I did not participate in ABVP event, only paid tribute to Rani Abbakka in Tiptur: Dr. Parameshwara
Bengaluru: Home Minister of Karnataka Dr. G Parameshwara, who is reported to have participated in a programme by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in Tiptur on September 2, refuted the allegations on Thursday, saying he had only offered tribute to Rani Abbakka during a procession being taken out by the ABVP.
The ABVP, which is the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is learned to have celebrated the 500th birth anniversary of Veerarani Abbakka with a torch-lit procession and a car festival in Tiptur on September 2, when the procession with a statue of Rani Abbakka in a vehicle crossed paths with the convoy of Dr. Parameshwara, the District in-charge Minister of Tumakuru. Dr. Parameshwara is learned to have accepted an invitation by the forum leaders and offered tribute to Rani Abbakka’s statue before continuing his journey.
On Thursday, when questioned about the matter by reporters in Bengaluru, the Home Minister clarified, “I did not participate in any event of the ABVP. We, the local legislator Shadakshari and I, came across their (ABVP) procession. The leaders asked us to offer floral tribute to the freedom fighter. Considering that it was a procession honouring Rani Abbakka, I did so.”
He stated that raising a hue and cry regarding the incident and also making it a controversial act would not affect him. “I am a true Congressman and will die as a member of the party,” he insisted.
Parameshwara added, “It is natural for a politician to have opponents even within the party. The people of Karnataka, however, know me well as I have been in politics for 35 years. I don’t need to prove my genuineness repeatedly.”
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Rahul Gandhi to go on two-day Raebareli visit from May 19
Raebareli (UP) (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on May 19 on a two-day visit, a Congress office-bearer said on Monday.
Congress district president of Raebareli Pankaj Tiwari said that on the first day, Gandhi will inaugurate a marriage hall at Thakurain Kheda in Bachhrawan. Subsequently, he will address a public meeting in Khiron. In Lalganj, he will participate in a 'mahila samvaad' programme.
He further said that on May 20, he will meet the public during a 'Janata Darshan' programme at the Bhuyemau Guest House. Following this, he will participate in the unveiling of a statue of Veera Pasi and attend a public meeting in Lodhwari.
He will then depart for Amethi.
In Amethi, Gandhi will hold meetings with party functionaries, workers and senior leaders at the party's district headquarters, Congress district unit chief Pradeep Singhal said on Sunday.
According to political observers, this meeting would form a part of the strategic preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alongside an organisational review.
Discussions during the meeting are likely to focus on strengthening the party organisation down to the booth level, increasing participation of youth and women workers, and accelerating public outreach campaigns across villages.
According to sources, a large number of party workers -- from Gram Sabha to the district level -- have been invited to attend the meeting.
Gandhi is expected to interact directly with workers.
During the one-day visit, the Congress leader will also travel to Poore Ramdeen Pandit -- the native village of late Congress district president Yogendra Mishra -- to meet his family members.
Mishra, considered a close associate of the Gandhi family, passed away on March 1 following a prolonged illness.
Political activities in the district have intensified ahead of Gandhi's visit, and party workers have already started making arrangements for his reception.
Kishori Lal Sharma, the Congress MP from Amethi, is also holding regular meetings with local leaders and functionaries to review the preparations.
