CM Kumaraswamy loses cool as power station workers block convoy
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Wednesday lost his cool when employees of the Yermarus Thermal Power Station (YTPS) in Raichur district blocked his convoy to submit a list of their grievances.
Kumaraswamy shouted at a group of workers who approached him. The chief minister was in Raichur for his 'Grama Vastavya' (village stay) programme.
"You voted for Narendra Modi and want me to get your works done! You want me to give you respect. Should I baton-charge you? Leave the place," he told the YTPS employees, leaving onlookers shocked.
The chief minister then left the place.
Later, Kumaraswamy told a television channel that he had sought 15 days time to address the workers' grievances but they blocked the road which made him angry.
He asked if the Prime Minister's convoy was blocked would anyone accept it. This government is tolerant, but it is not incapable and knows how to deal with situations, said the 59-year-old chief minister.
He will spend the night at a government higher primary school in Karegudda under Manvi Taluk of the district as part of his 'Grama Vastavya' programme. This is the chief minister's second such stay, the first was in Chandaraki village in Yadgiri district.
#WATCH Raichur: Workers from Yermarus Thermal Power Station protested before the bus of Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy over wages and other issues & raised slogans of 'Shame! Shame!', while he was on his way to Karegudda for his 'village stay prog'. The CM got angry on protesters. pic.twitter.com/FK3OI4limx
— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2019
Meanwhile, the Karnataka BJP condemned the chief minister's outburst and threatened to stage state-wide agitations if Kumaraswamy did not apologise to the masses.
BJP MLC and spokesperson N Ravi Kumar said Kumaraswamy seemed to have forgotten that he is the chief minister of 6.5 crore people of the state and not only of some Janata Dal (Secular) workers and legislators.
Kumar said the chief minister's act was against democracy.
"This is against democracy. The chief minister should immediately seek an apology from the people. He should call them and hear them. If this continues, the BJP will agitate against him across the state," Kumar told PTI.
He reminded the chief minister that the purpose of the "Grama Vastavya" programme was to address the grievances of farmers, workers, women, children and people at large.
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Eid celebrated with fervour across Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across Karnataka on Saturday, with thousands of people offering special prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In Bengaluru and other major cities, people gathered in large numbers early in the morning to offer namaz, exchanged greetings of "Eid Mubarak", and visited relatives and friends. Markets wore a festive look, with brisk business reported in garments, sweets, and accessories in the run-up to the festival.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, in his message, said, "May this Eid ul-Fitr bring joy, peace, and prosperity to all our citizens celebrating around the nation. As Ramadan month concludes, let us continue to cherish the values of compassion, generosity, and unity. Eid Mubarak to everyone!"
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who participated in a mass prayer programme, extended greetings to the Muslim community and underscored the importance of harmony and compassion.
"Praying for the welfare of humanity is essential," he said.
"Praying for the well-being of humankind is essential, and people should live with mutual love and trust, guided by humanity. India is a country of diverse religions and cultures, and in a nation marked by unity in diversity, everyone must live together harmoniously. No religion preaches hatred; all religions advocate love," the chief minister added.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, in a message posted on 'X', said, "May this Eid bring happiness and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!" Festive meals, including traditional delicacies such as Seviyan (vermicelli) and Biryani, were prepared in households, while charitable acts and distribution of food and alms marked the spirit of the festival across the state.
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