Will discuss LPG shortage during Cabinet meeting: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said the government will take up the issue of LPG shortage in the Cabinet meeting, while urging the Centre to immediately address supply disruptions that are affecting households and farmers.
In the wake of the US-Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East, the state is facing LPG refill crisis.
Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said the shortage of LPG supply was causing hardship to the public, particularly in rural areas, and insisted that the matter needed urgent attention at the highest level.
"Today there is some issue with gas supply; gas is not available. This is causing problems for everyone. I had said this yesterday as well and the day before, but the (BJP) MPs are not speaking about it," he said.
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Shivakumar said the Centre must act immediately to resolve the problem and ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG, warning that people in villages might be forced to revert to firewood if the situation persists.
"They should find a solution today itself and supply LPG. Otherwise, if gas is not available in the villages, then our farmers will have to use firewood as an alternative. They say people should not use firewood and declare things as 'firewood-free,' but people are compelled to make such decisions," he said.
He also criticised the union government over rising LPG prices.
"In any case, the central government is not reducing gas prices. Petrol and diesel prices (international level) are increasing, and the prices of all commodities are rising. People are struggling. So the Centre itself must respond to this. The state government alone cannot bring about this change," he said.
Shivakumar further urged BJP Members of Parliament from the state to raise the issue in Parliament and ensure that Karnataka receives fair treatment from the Centre.
"The MPs speak on various issues, but first they should raise this matter in Parliament and ensure justice for our state. We condemn the approach of the central government," he said.
Stressing that access to cooking fuel was essential for households, he said uncertainty over supplies could create further difficulties.
"First, people must have all the facilities needed for food. In the coming days, we do not know what situation may arise," he said, adding that the suspension of several gas-run vehicles earlier had also created complications.
"All these are creating problems. So today we have a Cabinet meeting, and this issue should be decided in the Cabinet," he added.
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No date fixed yet for leadership change in Karnataka: Cong chief Kharge
Kalaburagi (Karnataka) (PTI): Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said that no date has been fixed yet to discuss possible leadership change in Karnataka.
His statement came amid intensifying speculation over a power tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar.
Addressing a press conference here, Kharge maintained that any decision regarding leadership would be taken collectively by the party's high command after due consultation.
He also cautioned against misinterpretation of his remarks.
"See, we will take a decision together, the three of us: I as the AICC president, Sonia Gandhi as the Congress Parliamentary Party president, and Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. That is why we always act together," he explained.
Kharge further said, "When the three of us fix a date together, we will take a decision. Since no date has been fixed yet, how can I say whether a change is happening or not?"
He asserted that the Congress leadership follows a consultative process before arriving at any conclusion.
"In the high command, we have extensive discussions among ourselves and also consult other senior leaders. We consider what the outcome would be and then take steps accordingly," the Congress chief said.
Stressing that no timeline had been finalised, he said, "When it happens, I will definitely inform you. Please do not misinterpret this."
He noted that he often avoids commenting publicly to prevent misrepresentation.
Emphasising party discipline, Kharge said any eventual decision would be binding on all.
"Whatever decision is taken, it will be in the interest of the state, and everyone will have to support whatever decision the high command takes," he said.
On Thursday, Kharge said there was no change of CM in Karnataka "for now" and that the leadership issue in the state would be resolved soon.
The remarks come amid ongoing speculation over an alleged understanding for a power transfer to Shivakumar when the Congress government completes its halfway mark in November 2025.
While Siddaramaiah has asserted that he intends to complete a full five-year term, he has also said he would abide by any decision taken by the party leadership.
Recently, Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh's Delhi visit triggered speculation of a leadership change. His supporters are also charged up.
