Congress can go ahead with KPCC prez coronation with limited people: K'taka CM
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Thursday said his government doesn't have any reservation about the Congress organizing an event for D K Shivakumar's formal take over as the party-state Chief, with a limited number of people in attendance.
The government on Tuesday had denied permission for the event that was scheduled to take place on June 14, citing COVID-19 related guidelines that are in place, aimed at controlling the spread of the virus, which elicited a strong reaction from the Congress.
"We don't have any reservations for D K Shivakumar to organize Congress party events, but because of COVID-19 there are restrictions everywhere regarding the gathering of people in large numbers," Yediyurappa said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, we don't have any problem with them organizing their party activities. political parties have their freedom.
"Yesterday, I contacted him (Shivakumar) over the phone and conveyed that he can organize the event in a peaceful manner without gathering many people and we don't have anything against it," the CM said, adding that they can do it on any day, but should not gather too many people.
The event for formal takeover as KPCC President was planned for June 14, after it was postponed twice in the past- on May 31 and June 7- due to COVID-19 related restrictions in place.
Shivakumar on June 5 had written to Yediyurappa, seeking to organize an event on June 14 to mark official take over party's headquarters here in the presence of around 150 senior leaders, and the event would be telecast live and party workers at about 7,800 locations across the state were to take an oath and read the preamble of the Constitution.
However, replying to Shivakumar on Tuesday, a Revenue Department official in a letter pointing out that large public gatherings or congregations continue to remain prohibited, under the new set of guidelines issued by the Centre, said, " hence the request cannot be considered."
Irked by the denial of permission, despite written assurance about following all precautionary measures, Congress leaders had hit out at the BJP accusing it of "double standard".
Meanwhile, thanking Yediyurappa for permission to go ahead with the event, Shivakumar on Thursday said he would speak to senior party leaders and decide about a new date for organizing the event.
He said, "it cannot be held on June 14, as I have already informed party men about rescheduling the event after the government denied permission."
The event will be organized as per the guidelines, taking all precautionary measures, he said, adding that "I will announce a new date soon."
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Congress gets final eviction notices for Akbar Road, Raisina Road offices
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress party has received notices from the Estate department to vacate its 24, Akbar road office and 5, Raisina Road premises in Lutyens Delhi by March 28, according to sources.
The party faces eviction of its old party office, which it has held since 1978, as this is the final notice sent by the estate department.
The party continues to have its headquarters at its Akbar Road office, while the Indian Youth Congress functions from the Raisina Road premises.
The sources said that the notice was delivered a few days and has not even given a week's time to the grand old party.
Sources in the party said the Congress is yet to formulate its strategy on the issue and may even approach court in view of the sudden notice.
The Congress has already constructed its new party office at Indira Bhawan.
While the party did not say anything officially, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said the government should apply its rule uniformly to all and not single it out.
