Vinesh will always be country's champion: CM Siddaramaiah on wrestler's Olympics exit
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday termed as "unfortunate" the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics after being found overweight, and said it does not diminish her countless achievements and the pride she has brought to India.
Urging Phogat to stay strong, he said, she will always be the country's champion.
"My heart goes out to Vinesh Phogat after the unfortunate incident in the Paris Olympics. Your strength, resilience, and dedication have always inspired the nation," Siddaramaiah posted on 'X'.
"Remember, this moment does not diminish your countless achievements and the pride you have brought to India. Stay strong, Vinesh. We believe in you and your incredible journey. You will always be our champion!" he said.
Vinesh had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category on Tuesday night. Before this morning, she was assured of at least a silver medal, but will now be returning empty-handed due to the disqualification.
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CPI(M) rebel Kunhikrishnan hopes for 5,000-vote win in Payyanur
Kannur (Kerala) (PTI): CPI(M) rebel candidate V Kunhikrishnan, who contested as a UDF-backed Independent from Payyanur here, on Saturday said he was hoping to win the Assembly election by a margin of 5,000 votes.
Kunhikrishnan was expelled from the CPI(M) earlier this year after raising allegations of corruption in the party’s martyrs’ fund against sitting MLA T I Madhusoodanan.
Speaking to a TV channel, Kunhikrishnan said he had announced his candidature as a mark of protest and not with expectations of victory.
However, he said the situation had changed drastically, with a strong undercurrent within CPI(M) votes favouring him.
"The undercurrent in CPI(M) votes cannot be measured. Now people are giving a response indicating victory with a margin of at least 5,000 votes," he said.
Payyanur is considered a CPI(M) stronghold, and a defeat for Madhusoodanan there would be a major setback for the party.
On political violence in Payyanur, Kunhikrishnan said he had been facing it since filing his nomination.
"The people leading this violence should think about how long they can continue it. It is the police which has to take the initiative to stop this violence as part of maintaining law and order. But the police are not intervening at the required level," he said.
Regarding his political future, Kunhikrishnan said efforts were underway to strengthen Left groups, and discussions were being held across Kerala in that regard.
"After discussing with others, a decision will be taken," he said.
Kunhikrishnan is among six former CPI(M) leaders who either exited the party or were suspended before contesting for the UDF in the April 9 Assembly elections.
Elections to the 140-seat Kerala Assembly were held on April 9, and the counting of votes will be held on May 4.
