal’s ‘Rs 1,000-cr ready’ remark: DyCM
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on Monday that the Congress will file a complaint with the Income Tax Department and the police following startling claims made by BJP legislator Basangouda Patil Yatnal that Rs 1,000 crore has been reserved to topple the state government.
During a press conference in Bengaluru, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president described Yatnal's comments as shocking and highlighted that they were made in the presence of several BJP leaders. “We will file a complaint with Income Tax officials and the police department,” Shivakumar stated, adding that the matter will also be discussed with their legal team.
Yatnal had told reporters on Sunday that some people with chief ministerial ambitions have kept Rs 1,000 crore ready. The Vijayapura City MLA is a vocal critic of former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa and his son B.Y. Vijayendra, and his statements were widely interpreted as references to BJP leaders.
However, he clarified on Monday that he was alluding to Congress figures keen on ousting Siddaramaiah and toppling the government.
“According to a BJP MLA, that party’s ‘thousand crore sardars’ are ready to topple the Congress government. The Modi-Shah duo intends to clean up the opposition governments in the country and the “corrupt” in Karnataka are nurturing their dreams,” Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge wrote on X. He emphasised that the BJP must remember that the people of Karnataka have supported the Congress with 136 seats. “BJP cannot shake a single MLA nor our government,” Priyank asserted.
In response, Yatnal asked Priyank to give some work to the fact-checking team by handing over his ‘X’ account to them. "Step out of the glass house and look at the condition of your government," he remarked.
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Caste census will form basis for future policy decision, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the ongoing caste census would form the basis for future policy decisions, asserting that the exercise was crucial to advancing social justice in the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations here, he said caste enumeration was being carried out for the first time since 1931 and would be followed by deliberations once the report is submitted.
"At present, a caste census (Jaati Sameekshe) is underway. After the report comes, we will discuss it and take necessary decisions," Siddaramaiah said.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equality, stating, "We are committed to social justice. No one should face injustice. Even if not 100 per cent, we will strive to ensure 99 per cent justice."
Referring to measures aimed at addressing intra-caste disparities, the chief minister said the government had already implemented internal reservation based on revised classifications.
"We have gone beyond the Nagamohan Das report and implemented internal reservation… now it has been revised to 5.25 per cent, 5.25 per cent, and 4.5 per cent. This has been approved by the Cabinet," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the broader objective was to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, while reiterating that policy interventions would be guided by constitutional principles.
"Our objective is equal share and equal life for all," he said.
He also emphasised the role of education in eliminating inequalities, particularly among marginalised communities, and said empowerment was essential to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies.
"Only when people gain such empowerment can caste divisions be eradicated. Education is essential for this," he added.
The CM said the government would examine demands raised by various communities and take decisions based on feasibility, while ensuring that benefits reached all sections without discrimination.
