CM Kumaraswamy fumes over political satire shows, says there is need to bring in law
Bengaluru, May 19: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Sunday slammed news channels over "belittling" of politicians on their satire programmes, saying he felt there was a need to bring in a law to regulate them.
Addressing a public meeting in Mysuru, he also slammed sections of media for raising doubts about the longevity of the JDS-Congress coalition government headed by him and asserted it would continue with the "good wishes" of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.
"What do you think of politicians? You think that we are so easily available to be mocked? Who has given you powers to present everything sarcastically," Kumaraswamy asked the channels.
"Whom are you trying to favour by belittling us among the masses? I feel the need to bring in a law," he added.
Stating that the coalition government led by him was stable, Kumaraswamy said it had the blessings of Congress leaders.
"This government will not go so easily as is being projected that soon after the election results on May 23 (the government would fall). It will continue with the good wishes of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and (former chief minister) Siddaramaiah," he said.
"We are not surviving because of media but because of 6.5 crore people of the state. I am not scared of them (media) at all. I don't care... If I see all the episodes of their stories in the electronic media, I will lose sleep," he said.
Kumaraswamy criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines.
"When we go to shrines, it is called Temple Run but they (news channels) are clueless when Modi goes to Badrinath (Kedarnath)," he said.
"They said it was not for elections ...then what it was for? Didn't he sit there because his vote share is shrinking? If not that, then what else is the reason for sitting there meditating on Shiva," the chief minister asked.
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No more street vending on B’luru’s main roads, as govt plans to bring new policy for street hawkers
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday said that the state government has decided to formulate a new policy for footpaths in Bengaluru, under which street vending will not be allowed on main roads and sub-main roads.
Addressing the media after a budget preparation meeting and executive meeting of GBA corporations at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said discussions were held with MLAs from the GBA region regarding the corporations’ budgets and key civic issues.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashok also participated in the meeting and shared his views. Officials from multiple departments, including police, BESCOM, BMRCL, BWSSB and BDA, along with ministers and legislators, were present.
He stated that all five municipalities have prepared their individual budgets, while MLAs have submitted their demands, including calls for ward-wise grants.
“We have decided to bring a new policy for footpaths. Citizens are struggling to walk as footpaths are encroached upon by street vendors,” Shivakumar said.
Highlighting the need to balance livelihoods and public convenience, he added that “a separate space will be provided for street vendors, and specific roads will be designated for their business,” ensuring that pedestrians can use footpaths without obstruction. He noted that there was unanimous agreement among MLAs on this approach.
Issuing a warning to vendors, Shivakumar said that authorities will act against those violating the rules. “If vendors operate during the day and leave their carts on the roadside at night, authorities will clear them. People should be aware of this,” he said.
Providing data on street vendors, he said that around 60,000 vendors have registered so far, of which 30,000 have applied for vehicles, and a tender has already been floated.
“Only those with street vendor identity cards will be allowed to do business. Those without ID cards will not be permitted to operate on the streets,” he added.
