K'taka Cong plans to invite Barack Obama for Gandhi centenary event of INC's Belagavi session
Bengaluru, Oct 2: The ruling Congress in Karnataka is planning to invite former US president Barack Obama to an event scheduled in December in the state's Belagavi, to mark the centenary celebration of Mahatma Gandhi taking over as the President of the Indian National Congress session.
The 39th session of the Indian National Congress held at Belagavi in 1924 was the only Congress session presided over by Gandhi.
"The opinion of those in the committee (formed for the event)-- and Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) has given instructions and President (state Congress -- D K Shivakumar) is saying we have to try to get Barack Obama to Belagavi around December 24,25,26 and make him address the mega event -- this is part of our itinerary," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said on Wednesday.
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Addressing a party event here on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, he said, "America's former President Barack Obama had said that Mahatma Gandhi ji is not only India's leader, but he is a global leader. Our intention is to create awareness and bring transition among people who speak lightly about such a global leader."
Siddaramaiah had in his independence day speech on August 15 said that the state government will take all necessary measures to commemorate the centenary of the Belagavi session of the Indian National Congress, this year in a memorable and meaningful way.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
