Bihar's free electricity promise is 'Karnataka model': DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru Jul 17 (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Thursday that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's promise of free electricity up to 125 units is a "Karnataka model".
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar claimed that in the entire country, only the Congress party has stood for the welfare of the people.
"After independence till today, whenever Congress party is in power, either in the Centre or in the state, it has given various schemes," he said.
He said it was Karnataka that started the trend with five guarantees. Congress does this for the development of the people.
"But to come to power again, they (BJP) have also used this in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi and other parts of the country," he said.
The Deputy CM said whatever Congress party has given in Karnataka, the entire country is following. "So, it is a Karnataka model to the country."
The Congress government's five guarantee schemes are —200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), the additional 5 kg of rice to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya), Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for diploma holders for two years (Yuva Nidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti).
In a major populist move ahead of the upcoming assembly polls, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced free power up to 125 units to all domestic consumers in the state.
Kumar came up with the announcement on social media, stating that the benefit will reach 1.67 crore households.
He also said the free power benefit will be effective from August 1.
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MEA reports more than 200 Indians enlisted in Russian military since 2022; 26 deaths confirmed
More than 200 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 are confirmed dead, MEA—The Ministry of External Affairs have informed the Upper house of the Parliament: Rajya Sabha.
In a written response, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that at least 202 Indians are reported to have joined the Russian army. Among these recruited personnels, 26 have lost their lives; while, seven individuals have been reported missing by Russian authorities. He added that the remains of two deceased Indian nationals were cremated in Russia.
Singh noted that the sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government have led to the early discharge of 119 individuals. He further added that the discussions are going smoothly with the Russians to secure the release of the remaining personnel, with efforts underway to facilitate the early discharge of 50 more Indian nationals.
According to the minister, the Union government is in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt return of Indian citizens serving in the Russian army. The issue, he said, is being addressed at multiple levels, including interactions between senior leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
The said disclosure was made in response to queries raised by Saket Gokhale, the MP of Trinamool Congress, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the MP of INC, regarding the number of Indians allegedly recruited into the military service in Russia; Along with the details of deaths and missing persons reported since 2022.
