Will continue as CM and present future budgets, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday asserted that he would continue in office and also present state budgets in the future.
His statement comes amidst an intense power struggle in the ruling Congress, with the D K Shivakumar camp mounting pressure on the party high command for a leadership change.
At least 15 MLAs and about a dozen MLCs have camped in New Delhi to push the party leadership to make Shivakumar the next Chief Minister, Congress sources said.
According to reports, the demand is based on a power-sharing agreement reached in 2023, under which Siddaramaiah was to serve as the CM for two and a half years (till November 20) before making way for Shivakumar.
Responding to a query on some MLAs and MLCs camping in Delhi, he said the Congress High Command has to decide on the leadership change, cabinet reshuffle or government restructuring.
“Has High Command spoken on it? We can’t help it. Earlier also some people were discussing it, and now they might have gone (to Delhi). Finally, Shivakumar and I have to listen to whatever the High Command says,” he added.
To a question whether he would present the next two state budgets, Siddaramaiah retorted, “Why are you asking this? Yes, I will continue. I will present the budgets in future also.”
Asked whether he would meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, he said, “Kharge is coming to Bengaluru today (Friday). Once he comes, I will meet him.”
On directing the Ministers and MLAs from speaking in public on leadership change, the Chief Minister said, “Everyone has to obey whatever the party high command decides – be it ministers or MLAs. I and Shivakumar should also follow it.”
When pointed out that Shivakumar’s brother D K Suresh had said "Siddaramaiah never backtracks from his word", the CM said, “Yes. He is right. I have never backtracked from my statement. I implemented all five pre-poll guarantees I had promised.”
When pressed on whether this applied to handing over power to Shivakumar, the Chief Minister said the decision is left to the high command.
On Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy’s Delhi tour, Siddaramaiah said, “I don’t know whether he has gone there. D K Shivakumar has already said. What else should I say?”
He added, “I had a word with Chaluvarayaswamy. Today also, I spoke to him through video conference. He said he has gone to Delhi to meet the Union Agriculture Minister.”
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
