Karnataka administration collapsing due to Cong infighting: State BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra
Bengaluru (PTI): Amid an alleged power tussle between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar, state BJP president BY Vijayendra on Saturday claimed the administration has completely collapsed and no development activity is taking place due to the infighting within the ruling Congress.
Vijayendra also rejected the allegations that the BJP was trying to fish in troubled waters in Karnataka and spreading misinformation about a power tussle within the ruling Congress.
"Claims about 'October revolution' and 'November revolution' were made by none other than the state's Congress ministers and MLAs," he said.
"We are not at all interested in this. We are very comfortable in the opposition. The mandate is very clear. People wanted the BJP to sit in opposition. They have given a clear majority to the Congress. We are not interested in the developments happening within the Congress party."
He said the Karnataka BJP's only demand is that the state's issues be addressed on a priority basis.
There was no immediate reaction from the Congress to the BJP's claims.
Vijayendra alleged the Congress government in Karnataka has failed to fulfil the promises it made in its poll manifesto two-and-a-half years ago.
"The chief minister and the deputy chief minister are spending four days a week in Delhi. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is aiming for the CM's post... Because of their infighting, the entire cabinet and the ruling party's MLAs are camping in Delhi, which has had a direct impact on the administration.
"Because of their infighting, the entire administration has collapsed... What about Karnataka? They are least concerned about the people of Karnataka and their problems. Law and order is deteriorating day by day. Daylight robberies are happening. Murder is taking place," the state BJP chief claimed.
He said, "Not just the BJP, even the people of Karnataka feel they have been let down by the Congress government. They feel they have been ditched by the dispensation."
Vijayandra also alleged "massive corruption" in the Karnataka government. "Karnataka has become an ATM for the Congress high command," he charged.
Accusing the Siddaramaiah government of being an "utter failure", he said, "the chief minister is claiming big achievements in the last two-and-a-half years. What achievement did they make when the administration has collapsed and there was no development activity happening in the state?"
"Farmers are distressed. They are unable to give compensation to affected farmers in the flood-hit areas... They are unable to pay the salaries of the government employees. This is the financial situation of the state. But, Siddaramaiah is lying before the people of Karnataka," the BJP leader added.
Amid claims of the "intense power struggle", Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday asserted that he would continue in office and also present state budgets in the future, prompting an "all the best" wish from his deputy and state Congress chief Shivakumar.
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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.
