BS Yediyurappa accuses Cong govt of rampant corruption, running 'Tughlaq Darbar'
Bengaluru, Jun 20 (PTI): Veteran BJP leader and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Friday accused the Congress government in Karnataka of being mired in rampant corruption and having stalled nearly all development works.
The BJP Central Parliamentary Board member also announced that he plans to visit the party office daily and stay until afternoon, when he is in Bengaluru, and that he would visit one or two districts every week going forward, aimed at resolving the issues of party workers and strengthening the party.
"The current situation in the state is dire, and there is no one to listen to the public's grievances. The government is only focused on publicity and has completely neglected development," Yediyurappa told reporters here.
Pointing out that irrigation projects have come to a complete standstill, he challenged the government to show even one kilometer of road work completed anywhere in the state. He accused the government of operating like a "Tughlaq Darbar."
Asserting that the BJP is not against minorities, Yediyurappa said, "but excessively favouring minorities while ignoring Scheduled Castes and Tribes is an unforgivable offense. This government is indulging in appeasement politics solely for vote-bank gains. We strongly condemn this."
He urged the government to wake up and focus on development. "It should ensure justice for people of all communities," he insisted.
When asked about the purported audio clip of Congress MLA B R Patil, in which he claimed that those who pay bribes to get houses allotted under the Housing Department's schemes, the senior leader said, "What B R Patil said is 100 per cent true. No work gets done without money. Even poor people who need houses are forced to pay bribes. The government must acknowledge this fault and correct it to deliver justice to the underprivileged."
Responding to a question, Yediyurappa said, "BJP and JDS are not separate. We will move forward together. H D Deve Gowda himself has on several occasions expressed his trust and confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
He added, in the coming days, the BJP and JDS will work together to bring down this government and form our own. "We will make every necessary effort in that direction."
Regarding internal discontent within the state BJP, Yediyurappa welcomed Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's efforts to engage with dissatisfied members and resolve issues. "I am too ready to speak with anyone who is unhappy," he said.
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Australia add Steve Smith as replacement for Hazlewood in T20 World Cup squad
Pallekele (PTI): Senior Australia batter Steve Smith was on Monday approved as replacement for the injured pacer Josh Hazlewood, hours before his side's must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka here.
Smith thus becomes the 15th member of the injury-hit Australia squad.
"Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury. The team’s medical staff had hoped to have him fit in time to feature in the latter parts of the tournament but were unsuccessful," the ICC said in statement.
Smith had earlier been flown to Sri Lanka as cover for skipper Mitchell Marsh, who missed Australia's opening two matches due to a testicular injury.
The veteran batter trained with the squad on Sunday and is in contention to feature in the crucial clash.
Smith has not played a T20I since February last year but has been in good form in the format in domestic competitions.
In positive signs for the 2021 champions, Marsh too has returned to training. The skipper batted in the nets while also taking part in running and fielding drills on Sunday.
Australia’s World Cup campaign is hanging in the balance following their 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, and they must beat Sri Lanka on Monday to avoid an early exit.
