Priyanka Gandhi welcomes Centre's announcement to conduct caste census
Wayanad (PTI): Congress MP from Wayanad Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has welcomed the Centre's recent announcement that caste enumeration will be included in the next census exercise in a transparent manner.
The Congress leader, who is on a two-day visit to her constituency, said the decision followed strong public demand and continuous efforts by those who supported the cause.
"My brother (Rahul Gandhi) took up this issue last year and kept speaking in its favour even as the BJP strongly opposed it," she told reporters in response to a query.
"He was even ridiculed in Parliament for standing firm on the issue," she said.
Priyanka Gandhi also said that pressure from people across the country seemed to have made a difference.
She also expressed hope that the government carries out the caste survey properly by collecting accurate data.
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Minister Parameshwara says remarks on properties linked to drug peddlers 'misunderstood'
Tumakuru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said his recent remarks on the demolition of properties linked to those involved in narcotics trade were "misunderstood and misinterpreted".
His clarification follows remarks made two days ago on the government's uncompromising crackdown on the drug menace, including action against properties linked to foreign nationals allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
"It is unfortunate. It is taken in the wrong sense. I didn't mean that tomorrow itself I am going to send bulldozers and demolish the houses. That was not my intention. It was wrongly taken," he told reporters here.
Responding to Congress MLC K Abdul Jabbar's question in the legislative council on the growing drug menace in Bengaluru, Davangere and coastal districts, the minister on Thursday detailed the extensive enforcement measures initiated since the Congress government assumed office.
Pointing to the involvement of some foreign nationals, the minister had said, "Many foreign students from African countries have come to Karnataka. They are into the drug business. We catch them and register cases against them, but they want the case to be registered because once the case is registered, we cannot deport them."
"We have gone to the extent of demolishing the rented building where they stay," he had said.
