Karnataka Governor cancels all events until August 29 amid heightened security
Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has canceled all scheduled events until August 29, following intelligence reports that prompted a significant increase in his security measures. The Governor, who usually does not use a bulletproof vehicle, was seen using one on Wednesday, a reflection of the rising tensions between the ruling Congress party and the Governor’s office.
Governor Gehlot's decision to abstain from public events outside Raj Bhavan led to his absence from the inaugural convocation ceremony of Nrupatunga University on Wednesday. According to sources close to the Governor, intelligence inputs suggested that a section of students might protest during the convocation, leading to his decision to skip the event.
The move comes amidst ongoing protests by Congress leaders and ministers, who are demonstrating against the Governor’s decision to sanction the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. During a rally at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan warned that the state’s peace could be disrupted if the Governor continued to act in what they perceive as a partisan manner. Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza further escalated tensions by suggesting that Congress workers might force Gehlot out of Raj Bhavan, drawing parallels with the unrest in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.
A senior official revealed that the Governor is entitled to Z+ security, which includes the use of a bulletproof car, although Gehlot had not used this vehicle since assuming office last July.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, when informed of the increased security measures, including the use of the bulletproof car, stated that he was unaware of any direct threats to the Governor. He noted that heightened security is often a standard procedure based on intelligence reports, especially during significant events like Independence Day.
Parameshwara also distanced himself from the inflammatory remarks made by Ivan D’Souza, asserting that such language is inappropriate for protests, though he declined to take legal action against the Congress MLC.
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Sanjay Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls
Mumbai, Nov 25: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded a re-election in Maharashtra using ballot papers, claiming there were irregularities with the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged several complaints about EVMs malfunctioning and questioned the integrity of the recently held elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly elections, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 out of 95 seats it contested.
"We have received nearly 450 complaints regarding EVMs. Despite raising objections repeatedly, no action has been taken on these issues. How can we say these elections were conducted fairly? Hence, I demand that the results be set aside and elections be held again using ballot papers," Raut said.
Citing some instances, he said a candidate in Nashik reportedly received only four votes despite having 65 votes from his family, while in Dombivli, discrepancies were found in EVM tallies, and election officials refused to acknowledge the objections.
The Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the credibility of the landslide victories of some candidates, saying, "What revolutionary work have they done to receive more than 1.5 lakh votes? Even leaders who recently switched parties have become MLAs. This raises suspicions. For the first time, a senior leader like Sharad Pawar has expressed doubts about EVMs, which cannot be ignored."
Asked about the MVA's poor performance in the elections, Raut rejected the idea of blaming a single individual.
"We fought as a united MVA. Even a leader like Sharad Pawar, who commands immense respect in Maharashtra, faced defeat. This shows that we need to analyse the reasons behind the failure. One of the reasons is EVM irregularities and the misuse of the system, unconstitutional practices, and even judicial decisions left unresolved by Justice Chandrachud," he said.
Raut stressed that though internal differences might have existed within the MVA, the failure was collective.
He also accused the Mahayuti of conducting the elections in an unfair manner.
"I cannot call the elections fair given the numerous reports of discrepancies in EVMs, mismatched numbers, and vote irregularities across the state," Raut said.
