What Siddaramaiah said about another DCM post?
Bagalkote, June 10: Former chief minister Siddaramaiah denied the chances of creating another Deputy Chief Minister post in the coalition government as all confusions and differences among Congress MLAs were solved.
Speaking to reporters at Neelaguma village in Badami assembly constituency on Sunday, Siddaramaiah said that he discussed with the party high command and the dissidents. He has convinced them, but he has not given any promises, he said.
News that he has not contacted the dissident MLAs is just a rumour. He has been speaking to them once or twice daily. Those who were appointed as ministers now would continue for two years. Later, other eligible MLAs would get the opportunity, he clarified.
The high command has not invited him to New Delhi. AICC president Rahul Gandhi would take a decision on appointing KPCC president. He would not recommend anybody for the KPCC president post. If Rahul Gandhi asked him, he would convey his opinion, he added.
The first meeting of the Coordination Committee of the JDS-Congress coalition government will be held under the chairmanship of Siddaramaiah either a private hotel or Kumara Krupa guest house in Bengaluru on June 14.
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Trump unveils fast-track ‘Gold Card’ visa scheme for wealthy foreigners
Washington: President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa programme that offers wealthy foreigners an expedited path to US citizenship in exchange for a minimum payment of $1 million. Announcing the initiative on social media on Wednesday, Trump described the offering, called the Trump Gold Card, as a “direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people.”
According to the scheme’s official website, the Gold Card is aimed at individuals who can demonstrate they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States. The programme promises residency in “record time” and requires a $1 million fee as proof of that benefit. Businesses sponsoring foreign employees will need to pay $2 million, with additional charges depending on the applicant’s circumstances. A “platinum” version with special tax incentives is expected to be introduced for $5 million.
Applicants must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their documents are reviewed.
BBC reported that the scheme has drawn criticism from Democrats since its first announcement earlier this year, who argue that it unfairly prioritises the wealthy. When Trump initially outlined the plan, he likened the visa to a green card but stressed that it targeted “high-level” professionals. “We want people that are productive,” he said, adding that those who can pay $5 million “are going to create jobs.”
The launch of the programme comes at a time when the administration has sharply intensified its immigration crackdown. The US has increased fees for work visas and expanded efforts to deport undocumented migrants. Immigration applications from 19 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East which are covered under the administration’s travel ban remain paused.
The government has also halted decisions on asylum cases and announced a review of thousands of approvals issued during President Joe Biden’s tenure. In September, Trump signed an order introducing a $100,000 fee for new applicants to the H-1B programme for skilled workers, prompting concern among international students and technology companies. The White House later clarified that the fee applies only to applicants currently living outside the United States.
