CM blames BJP for spreading hate after poison plot to oust Muslim HM in Belagavi school
Siddaramaiah says communal forces sow hatred for politics; calls poisoning a communal hate crime
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed deep shock over the poisoning of drinking water at a government school in Belagavi district, which he said was an attempt to force the transfer of a Muslim headmaster. Condemning the act as a manifestation of rising communal hatred, the CM called on BJP leaders to introspect and reject politics of hatred.
The disturbing incident occurred in Hulikatti village of Savadatti taluk, where poison was reportedly mixed into the drinking water meant for schoolchildren. The accused, including Sagar Patil, taluk president of the Sri Rama Sene and two others, allegedly wanted the Muslim headmaster removed from the school.
"Even now, I cannot believe that such cruelty and hatred could arise in the land of the Sharanas," Siddaramaiah said. "What kind of society have we become where children are targeted in the name of religion?"
The CM linked the incident to a larger political agenda. “BJP leaders who sow seeds of hatred in the name of religion to reap political benefit must engage in serious self-reflection,” he stated, adding, “Will Pramod Muthalik, Vijayendra, or R. Ashoka take responsibility for such heinous acts?”
The incident, which happened nearly two weeks ago, left several students unwell, though no fatalities occurred, thanks to immediate medical intervention. Siddaramaiah praised the police for uncovering the alleged plot in time and preventing what could have been a "massacre of innocent children."
"This is clear proof of how religious fundamentalism and communalism can lead to the most heinous crimes," the CM said.
Reiterating the government's commitment to fight hate speech and communal violence, Siddaramaiah said a special task force has already been established to monitor and act against such threats. “We are taking all possible legal steps against those responsible,” he assured.
He concluded with a call to citizens: "If our efforts to stop such forces are to succeed, the public too must raise their voice, resist, and file complaints. I still believe that the number of people who want to live in harmony far outweighs those driven by hate."
The Chief Minister expressed full faith in the judicial system and assured that justice will be served.
ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಸವದತ್ತಿ ತಾಲೂಕಿನ ಹೂಲಿಕಟ್ಟಿ ಗ್ರಾಮದ ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಶಾಲೆಯ ಮುಖ್ಯೋಪಾಧ್ಯಾಯರು ಮುಸ್ಲಿಂ ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಸೇರಿದವರು, ಅವರನ್ನು ತಮ್ಮ ಊರಿನಿಂದ ಬೇರೆಡೆಗೆ ವರ್ಗಾವಣೆ ಮಾಡಿಸಬೇಕೆಂಬ ದುರುದ್ದೇಶದಿಂದ ಶಾಲಾಮಕ್ಕಳ ಕುಡಿಯುವ ನೀರಿಗೆ ವಿಷ ಹಾಕಿದ ಶ್ರೀರಾಮ ಸೇನೆಯ ತಾಲೂಕು ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಸಾಗರ ಪಾಟೀಲ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಒಟ್ಟು ಮೂವರನ್ನು…
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) August 3, 2025
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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.
