Union Minister Ajay Mishra calls Rakesh Tikait 'second rate person'
Lakhimpur Kheri (UP) (PTI): Union Minister Ajay Kumar Mishra, who is facing flak over his son's alleged involvement in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in which four farmers were mowed down by a car last year, has called farmer leader Rakesh Tikait a "do kaudi ka aadmi" or a second rate person.
In a video apparently of a speech made to his supporters, Mishra dismissed allegations levelled against him.
"Suppose I am going to Lucknow in a car which is at a good speed, dogs bark on the road or chase the car. It's their nature, I will not say anything about that as we do not have this nature. When things come to the fore, I will give answer to everyone. I am very confident because of your support," Mishra, who is the Minister of State for Home, said.
On October 3 last year, eight people, including four farmers and a journalist, were killed in the violence at Tikunia village here during a farmer protest against the visit of UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to Mishra's village in Lakhimpur Kheri district.
In this case, Mishra's son Ashish Mishra has been arrested as the main accused.
"People keep raising questions. There are also 'bevakoof patrakaar' (stupid journalists) who have no relationship with journalism and want to create confusion by such 'ulti-seedhi baat' (unfounded things)," he said.
"I know Rakesh Tikait very well, he is a 'do kaudi ka aadmi' (second rate person). He fought election twice and lost the deposit. If this kind of a man opposes anyone, it is of no value and so I do not answer to such people as it is of no relevance," Mishra said.
Led by Tikait, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) had staged a 75-hour long dharna in Lakhimpur last week to press for various demands, including sacking of Mishra.
"He (Tikait) is doing politics in this manner and running his livelihood. They will be given a reply at the right time," Mishra is heard telling BJP workers in the video apparently in his Kheri constituency.
Reacting to Mishra's comments, Tikait said it was natural for him to be angry when his son is in jail for the past one year.
The Union minister, known for making controversial statements, also appeared to be giving a clarification in the speech over various allegations levelled against him.
"I have not done anything wrong in my life. I am fighting for the right thing. I have not even done .01 per cent wrong. Anyone can come forward and show otherwise. Truth is never defeated," he said.
Mishra is second consecutive term Lok Sabha MP from Kheri on a BJP ticket.
"No one in the world will be able to disappoint you. No matter how many Rakesh Tikait come," he is heard assuring his supporters to shouts of "zindabad".
"I have to say only this -- 'mujhko tum barkha na samjho aag ka dariya hoon mai,yeh to majboori hai meri apney aap mein jalta hoon main,'" he said amid shouts of supporters in his favour."
Replying to his insinuation, Tikait alleged that a "goonda raj" has been unleashed by Mishra in Lakhimpur and said they would soon launch a "mukti abhiyan" to free the place from Mishra's reign of terror.
"This time we stayed for three days, next time we will stay there (Lakhimpur) for 13 days to end the 'goonda raj' of the minister," the BKU leader was heard saying in a video.
The farmer leader said such threatening comments of the MOS could affect the probe into the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
"The court and the police should do its work. He (Mishra) shall be externed from the district or the state so that the probe is not affected in the incident," he said.
Tikait said the Lakhimpur Kheri incident would be a prominent issue wherever there is a farmers' agitation in the country.
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
