Congress MLC BK Hariprasad dismisses ambitions for Karnataka CM post
Mangaluru: Congress MLC BK Hariprasad addressed reporters on Tuesday, clarifying that he is not seeking the position of Chief Minister of Karnataka. Hariprasad emphasized that the final decision regarding the continuation of Siddaramaiah in the role amid ongoing legal issues would be made by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faces allegations of illegally receiving a site from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), with the BJP demanding his resignation. In response to these accusations, Hariprasad expressed confidence that both Siddaramaiah and the Congress party would prevail in the legal proceedings, noting that a final judgment has not yet been issued.
Hariprasad addressed concerns about other Congress members expressing interest in the Chief Minister position. He clarified that party leaders had previously addressed questions about potential replacements and that any decision regarding a change in leadership would be determined by the Congress High Command. Hariprasad also highlighted that the 135 Congress legislators in Karnataka are exercising their democratic right to express their opinions and aspirations.
On the issue of alleged irregularities in Covid-19 management under the BJP government and Health Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar, Hariprasad criticized the BJP administration for its handling of the pandemic. He pointed out the significant number of deaths and the difficulties faced by the public due to vaccine supply mismanagement during the BJP's tenure. Hariprasad noted that the former health minister has been silent on these allegations and indicated that the release of the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission's report on the irregularities will bring the truth to light. He warned that those found guilty of illegal activities during the pandemic would face legal consequences.
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Danish national detained for illegally entering restricted area along Indo-Pak border in Bikaner
Jaipur (PTI): A 40-year-old Danish national was detained near the India-Pakistan international border in Rajasthan's Bikaner district for allegedly entering a restricted area without permission, police said on Sunday.
The man, identified as Rene, has been sent to the Joint Interrogation Centre in Bikaner for detailed questioning, and his passport details were being verified, they said.
He was found in suspicious circumstances on Hospital Road in Khajuwala area, close to the international border. Locals alerted the police as foreign nationals are rarely seen in the area, officials said.
A police team led by ASI Kishan Singh reached the spot and, considering the sensitivity of the area, informed the Border Security Force (BSF) and other security agencies. The agencies jointly questioned the man. No suspicious items were recovered from his possession, the police said.
During preliminary questioning, the man identified himself as a resident of Denmark and said he had arrived in India around seven months ago on a one-year tourist visa.
Officials said he initially responded in English but later stopped answering questions and reportedly broke down at the police station.
Superintendent of Police Mridul Kachawa said the foreign national was detained near the international border as he did not have the required permit to visit the restricted area.
"He has been sent to the Joint Interrogation Centre in Bikaner for detailed questioning. His passport details are being verified and efforts are being made to contact the embassy concerned. Further facts will emerge after interrogation," the officer said.
The police said Khajuwala is a sensitive border area where prior permission is mandatory for foreign nationals. Initial assessment suggests the man may have entered the area due to lack of awareness about restrictions, though all angles are being probed.
Further investigation is underway, the officials added.
