Mysuru: “Whether to contest from Badami or not, this decision will be taken by party high command. I am just a Chief Minister of a state, not the high command,” Siddaramaiah clarified.

Talking to reporters at his residence in TK Layout in Mysuru on Thursday, Siddaramaiah said, neither I nor the people of Badami have any confusion regarding Badami constituency. This is you who are creating confusion. All confusions will be cleared on April 23 or 24, he said.

“I will start my state tour from 26th of this month. I will be canvassing only in those places where competition is tougher,” chief minister added.

Speaking about the ticket denial for sitting MLAs, Siddaramaiah said, “Ticket will be issued to HP Rajesh of Jagaluru. For remaining candidates party high command will decide.”

Congress leaders R Dhruvanarayan, Hinkal Prakash, Marigauda, Somashekhar, BB Sitaram, HA Venkatesh, B Siddaraju, R Murthy and others were present with the chief minister.

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Udupi (Karnataka) (PTI): The VHP on Saturday demanded the immediate withdrawal of a proposed amendment to the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, accusing the state government of weakening a law that has deterred illegal cattle transport.

The organisation's Go Raksha Wing, Karnataka South, has also announced district-level protests on December 8.

According to officials, the existing law mandates a bank guarantee for securing the release of vehicles seized for alleged illegal cattle transportation.

On December 4, the state Cabinet proposed an amendment enabling the release of such vehicles on an indemnity bond instead.

Addressing reporters in Udupi, VHP leader and Prantha Goraksha Pramukh Sunil K R, said the government's move amounted to "sympathy for cattle lifters" and claimed that it was part of broader actions "targeting Hindus".

He argued that the law in its current form is stringent and has played a crucial role in reducing incidents of illegal cattle transport and theft.

Under the Act, vehicles involved in offences can be surrendered and, upon conviction, permanently seized by authorities. "Diluting these provisions will embolden offenders," Sunil said.

The VHP leader warned that easing the process of vehicle release would not only encourage violators but also result in rising cruelty against cattle.

Sunil further claimed that the strict enforcement of the 2020 law had brought down cases of cattle-related offences significantly. Rolling back these provisions, he said, could reverse those gains and would lead to an increase in illegal transport.

He reiterated that the government must reconsider its decision and preserve the integrity of the existing law.