PM Modi says rise of Radhakrishnan to post of Vice President reflects true strength of democracy
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the rise of C P Radhakrishnan from an ordinary background to the office of Vice President reflects the true strength of democracy, and hoped his experience and guidance will aid in the smooth running of the Rajya Sabha.
In September, Chandrapuram Ponnusami (C P) Radhakrishnan was elected as India's 15th Vice President, a post that made him the ex officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
At the start of the Winter Session of Parliament, Modi congratulated him and wished that the House, under this guidance, would have meaningful discussions and take crucial decisions.
"I congratulate you, and I am confident that every member of this House will honour its traditions and uphold your dignity as well," the Prime Minister said.
The Winter Session is the first Parliament session Radhakrishnan is presiding over as the chairman of the Upper House.
Radhakrishnan comes from an ordinary family of farmers and has dedicated his entire life to social service. "Politics has been only one part of your journey - service to society has been your central mission from youth until now."
"Your rise from such humble beginnings to this high office truly represents the strength of our democracy," he said.
Modi said Radhakrishnan has consistently remained above protocol. "Your personality reflects service, dedication, and patience."
He went on to recall two incidents that shaped his character -- as a child, when he narrowly escaped drowning, it turned that moment into a lifelong commitment to serve society.
He also narrowly survived a bomb blast that targeted former deputy prime minister L K Adani's yatra. He again converted that experience into a resolve to work even harder for the nation.
Modi went on to narrate how the Vice President decided to give up eating non-vegetarian food when he visited Varanasi.
"I'm not saying eating non-vegetarian is wrong, but as the MP from Varanasi, I acknowledge this gesture warmly," he said.
Stating that Radhakrishnan displayed strong leadership qualities since his student days, Modi said he chose struggle over the easy path. During the Emergency, he fought as a true soldier of democracy and worked for public awareness.
He has always been a skilled organiser, excelling in every responsibility entrusted to him and bringing people together.
"Today is a proud moment for all of us. Your journey inspires the entire nation. I once again congratulate you," he added.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
