DK Shivakumar clarifies stand on caste census after Kharge’s criticism in Rajya Sabha
Belgaum: Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) D.K. Shivakumar addressed the media near Suvarnasoudha in Belgaum on Tuesday, clarifying his position on the caste census and dismissing reports of opposition. In response to questions about his stance and comments made by AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge, Shivakumar emphasized that he had never expressed opposition to the caste census.
Kharge, on Monday had criticised DK Shivakumar for his stance on caste census asserting "All upper caste people are united on this. He [Shivakumar] is also opposing, you [BJP] are also opposing. Both are one in this issue. This is the character of caste. Upper caste people will be united internally."
Shivakumar clarified, "Our opinion is that the caste census survey should be done scientifically and systematically." Shivakumar explained that concerns had been raised by several MLAs regarding the proper conduct of the caste census survey. Complaints were received about the lack of a thorough house-to-house survey, leading to questions about the scientific validity of the process, added.
ALSO READ: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes DK Shivakumar's stand on caste census
"We believe in social and economic surveys. I stand by the Congress party's commitment to providing social justice to all sections of society," Shivakumar affirmed. Responding to reports of missing caste census records, he mentioned that the information received from Jayaprakash Hegde indicated that the report in question lacked the necessary signatures of secretaries, raising doubts about its validity.
When asked if Kumaraswamy's statement that influential ministers will join the BJP along with 50-60 MLAs after the Lok Sabha elections was aimed at him, he said, "I am a Congressman by birth. I am not crazy to go to another party. I have my own basic ideals and great faith in the Gandhi family and the Congress party."
"I am not responsible for anything they say. Let them say something and turn around; I will not worry about it." he further added.
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3 killed, 15 injured in fire after blast at firecracker unit in MP's Dewas; CM orders probe
Dewas/Indore (PTI): At least three workers were killed and 15 persons injured after a fire broke out following an explosion at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district on Thursday, an official said.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and ordered an investigation. The state government will provide an assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased, and the injured will receive free treatment, he said in a post on X.
Three persons were killed in the fire at the firecracker unit located in Tonk Kalan area, and around 15 injured persons were sent to hospitals in Indore and Dewas, Collector Rituraj Singh told reporters after inspecting the site.
Videos of the aftermath surfaced on social media, showing thick white smoke billowing from the factory along the Agra–Mumbai national highway. The clips also showed people rushing the injured for treatment amid cries for help, with body parts seen scattered at the site.
The collector said the fire has been brought under control. The administration has taken possession of explosives stored at another location within the unit, he said.
The work to manufacture small firecrackers at the factory of a person named Anil Malviya had begun only 15 days ago, and a licence has been issued for the unit, the collector said.
A detailed investigation is underway into the incident, he added.
CM Yadav said, "I have directed Deputy Chief Minister and Dewas district guardian minister Jagdish Devda, the home secretary and senior officials to visit the spot. An inquiry has also been ordered into the incident."
Local residents said there was a massive explosion at the factory, and the victims' body parts were found scattered far away from the site.
They said construction work was underway at the site and different sheds were being built there.
