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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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
