K'taka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar counters PM's criticism, highlights state's 10.2 per cent GDP growth
Bengaluru, Nov 2: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for criticising Congress over poll promises, citing data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
He said that the state’s GDP growth for 2023-24 is 10.2 per cent, surpassing the national average of 8.2 per cent.
In a post on 'X', Modi on Friday said that in Karnataka, Congress is more focused on intra-party politics and “loot” than delivering on development, even planning to roll back existing schemes.
Sharing Modi’s post, Shivakumar responded, citing MoSPI data: "Karnataka’s GSDP growth for 2023-24 is 10.2 per cent, surpassing the national average of 8.2 per cent."
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"These are facts, backed by figures, supported by credible sources. The question is: do these facts even reach the Union government, or do they miss those who formulate tweets for the highest offices at the Centre?" he posted on 'X'.
Meanwhile, Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge also criticised PM Modi, alleging he was “ill-informed” and relying on briefings from his social media team rather than the finance minister.
Kharge noted that the National Statistical Estimates had initially projected Karnataka’s growth at 4 per cent, later revised to 13.1 per cent. "Despite providing guarantees and facing severe drought, we’ve managed to grow exponentially," he told reporters here.
As per the data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI),Karnataka's GSDP growth for 2023-24 is 10.2% surpassing the national average of 8.2%.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 2, 2024
Now,
💡 These are facts.
💡 These facts are backed by figures.
💡 These figures are supported by credible… https://t.co/871XvX7Y3q
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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.
