Bengaluru, Nov 4: On a day when the Basavaraj Bommai-led government completed hundred days in office, Congress Karnataka president D K Shivakumar on Thursday said people in the Chief Minister's home district Haveri have responded to his administration's functioning, by defeating the ruling BJP in the recent Hangal bypolls.

"Let him (Bommai) give good advertisement for the good administration and work done, but the people of his district have given an answer. We are not disputing his achievement or questioning his management, we are not making any allegations. We are happy that his party has decided to go for election (in 2023) under his leadership," Shivakumar quipped in response to a question on the Bommai government's hundred days in office.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, "whether Bommai or Yediyurappa is the Chief Minister, it doesn't matter. For us, it is the BJP government and its policies."

Shivakumar was referring to BJP's loss in the Hangal bypolls, which is also seen as a "setback" to Chief Minister Bommai, as it is the neighbouring constituency to his Shiggaon assembly segment in Haveri district, where he had extensively campaigned.

Chief Minister Bommai earlier today had said that he is satisfied with the decisions taken so far in taking the administration in the right direction, and the work is on towards inclusive economic progress.

Ending months of speculation about the change of guard in the state, Bommai on July 28 had taken over as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka, from BJP stalwart B S Yediyurappa, who stepped down from the coveted post, coinciding with his government completing two years in office.

Hitting out at the BJP for showcasing reduction in petrol and diesel prices as Deepavali gift, Shivakumar said, it is nothing but "pickpocketing" that was happening every day, has been stopped.

"When the price is reduced from Rs 10 to Rs 5 it can be called a gift, not taking Rs 45 and giving back Rs 7 or 10, it cannot be called a gift. If you are getting Rs 10,000 or Rs 20,000 salary and if you are given Rs 25,000 it can be called bonus or gift, not first reducing salary to Rs 15,000 and then increasing Rs 5,000. Can it be called a gift?" he asked.

Comparing fuel prices under various governments, the KPCC chief said, "every day the government is pickpocketing from every pocket, whether you are commuting by car or a two wheeler."

He also claimed that the central and state government's decision to slash prices of petrol and diesel was following a message from the people to them, in the bypolls held in various parts of the country.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



New Delhi: The Indian men's team beat Nepal 54-36 in the final to win the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup title here on Sunday.

The Indian men's team title came after the women's side were also crowned the champions after defeating Nepal in the final.

The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap leading from the front.

Attacking first, an exceptional sky dive by Ramji Kashyap got Nepal's Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate then touched Bharat Sahu to give India a great start with 10 points in just four minutes.

Sky dives were the name of the game for the Men in Blue, and this ensured a bright start for the side in Turn 1, preventing the Dream Run for their opponents. At the end of the turn, the scoreline was 26-0 in favour of the Indians.

In Turn 2, Nepal were not able to match India's levels but did prevent the home side from going on a single Dream Run.

Aditya Ganpule and skipper Pratik Waikar carried the team through this turn, and despite regular touches from the likes of Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, India carried a 26-18 lead into the second half of the clash.

India were in their stride in Turn 3, displaying unwavering confidence throughout. Captain Pratik Waikar shone on the mat with multiple sky dives, and with the support of Ramji Kashyap, another star of the tournament.

Aditya Ganpule was also at his finest, and the home team's collective effort took the score to 54-18 entering the final turn of the match -- and the tournament.

Nepal fought hard in Turn 4 in their bid to come back against India. But the defenders, once again led by Pratik Waikar and Sachin Bhargo proved too strong. Mehul and Suman Barman were equally impressive.

India showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, beginning with convincing victories over Brazil, Peru and Bhutan in the group stages. Their momentum continued through the knockout rounds, where they outclassed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong South African side in the semifinals.