BJP will go alone in 2023 K'taka polls, voting for JD(S) is like casting ballot for Congress: Shah
Bengaluru, Dec 31: Urging party workers to ensure that BJP forms a government with two-thirds majority in Karnataka, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that the party will go alone in the 2023 assembly polls, and said it will be a direct contest as voting for JD(S) is like casting the ballot for Congress.
He also urged people to decide whether they are standing with a party of patriots, referring to the BJP, or with "tukde tukde gang" under the leadership of Congress.
"There are clearly two sides and it is a straight fight this time. Journalists say there is a triangular fight. I said no, it is a straight fight, because voting for JD(S) means voting for Congress. So, is it a straight fight or not?" Shah asked.
Accusing the JD(S) of spreading rumours claiming that BJP will tie up with them, while addressing party workers here, he said: "I have come to tell the workers and the people of Karnataka that we will not go with any party. We will fight alone and form the government on our own."
"There are clearly two sides. On one side, there is an organisation of patriots in the form of BJP and on the other side, tukde-tukde gang have come together under the leadership of the Congress. It is for the people of Karnataka to decide now whether they are with the patriots or those who support people who want to divide this country," he added.
Shah was speaking at the BJP's booth presidents and booth-level agents convention at the Palace Ground here.
Highlighting BJP's win in Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, and a tremendous victory in Gujarat, Shah told party workers: "If you want to form a government, don't form an incomplete one, form a government with a full two-thirds majority."
"I have seen the mood of the people of Karnataka. People are ready (to support us), we need to go to them," he added.
Further calling Congress and JD(S) two sides of the same coin he said, "On voting for JD(S), Kumaraswamy (JDS leader) will sit on the lap of Congress. Give an opportunity for BJP to form a government with full majority, we will give a patriot government by ending corruption, parivaarvad (dynasty politis) and jaativad in five years."
Noting that in the 2018 assembly polls, people of Karnataka made BJP the single largest party, but there was a slight shortage of numbers, Shah said, as it always happens Congress and JD(S) which fought each other during election, "sat on each other's lap to keep BJP away from power."
He was referring to the 2018 assembly election throwing up a hung verdict following which, Congress and JD(S) that had fought each other during the elections, joined hands to form a coalition government to keep BJP out of power.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, state BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, party's national General Secretaries Arun Singh and C T Ravi, among others were present at the event.
Calling Karnataka the "gateway" for BJP to the south of India, the former BJP president, expressed happiness about the response during his visit to Mandya, in the 'Old Mysuru' region of the state, where the party is considered to be weak.
He told party workers to concentrate on their booths like Arjuna in the epic Mahabharata could see only the bird's eye while aiming his bow during an archery session. "You strengthen your booth and Modiji will strengthen the country."
For Congress, power is an instrument for corruption, while BJP sees it as an instrument to serve the poor, the Union Minister said, while making an appeal to workers to take the work, programmes of the Central and state governments, with a message of clean administration to the people.
Listing pro-people and pro-poor programmes of the BJP government, he said, "Deve Gowda, Siddaramaiah, Congress President speak about the poor. You have been Prime Minister, Chief Minister and Congress ruled for four generations. Come with your account, our Yuva Morcha workers will give you an account on the streets of Bengaluru."
Shah further said, on one side, there is Modi and BJP who banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) and on the other side there is Congress' Siddaramaiah and H D Kumaraswamy of JD(S) who withdrew cases against 1,700 PFI cadres.
"People of Karnataka will have to decide about the state's security and save our youth," he said.
PM Modi and BJP are redeveloping Kashi, Kedarnath, Badrinath along with Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, while there are people who have made a hero out of Tipu Sultan, he further said, adding that "people of Karnataka will have to decide between them."
Shah also blamed Congress for keeping Article 370 with respect to Jammu and Kashmir for 70 years, and said, "on August 5, 2019 by abrogating Article 370, Modi has put an end to terrorism."
"When I took the Bill on abrogation (of Article 370) to Parliament, the Congress, JD(S), Communists, Samata, Mamata (TMC), SP, BSP, objected to it saying that a river of blood would flow in Kashmir. Today, I will tell them no one had the courage to even throw a stone, this is Narendra Modi's government."
"Can D K Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah and Kumaraswamy and their parties fight against terrorism and safeguard this country? Can they protect Karnataka from PFI? No, they can't. They fear vote bank, but BJP believes in protecting the country," he added.
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Prez confers Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children for excellence in various fields
New Delhi, Dec 26: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 children, recognizing their exceptional courage and outstanding achievements across diverse fields, including art, culture, sports and innovation.
The President underlined the importance of nurturing and celebrating young talents.
"Providing opportunities and recognizing children’s talents has always been a part of our tradition. This tradition should be further strengthened to ensure that every child realizes their full potential," she said.
The award celebrates extraordinary accomplishments in seven categories: art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports and environment.
The honourees -- seven boys and ten girls selected from 14 states and Union territories -- were presented with a medal, certificate and citation booklet.
Among them was Keya Hatkar, a 14-year-old author and disability advocate, recognized for her excellence in art and culture.
Despite living with spinal muscular atrophy, she founded initiatives like "IM POSSIBLE" and "SMA-ART," promoting inclusivity and disability awareness.
President Murmu highlighted the importance of honouring such talents, saying, "The tradition of recognising and nurturing children's potential has always been part of our culture. Their contributions will lead India to the pinnacle of progress."
She further emphasised the Ministry of Women and Child Development's role in sharing these stories of inspiration with the wider public.
The President also paid homage to the unparalleled sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh's sons, commemorated as 'Veer Bal Diwas' on December 26, saying, "Their sacrifices for faith and self-respect continue to inspire countless generations. On this day, the nation bows in reverence to their bravery and spirit."
Among the other awardees was Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old Sufi singer from Kashmir, honoured for his soulful contributions to Kashmiri music, while 17-year-old Vyas Om Jignesh, who has cerebral palsy, was lauded for his dedication to Sanskrit literature, having memorised over 5,000 shlokas and performed in over 500 shows.
In bravery, Saurav Kumar (9) was recognised for saving three girls from drowning, and 17-year-old Ioanna Thapa was honoured for rescuing 36 residents from a fire.
"Examples of courage and patriotism in children strengthen the nation’s confidence in its future. Such acts are truly commendable," President Murmu remarked as she presented the award to the two children.
In the innovation category, 15-year-old Sindhoora Raja was awarded for creating self-stabilizing devices for Parkinson's patients, and cybersecurity entrepreneur Risheek Kumar (17) was honoured for launching Kashmir's first cybersecurity firm.
"Contributions to science, technology, and innovation by children like these show their unparalleled potential to transform lives," the President observed.
Hembati Nag, a judo player from a Naxal-affected area was awarded in the sports category. She overcame numerous challenges to win a silver medal at the Khelo India National Games.
Mentioning Nag's story, President Murmu said, "Hembati's resilience amidst adversity is an example of unmatched courage and determination."
Chess prodigy Anish Sarkar, the youngest FIDE-ranked player at just three years old, was also honoured.
The President envisioned a bright future for the awardees, adding, "In 2047, when we celebrate the centenary of our independence, these award winners will be enlightened citizens of the country. Such talented boys and girls will become the builders of a developed India, shaping its destiny through their talent and efforts."
"May every child of this nation have a bright and prosperous future, for in their success lies the future of India," she said.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children for their exceptional achievements at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The President said that examples of patriotism among award-winning children reinforce our faith… pic.twitter.com/BD94KqE3b0
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 26, 2024
