Rahul Gandhi's 'body double' used during Cong yatra in Assam identified: Assam CM Himanta
Guwahati, Feb 2: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday claimed that the "body double" allegedly used by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in the state has been "identified" and details will be revealed later.
Addressing a press conference here, Sarma also asserted that the "body double" left the yatra midway after a media outlet reported about his presence, creating a controversy.
"We have identified the body double, which was used by Rahul Gandhi during the padyatra. We have now confirmed that during most of the roadshows, Rahul was not cheering the crowd. His body double was cheering the crowd," the CM claimed.
Sarma said he will call a press meet on the issue and reveal the identity and other details of the "body double" once Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves the state, after completing his two-day trip, beginning Saturday.
"After they (media outlet) exposed and uploaded the photograph, that person quietly left Assam from Guwahati airport to Delhi without participating in the last leg (of the yatra)," he said.
The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' journeyed through Assam from January 18 to January 25, during which Gandhi had locked horns with Sarma on several occasions.
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Karnataka development model studied by economists, universities worldwide: Governor Gehlot
Bengaluru, Mar 3 (PTI): Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Monday said the state government is developing a unique model of Karnataka in development, one that is being studied by economists and universities worldwide.
Addressing the joint session of the state legislature at Vidhana Soudha here, he emphasised that the Karnataka model of development focuses on building a people-centered approach to economic, social, and cultural governance.
Through the Governor's customary speech, the government has tried to defend its welfare schemes, financial position, and also said that there is no serious law and order problem in the state; the very issues on which the opposition has been critical of the government.
Opposition BJP criticised the Governor's address as a "pure lie". It said the development has come to a "standstill" in Karnataka, but the address prepared by the government says that the state is on the path of progress.
The Governor said, "....the Government is shaping a unique model of Karnataka in development.The Karnataka model of development means creating a people-centric economic, social and cultural governance. Green energy, women empowerment, etc. are also included in this."
Pointing out that the Karnataka model is being extensively studied by global experts, the Governor said, "Oxford University has described this model as 'Shining a Light in the Darkness' and 'A BluePrint for the World' in its Human Rights Hub blog. The head of the United Nations has personally visited the state to learn about this model and openly praised our programmes."
Defending the guarantee schemes, Gehlot said many predicted that Karnataka would lag behind in development and the financial system of the state would deteriorate due to the ambitious welfare schemes launched by the government. "The government has proven these predictions to be false," he asserted.
Noting that the state has recorded good achievements in every sector, the Governor said that Karnataka's income is increasing, and private capital is flowing into the state in record numbers.
The severity of inequality is decreasing due to the efficient implementation of welfare programmes, he said. "The state is second in foreign direct investment. The growth rate of GST is good."
He also pointed out that the number of suicides among farmer families in the state has reduced significantly due to the welfare programmes of the government.
The Governor noted that our elders, through Babasaheb Ambedkar, have given this country a very humane Constitution to ensure that society does not go towards Social Darwinism. The Constitution mandates the reduction of inequality and a fair distribution of income among the people.
"In this regard, guarantee schemes have been implemented. Resources of more than Rs 52,000 crore are being provided for this annually. Rs 70,000 crore have been transferred directly to the bank accounts of the people for 5 guarantee schemes from the time my government has come to power," he said.
Gehlot highlighted that more than Rs 90,000 crore is being spent annually on welfare programmes, benefiting more than 1.25 crore families through direct cash transfer schemes, subsidies and incentives provided by various departments.
In his speech, the Governor emphasised that comprehensive and effective efforts are being made to transform Karnataka into a USD 1 trillion economy, focusing on healthcare, education, sanitation and sustainable agriculture for the people.
The government has managed the state well fiscally by promoting the economic growth in 2024-25. The state's revenue collection in the first three quarters of the financial year 2024-25 has reached Rs 1,81,908 crore, he said.
Compared to the previous year, the state's revenue receipts have grown by 13 per cent till the end of December. "Karnataka is the 2nd largest state in the country in terms of total GST tax collected by the states, and the State's GST collection has grown by 12 per cent year-on-year till the end of December, he added.
No serious law and order problems have arisen in the state in the last 19 months. Police stations are working in a people-friendly manner, the Governor said.
In recent times, cybercrime cases have been increasing in the entire country. "The state police department is constantly working to create awareness and quickly identify the criminals, so these cases are also decreasing," he said.
The government is committed to starting the pending irrigation projects in the state within the time limit, Gehlot further said, "Some projects require the approval of the central government and we are putting pressure on the Centre."
Criticising the government, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said, "If you listen to the Governor's address (you will know that) this government has wasted the Governor's time. The address starts by saying that the state government has succeeded in ensuring speedy development in the state. The government made the Governor's address a pure lie."
The Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashoka, slammed the government and said, "This is a zero government because there is zero development in the state."
