Rahul, Priyanka, Shashi Tharoor grieve Oscar Fernandes’ demise
Mangaluru: Following the demise of senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Oscar Fernandes, several senior party men including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi took to Twitter to express their condolences.
Fernandes passed away at a private hospital in Mangaluru on Monday afternoon after remaining admitted in the hospital for over a month. He was admitted after he sustain a head injuring while performing Yoga at his house in July this year.
Rahul Gandhi termed his demise as his “personal loss” and added that Fernandes was a guide and mentor for many in the Congress party.
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Shri Oscar Fernandes Ji.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 13, 2021
It is a personal loss for me. He was a guide and mentor to many of us in the Congress Party.
He will be missed and fondly remembered for his contributions. pic.twitter.com/NZVD592GSJ
Priyanka Gandhi also took to her Twitter handle and stated that Fernandes was one of the finest and most loyal soldiers of the Congress party. He further added that the party will miss him immensely.
Heartfelt condolences to Oscar ji’s family. You are in our hearts and prayers.
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) September 13, 2021
He was one of the finest, most loyal soldiers of the Congress party, we will all miss him immensely. pic.twitter.com/ulBwtHpFsP
Another senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said Fernandes was a ‘gem of a man’.
“A Congress stalwart, his vision for an inclusive India had a huge influence on the politics of our times.” The official Twitter handle of the Congress party added in a tweet.
Deeply saddened by the passing of a gem of a man, a political mentor to many who approached politics in a spirit of selfless service. My profound condolences to his dear wife & soulmate Blossom, &to all in his extended Congress family who are bereaved today. @INCIndia https://t.co/VBM9iubYUO
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 13, 2021
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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