Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressing Congress leader Yatindra’s statement asserted that the Congress government will remain strong for five years and that the Lok Sabha polls will be held under the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership. Shivakumar was speaking to the press at the Kumara Krupa guest house in the city on Wednesday.

Congress leader and CM Siddaramaiah’s son Yatindra on Wednesday in a function held at Hassan district stated, “If Cong performs well in LS polls, Siddaramaiah will continue as CM for a full term without any hindrances.” The remark sparked a debate about vexed leadership issue in the Congress state unit.

"Our government will remain strong for five years. Siddaramaiah is our Chief Minister now. He, as the Chief Minister, and myself, as the State President of the Congress Party, will conduct election campaigns together. Elections will be held under his leadership. There is no doubt about it. It is not wrong to desire and ask people for support," stated Shivakumar.

ALSO READ: Good show in LS polls will allow Siddaramaiah to continue as CM for 5 years, says his son

Referring to Yathindra as a responsible leader, Shivakumar mentioned that, “Yathindra is a responsible leader. It is natural to seek strength from the public. There is no requirement to distort his statement.”

Meanwhile addressing about counterfeit Mysore Sandal Soaps in circulation in the market he said, “I have observed counterfeit Mysore sandal soaps as well. Genuine and fake kinds of the soap exist in the market, with the fake ones often having the quality of getting discolored after a day of use. I have emphasized the need for an investigation into this matter. Previously, there were Mysore lamps being counterfeited. The authorities have taken effective measures to investigate and expose the production of counterfeit Mysore Sandal Soap. Legal action will be pursued against those involved in counterfeiting the soaps.”

Get all the latest, breaking news from Karnataka in a single click. CLICK HERE to get all the latest news from Karnataka.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



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.