‘JDS-BJP have unofficial alliance since 2014 in Mysore’: HD Kumaraswamy
Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has revealed that the alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular) [JDS] is not a recent development, citing an unofficial understanding between the two parties in Mysore since 2014.
Kumaraswamy made these remarks during a media interaction following a tulabhara seve ceremony at the Sri Nanjundeshwara Swamy Temple in Nanjangud, Mysuru, on Thursday.
Addressing the existing harmony between the party cadres, Kumaraswamy described the pre-existing unofficial treaty in Mysore and emphasized that there was no discontent among them.
Responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's statement predicting Kumaraswamy's defeat in Mandya, Kumaraswamy questioned Siddaramaiah's credibility as an astrologer and asserted that the people would ultimately decide the outcome of the elections.
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Referring to Siddaramaiah's labeling of him as a migrant, Kumaraswamy retorted by pointing out Siddaramaiah's own transition to the Congress party and his criticism of original Congress members. Kumaraswamy asserted his Kannadiga identity and his right to contest elections anywhere, including Mandya, where he is set to compete against his old friend.
“Siddaramaiah has called me a migrant. Isn’t he a migrant in Congress? Hasn’t he trashed other original Congress people and enjoying power? I am a Kannadiga. I can contest anywhere. I must compete with my old friend in Mandya this time. My fate is so. Sometimes our own friends turn against us. Let it be so”, Kumaraswamy said.
Regarding the Mekedatu project, Kumaraswamy defended former Prime Minister H D Devegowda and questioned the moral authority of the Congress party to criticize him. Regarding the JDS's support for Sumalatha, Kumaraswamy emphasized the need to move beyond political differences and recalled his close association with her late husband, Ambarish. He also expressed willingness to meet Sumalatha if necessary.
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4 militants arrested in Manipur
Imphal (PTI): Four militants belonging to two banned outfits have been arrested in Manipur for possession of firearms and involvement in extortion, a police statement said on Saturday.
Three militants belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party (Peoples' War Group) outfit were arrested on Thursday for possessing firearms and extorting people, it said.
They have been identified as Chongtham Shyamchandra Singh (23), hailing from Imphal West district, and Maibam Suraj Khan (32) and Boghimayum Sahid Khan (30), who hail from Imphal East district.
Three 5.56 mm INSAS live cartridges, an empty case of .32 ammunition and three mobile phones were seized from their possession.
In another incident, a militant belonging to the banned United National Liberation Front (Ningon Macha group) was arrested on Thursday for illegal possession of firearms.
The arrested militant was identified as Sangomshumpham Warish (25), who hails from Lilong Haorou in Thoubal district. A .32 pistol and ammunition were seized from his possession, it added.
Meanwhile, security forces seized arms and ammunition during an area domination exercise in S Mongpi ridge in Kangpokpi district on Thursday.
A .303 rifle, a 9mm pistol, two SBBL guns, a 5.56mm INSAS LMG magazine, two hand grenades, two detonators, 16 cartridges and three tear smoke grenades were seized, it added.
