If CM is changing in Karnataka, Lingayats must be given priority: Panditaradya Shivacharya Swamiji
Chikkodi: The recent discussions regarding the potential change of Karnataka's Chief Minister have sparked statements from leaders of various communities. In a recent development, Srisaila Jagadguru Dr. Channa Siddarama Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji said that the Veerashaiva Lingayat community must be prioritised for the Chief Minister's position if changes are made.
Swamiji, speaking at Yadoora village in Chikkodi taluk, Belagavi district, highlighted that the Lingayat community has played a significant role in the recent elections and should be rewarded with key political positions.
He named prominent Lingayat leaders such as MB Patil, Ishwara Khandre, SS Mallikarjuna, and Shamanur Shivshankarappa as suitable candidates for the Chief Minister's role. He also said that the issue has been discussed with Jagadgurus from Kashi and Ujjain.
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Further, Srishaila Jagadguru said that if an agreement was made at the time of becoming the Chief Minister, let them act accordingly.
This statement follows a demand from top Vokkaliga pontiff Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swami of Vishwa Okkaliga Mahasansthan Math, who urged the current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to step down in favour of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during the Kempegowda Jayanti program.
The opposition BJP had seized upon this statement, with Leader of Opposition R Ashok questioning whether DCM DK Shivakumar was behind Swamiji's appeal.
In response to these developments, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintained that any decision would be made by the party's High Command, while the discussions around the creation of an additional Deputy Chief Minister position continue to create confusion within the state Congress.
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Congress voices concern over safety of minorities in Bangladesh
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the "atmosphere of insecurity" being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh and the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.
In a statement, Chairman of the party's Media and Publicity Department Pawan Khera said, "The Indian National Congress expects the government of India to prevail upon the Bangladesh government to take necessary steps and ensure security of life and property of minorities in the country".
"The Indian National Congress expresses its deep concern at the atmosphere of insecurity being faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. The arrest of the ISCKON monk is the latest example," he said.
A lawyer was killed on Tuesday during clashes between security personnel and followers of Das, who was denied bail and sent to jail by a court in the port city of Chattogram in Bangladesh in a sedition case.
Das, the spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka a day earlier.
India on Tuesday noted with "deep concern" the arrest and denial of bail to the Hindu leader, and urged authorities in the neighbouring country to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minority groups.
Bangladesh reacted sharply to the Ministry of External Affairs statement, saying it was unfounded and stood contrary to the spirit of friendship between the two countries.
In its statement, Dhaka said it does not interfere with the country's judiciary, which is fully independent
