No one can become CM without support of majority MLAs, high command blessings: Siddaramaiah
Bagalkote (Karnataka), Oct 13 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said no one can become the CM without the support of the majority number of the party legislators, along with the blessings of the Congress high command.
The statement came amid speculation about a change of guard and cabinet reshuffle in the state when the Congress government reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, which is being referred to by some as "November revolution".
"I don't want to respond to such things. High command is high command. The opinions of the legislators and the high command are both very important. Without the opinion of the legislators no one can become the chief minister. Only if there is a majority (support of legislators), one can become (CM). The high command's blessings are also required," Siddaramaiah told reporters here.
He was responding to a question on a reported statement by Deputy CM D K Shivakumar that leadership changes can happen in the state based on the high command's decision, and the support of a number of legislators were not required.
Asked about the November revolution, the CM said, "There is no kranit (revolution), no branti (delusion)."
There has been speculation within state's political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the chief minister change later this year, citing alleged power-sharing agreement involving Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, said there is a convention in the Congress that while forming the government to choose the Congress legislature party leader or the CM, the high command will send observers to gather the opinion of the legislators, and whoever gets the majority, his or her name will be announced as the CM.
Siddaramaiah was chosen as the CM following a similar process both first and the second time. Even when S M Krishna was made the chief minister, the same process was followed. "However, if the high command says the opinion of the legislators is not required, it is left to them. It is their decision. Everyone will abide by the high command's decision," he said.
Pointing out that there are several chief ministerial aspirants in the party and anyone can occupy the top post, Parameshwara said, whoever the high command decides, all of them will support him or her.
Asked, only Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's names were doing rounds for the post, amid speculation about CM change, he said, "They are front runners. Others are in second or third level."
Amid talks about CM change, Siddaramaiah has constantly reiterated that he will complete a full five years term.
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah and his camp are pushing for a cabinet reshuffle.
They said, any move by the chief minister to effect a cabinet reshuffle, as the government is about to complete 2.5 years in office, will be widely seen as a message that he is at the helm and will continue to do so. The action may come across as a setback for Shivakumar, who is known to be waiting to lay claim to the chief minister's chair.
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Indian Coast Guard to observe 50th Raising Day on Feb 1
New Delhi (PTI): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG),established in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, has evolved into a "formidable maritime force" comprising 155 ships and 80 aircrafts, officials said on Saturday.
The ICG will observe its 50th Raising Day with an event here on Sunday, marking five decades of dedicated, selfless service to the nation, they said.
Raised on February 1, 1977, the ICG was envisioned to address emerging maritime challenges and safeguard India's expanding marine interests.
"From its humble beginnings in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, the ICG has evolved into a formidable maritime force comprising 155 ships and 80 aircrafts today," the ICG said.
By 2030, the ICG is "poised to achieve its target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircrafts, firmly establishing itself among the world's premier coast guard services," it said.
Since its inception, the organisation has "rescued over 11,800 lives", forging a legacy defined by compassion and courage, earning recognition as the enduring 'Saviours at Sea', a senior ICG official said.
Headquartered in Delhi, the force maintains vigil over 20.1 lakh sq km of India's Exclusive Economic Zone and 11,098.01 km of coastline, the ICG said in a statement.
From modest origins, it has grown into a powerful, versatile, and highly respected force entrusted with maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and humanitarian aid, officials said.
From close coordination with the Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor to daring rescue operations in Lakshadweep and the firm handling of three major maritime incidents off the Kerala coast in recent months, the ICG has demonstrated preparedness across the full spectrum of maritime contingencies, they said.
With extensive deployment of ships and aircrafts, coupled with high-tech electronic surveillance, the Coast Guard's persistent presence at sea reassures the maritime community and deters transgressions, they added.
Aligned with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', the ICG is steadily moving towards self-reliance through induction of indigenously-built ships, aircrafts, helicopters, and advanced surveillance systems, while simultaneously prioritising infrastructure development and personnel welfare, the statement said.
The ICG said it also "remains firmly committed to gender neutrality and inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for women across seagoing, aviation, and shore-based roles, and fostering a professional environment defined by respect, merit, and mutual trust".
Guided by the prime minister's vision of 'Amrit Kaal' and anchored in the doctrines of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the ICG forms a key pillar of India's maritime resurgence, promoting security, growth, cooperation, and collective prosperity across the oceans, it said.
In this evolving era, India's seas are not merely frontiers to be guarded, but "pathways of partnership, progress, and shared destiny", the ICG added.
On the global stage, the ICG strengthens maritime partnerships through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and capacity-building initiatives, the force said, adding that the unanimous decision to hand over presidency of 50th Coast Guard Global Summit to ICG in 2025 stands as a recognition of India's growing maritime leadership.
Ahead of the 50th Raising Day, the President of India, the vice-president, prime minister, and the defence minister, have extended regards to all ranks of the ICG, commending its remarkable achievements and acknowledging its vital role in safeguarding India's maritime interests, it said.
