I am in no hurry, party will decide: DK Shivakumar says on leadership change
Bengaluru: KPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said he is in no hurry over the issue of leadership change and that everything will be decided by the party.
Speaking to reporters near the Palace Grounds on Friday, Shivakumar responded to questions about Congress workers wanting to see him as the next Chief Minister. He said the decision lies fully with the party.
When asked whether he and the Chief Minister would be travelling to Delhi, Shivakumar said he may go as he has several official commitments there. He explained that the Parliament winter session is about to begin and he needs to meet MPs.
He noted that the State has secured favourable directions in court regarding the Mekedatu project, and that the revised DPR is being prepared. Matters related to Mahadayi, Krishna and Ettinahole projects will also be discussed with MPs. A decision on calling an all-party meeting will be taken after talking to the Chief Minister, he added.
On the issue of maize prices, Shivakumar said the Centre has not supported farmers. Though the minimum support price has been fixed at 2400 rupees per quintal, farmers are receiving only 1600 to 1800 rupees in the market. He said the State will hold a meeting with mill owners and urge the Centre to procure maize.
Responding to a question on whether he would visit the Congress office in Delhi, Shivakumar said the party office there is like a temple for them and it provides guidance.
When asked about community pressure to make him Chief Minister, Shivakumar said he does not wish to speak from a community angle. He said Congress is his community and his commitment is towards people from all sections, including backward classes, scheduled communities and minorities. He added that the Vokkaliga community, to which he belongs, is also a backward class community.
On the BJP giving different interpretations to his recent Mumbai visit, he clarified that he had gone only to see an ailing close friend who has supported him in many ways. He said he spent about an hour at the hospital and returned.
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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.
