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.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
