CM Siddaramaiah backs Priyank Kharge, says he won’t bow to threats over RSS remarks
Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly defended Minister Priyank Kharge, stating that there is nothing wrong in his demand to ban RSS activities in government premises, similar to the model followed in Tamil Nadu. He also said both he and Kharge will not be intimidated by threats.
Speaking to reporters at Mysuru Airport, the Chief Minister said, “Priyank Kharge himself has informed me that he has been receiving threat calls after his statement. He said the RSS should not be allowed to hold activities in government places and that Karnataka too should follow Tamil Nadu’s example. There is nothing wrong in that. Such threats will not scare us,” Siddaramaiah said.
He confirmed that the government has sought details on the RSS ban in Tamil Nadu, instructing the Chief Secretary to gather information on how the restriction was implemented there. “Once we receive the report, we will examine it. Meanwhile, Priyank Kharge will be given police protection,” he assured.
“Evil forces always indulge in such acts,” the Chief Minister remarked. “Priyank is not afraid of these threats, neither am I,” he added.
Responding to questions on the delay in the Social, Economic, and Educational Survey, Siddaramaiah clarified that the progress is satisfactory across the state except in Bengaluru, where the pace has been relatively slower.
On reports that Srinivasapura MLA had approached the High Court alleging discrimination in fund allocation, the Chief Minister dismissed the claim, asking, “Did the JD(S) ever provide grants to our MLAs when they were in power?”
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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.
