DK Suresh urges CM to exercise caution regarding caste census
Bengaluru: Former MP DK Suresh has urged the Chief Minister to tread carefully on the issue of the caste census. Addressing the media at his residence in Sadashivanagar on Friday, he stated that the Union government has already announced a census, and conducting the caste survey using the necessary criteria during this time would not lead to confusion. “It is better to wait until the census is conducted,” he suggested.
He further added that Siddaramaiah is their leader and expressed his desire to see him remain the Chief Minister for the full five-year term. "With the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari, Siddaramaiah will overcome all allegations, and no one can destabilise him," he said.
Expressing concern over recent developments, Suresh noted that they are not in the state’s interest. He urged all political leaders to be cautious before people take to the streets. “People voted for Congress in Karnataka and for the NDA coalition at the Centre with the hope for development. But, the elected leaders are engaging in accusations and counter-accusations, disrespecting the people of Karnataka," he lamented.
He emphasised that addressing the pressing issues is the responsibility of both the state and central governments. "Instead of indulging in such infighting, the governments should focus on solving problems faced by farmers and the youth," he stated, warning that if this continues, people might be compelled to resort to protests.
Commenting on statements made by MLAs ST Somashekar and GT Devegowda in support of Siddaramaiah, Suresh said that those who filed complaints did their job, and the court has taken cognizance by ordering an investigation. “Everyone should remain patient until the investigation is completed, and it is up to the investigating officers to determine what is right and what is wrong,” he remarked.
Responding to a question about BJP MLA Muniratna's case, Suresh noted that he was unaware of the details but termed the situation unpleasant. “Recent developments are embarrassing and not conducive to Karnataka’s progress. The state was once recognized for its good governance and development, but the current situation is distressing,” he commented.
On the statement made by Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan that Suresh should contest the Channapatna by-election, Suresh expressed gratitude for Zameer's faith and affection. He said that the party will decide on the appropriate candidate once the election is announced.
When asked about separate meetings being held by Dalit leaders, Suresh responded that leaders of their community often come together to discuss various issues. “There is nothing wrong with it. We need to discuss how to handle the state's developments. Dr. G Parameshwara served as KPCC president for eight years, and Satish Jarkiholi was the working president. It’s natural to deliberate on matters concerning our society,” he concluded.
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Bhopal gas tragedy: Effects of leak seen in next generation of survivors, says ex-forensic doctor
Bhopal (PTI): The effects of poisonous gases that leaked from the Union Carbide factory in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal 40 years ago were seen in the next generations of those who survived the tragedy, a former government forensic doctor has said.
At least 3,787 people were killed, and more than five lakh were affected after a toxic gas leaked from the pesticide factory in the city on the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984.
Speaking at an event held by organisations of gas tragedy survivors on Saturday, Dr D K Satpathy, former head of the forensics department of Bhopal's Gandhi Medical College, said he performed 875 post-mortems on the first day of the disaster and witnessed 18,000 autopsies the next five years.
Sathpathy claimed Union Carbide had denied questions about the effects of poisonous gases on unborn children of women survivors and said effects would not cross the placental barrier in the womb in any condition.
He said blood samples of pregnant women who died in the tragedy were examined, and it was found that 50 per cent of poisonous substances found in the mother were also found in the child in her womb.
Children born to surviving mothers had the poisonous substances in their system, and this affected the health of the next generation, Sathpathy claimed and questioned why research on this was stopped.
Such effects will continue for generations, he said.
Satpathy said it was said that MIC gas leaked from the Union Carbide plant, and when it came in contact with water, thousands of gases were formed, and some of these caused cancer, blood pressure and liver damage.
Rachna Dhingra of Bhopal Group for Information and Action said Satpathy, who carried out most autopsies, and other first responders in the 1984 disaster, including the senior doctors in the emergency ward and persons involved in mass burials, narrated their experiences during the event.
Rashida Bee, president of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh, a poster exhibition covering every aspect of the disaster will be held till December 4 to mark the 40th anniversary of the tragedy.
An anniversary rally will be organised, with focus on global corporate crimes such as industrial pollution and climate change, she said.
