BJP’s voter fraud must be exposed to the public: DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said that the Congress party is determined to bring the BJP’s alleged voter fraud to public attention. Speaking to the media after the Quantum Summit held at a hotel in Manyata Tech Park, Shivakumar stated that a final decision on whether to organise a protest rally or meeting would be taken at a meeting of the party’s general secretaries.
“Our intention is to ensure the public becomes aware of the BJP’s manipulation of the electoral process. The Election Commission has been misused to commit electoral malpractice not only in Karnataka but across the country. The party has conducted its own research on this issue,” he said. However, he noted that any decision regarding the form of the protest would have to take into account court directives and government guidelines related to public gatherings.
Responding to criticism about holding the protest within city limits, Shivakumar said, “Why should others be so concerned about our political stance? We are accountable only to the people of Karnataka, not to anyone else. During the Assembly elections, the BJP used the Chilume Trust to commit electoral fraud. Our leaders speak on this issue based on proper investigation. Rahul Gandhi is not visiting the state for political mileage but to alert the public. We want to safeguard democracy and prevent the Election Commission from functioning like a wing of a political party.”
Open welcome to IT firms from Maharashtra
Shivakumar also extended an open invitation to IT companies from Maharashtra looking to relocate to Karnataka. “We welcome IT firms migrating from Maharashtra and are ready to provide them with all necessary infrastructure including technology support and electricity,” he said.
Referring to a recent statement by the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister about companies shifting from Pune to Bengaluru, Shivakumar said, “I thank him for his acknowledgment. We are not in competition with other Indian states — our goal is to compete globally.”
He acknowledged the strength of Maharashtra’s IT sector, particularly Pune’s Hinjewadi hub, but reiterated Karnataka’s commitment to supporting incoming companies.
No knowledge of honey trap investigation
When asked about the CID report claiming a lack of evidence in the honeytrap case involving politician Rajanna, Shivakumar distanced himself from the issue. “I have no connection to the case. I don’t know who filed the complaint or how the investigation progressed. I am hearing about it only from you [media],” he said.
No comment on KMF leadership issue
Asked about the leadership tussle in the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), Shivakumar declined to comment, calling it a matter for the federation’s office-bearers.
Jewellery store inauguration
Speaking after inaugurating a jewellery showroom in the city, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed his personal connection with the store’s owners. “This family has been close to me for many years. I have inaugurated their 20th outlet today, and I hope they expand to 200 in the future. Though they are originally from Udupi, their stores have flourished in Bengaluru. It is our duty to support such local entrepreneurs,” he said.
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.
Separate nodal officer in all districts to prevent female foeticides in Karnataka: Minister
Belagavi (PTI): Accepting that the female foeticide has not stopped in the state, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday said that the government is taking strict measures to prevent it.
The minister said the government is appointing separate nodal officers in all districts and tightening measures to prevent foeticide, which he called a "social evil".
He also assured that the government will consider strengthening legislation to control such activities.
The minister was responding to a question by BJP MLC C T Ravi in the Legislative Council.
"Female foeticides have certainly not stopped. If you look at the sex ratio, there is a lot of difference. I accept that this is happening," Rao said.
"Foeticides are not happening under pressure; voluntarily, it is happening, for not wanting a girl child. These things are happening based on the sex determination of the foetus at some hospitals. Sex determination is illegal, but with the advancement in technology, portable ultrasound machines have been developed, which can be easily carried anywhere, and scans and tests can be done. This needs to be controlled. We will bring it to the notice of the central government," he said.
In some districts and in a few hospitals, a higher number of male child births is happening. It is found with the help of intelligence input, the minister said.
"Information is being gathered on the taluk in which the male-female ratio is worsening, what is happening in which hospital, and appropriate action is being taken to crack down on such a network, after proper evaluation."
Decoy operations have been done at seven places in the last two years, to identify those involved in illegal activities linked to female foeticides, and actions have been taken against officials and hospitals involved, he said, adding that more needs to be done on priority.
Responding to a question by Ravi about whether any stringent legislation is being brought, Rao said, the government will consider strengthening the legislation and making it stricter to control this.
"Some amendments have been made to the existing laws in the last two years....advanced technology and the internet is being used to carry out such things, also oral medicines for abortions are available over the counter.
We need to look into bringing legislation to control them. The Food and Drug Administration has issued instructions to pharmacists that the sale of such drugs should be documented."
The minister also said that measures are also being taken for the effective implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act, and awareness is being created against the identification of female foetuses and female foeticide.
