State Government using caste census to divert attention from stampede tragedy: BJP Chief Vijayendra
Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of indulging in “conspiracy politics” by blaming the Centre for the state’s financial and administrative failures.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Vijayendra said the Chief Minister, while attending the 16th Finance Commission meeting in Delhi, attempted to deflect attention from his government’s inefficiencies by targeting the Union Government. “Although he must be appreciated for representing Karnataka at the meeting, it's unfortunate to see him trying to shift the blame,” Vijayendra said.
He alleged that the state is failing to manage funds for fulfilling its guarantee schemes and is halting developmental work, leading Siddaramaiah to make partial statements such as “Karnataka gets only ₹13 for every ₹100 it gives.” He said the state is not utilising Central grants properly and is even cutting funds for Union Government schemes.
On the issue of caste census, Vijayendra claimed that the Congress-led government is only now talking about it to distract the public from the recent RCB celebration stampede that killed 11 people. “About three months ago, the government faced pressure due to our protests. Siddaramaiah had then promised to implement the Kantharaj Commission report, but even after four or five cabinet meetings, nothing was done,” he said.
He termed the caste census data “unscientific” and said the government was now feigning interest under public pressure. “The Centre has already announced that both population and caste census will be conducted. But the state government has no clarity or commitment on this and is simply trying to create confusion,” he added.
Vijayendra also alleged that a newly formed special squad in Dakshina Kannada district is being used not to curb communal violence, but to target Hindu activists and BJP workers. “We recently visited the district and met with officials. This is nothing but a strategy to intimidate our party workers,” he said.
He concluded by asserting that the Congress government in Karnataka lacks the intent to bring the caste census issue to a logical end and is using it for political gains.
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.
3 Indians arrested in Canada for shooting outside home
Ottawa (PTI): Three Indian nationals have been arrested by Canadian police on an anti-extortion patrol and charged after bullets were fired at a home.
Harjot Singh (21), Taranveer Singh (19) and Dayajeet Singh Billing (21) face one count each of discharging a firearm, and all have been remanded in custody until Thursday, the Surrey Police Service (SPS) said in a statement on Monday.
The suspects were arrested by patrol officers after an early morning report of shots fired and a small fire outside a home in Surrey's Crescent Beach neighbourhood, the LakelandToday reported.
On February 1, 2026, the SPS members were patrolling in Surrey’s Crescent Beach neighbourhood when reports came in of shots being fired and a small fire outside a residence near Crescent Road and 132 Street.
The three accused were arrested by SPS officers a short time later, the statement said.
SPS’s Major Crime Section took over the investigation, and the three men have now been charged with Criminal Code offences, it said.
All three have been charged with one count each of discharging a firearm into a place contrary to section 244.2(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. All three have been remanded in custody until February 5, 2026.
The SPS has confirmed they are all foreign nationals and has engaged the Canada Border Services Agency, it said.
One of the suspects suffered injuries, including two black eyes, the media report said.
Surrey police Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said on Monday that the suspect had refused to comply with instructions to get out of the ride-share vehicle and started to "actively resist."
"As we were trained, he was taken to the ground and safely handcuffed," said Houghton.
A second suspect with a black eye was also injured in the arrest after refusing to comply, Houghton said.
The arresting officers were part of Project Assurance, an initiative that patrols neighbourhoods that have been targeted by extortion violence.
Houghton said the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is also involved because the men are foreign nationals, and the trio may face additional charges.
It's not clear if the men are in the country on tourist visas, a study permit, or a work permit, but Houghton said CBSA has started its own investigation into the men's status.
Surrey has seen a number of shootings at homes and businesses over the last several months, but there's been an escalation since the new year.
