Eshwarappa to skip Karnataka BJP executive meet
Shivamogga, Apr 16: Senior Karnataka BJP leader K S Eshwarappa, who has resigned as Minister following allegations of abetting the suicide of a civil contractor, on Saturday said he will not be attending the party's two-day state executive meeting in Hospet, citing personal reasons.
The ruling BJP state executive meeting is being held at Hospet in Vijayanagara district today and tomorrow, which is scheduled to be attended by BJP national President J P Nadda on Sunday.
On his next responsibility or course of action, post resignation as the Minister, he said he will abide by the party's decision as done in the past.
"There are several programmes relating to my grandson's marriage that are on at our house, so I will not be going (for the state executive meeting). I have conveyed it to BJP state President Nalin Kumar Kateel and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai," Eshwarappa said.
Speaking to reporters here, Eshwarappa however said he would be attending a party event in Ballari on April 19, as part of state wide tour by BJP leaders in teams, aimed at preparations for the 2023 assembly polls.
Earlier in the day, seers of various mutts visited Eshwarappa at his residence here.
Following a political furore that erupted following the contractor's death, Eshwarappa submitted his resignation as the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Minister to CM Basavaraj Bommai on Friday night.
Reiterating that it is a conspiracy against him, Eshwarappa said initially he had felt that Santosh Patil might have committed suicide fearing the defamation notice served to him through the court for making allegations of corruption, but later on receiving more information, he suspected whether it was suicide or murder.
"I have requested the Chief Minister to see to it that the investigation is completed soon and the report is out with facts about individuals and parties behind the conspiracy, and the guilty must be punished," he said, adding that he has sympathy for the deceased contractor and a feeling whether he was misused by the conspirators.
The leader further said amid charges, he felt it was his duty to resign as Minister and ensure that no embarrassment is caused to people of his constituency, leaders and workers of Sangh Parivar and the BJP, Ministers, legislators and the government.
"I had been discussing it with the state and national leaders of the party. After taking consent of all senior leaders I resigned yesterday," he added.
Eshwarappa in response to a question said he would not take any names and speculate about any Congress leaders involvement in the conspiracy against him, until the probe report is out.
Santosh Patil, a Belagavi-based contractor, was found dead at a hotel in Udupi on Tuesday, weeks after accusing Eshwarappa, who is also a senior BJP leader, of corruption.
In a purported suicide note in the form of a WhatsApp message, Patil had blamed Eshwarappa for his death.
Patil last month complained to Union Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh and also BJP central leaders stating that he was yet to be paid Rs four crore for road works undertaken in Hindalga village and had accused Eshwarappa's aides of demanding 40 percent commission for the release of the payment.
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Hockey India announces U18 men's, women's squad for Australia series
Bhopal (PTI): Hockey India on Thursday announced the 24-member Indian U-18 Men's and Women's squads for the upcoming home series against Australia from May 15 to 20.
The four-match series, to be played at SAI Bhopal, is a critical part of the teams' preparations for the Men's and Women's U-18 Asia Cup to be held at Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29-June 6.
The squad members were selected after a week of rigorous evaluation during the national coaching camp, where the initial group of 42 players was narrowed down based on match fitness and tactical adaptability.
Forward Ketan Kushwaha has been named captain of the Indian U-18 men’s team, while the Indian U-18 women’s side will be led by Sweety Kujur.
"After a productive week in the camp, we have identified the 24 players whom we believe are ready for international exposure. These matches against Australia are not just practice games as they are a vital test of our match temperament and tactical discipline.
“Ketan is a natural leader, and I am keen to see how this group handles the pace and pressure of the Australian style before we head to the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan," said Sardar Singh, coach of men’s side.
“We have pruned the squad to 24 players who have shown the greatest consistency and growth during the camp. Sweety has the experience and vision required to lead this young side effectively.
“Playing four matches against a top-tier side like Australia in Bhopal will give us a clear picture of our strengths and the areas that need adjustment. This series is the ultimate dress rehearsal for the girls before the Asia Cup,” said Rani Rampal, women team’s head coach.
U-18 Men’s Squad
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Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, Vishal Bada; Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Arman Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, Karan Dhanuk; Midfielders: Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri; Forwards: Akash Deep, Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Shahrukh Ali, Gazee Khan, Prahalad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, Jaysan Kandulna
U-18 Women’s Squad
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Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Harry, Khili Kumari; Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, Sulochani; Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Laminganbi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi, Sneha Davde; Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, Pushpa Manjhi.
