Congress high command likely to summon K'taka CM Siddaramaiah, DCM DKShi amid leadership tensions
Bengaluru: As the power tussle within the ruling Congress in Karnataka refuses to subside, the party's top brass is likely to summon Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, to New Delhi soon to resolve the escalating issue that is threatening to spiral out of control.
According to a report published by Deccan Herald on Wednesday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who recently held discussions with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in Bengaluru, has briefed top party leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, about the current political situation in Karnataka.
The high command is keen to address the issue before the winter session of Parliament begins on December 1. While the exact dates are yet to be confirmed, it is reported that both leaders could be called to the national capital on November 28 or 29.
Sources cited by the newspaper have suggested that Sonia and Rahul are likely to hold talks with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar jointly.
Shivakumar is keen to remind Rahul Gandhi of the informal “power-sharing” agreement discussed when the government was formed in May 2023, DH wrote in its report citing sources close to Shivakumar .
Congress President Kharge, when asked about the ongoing leadership issue, emphasised that the matter should not be discussed publicly. He refrained from confirming any meeting with Rahul Gandhi, stating, “You all know that the president does not discuss anywhere else. If a meeting takes place, we will discuss.”
Meanwhile, the political turmoil within the state Congress has also provided ammunition to the opposition parties, with the BJP and JD(S) accusing the ruling party’s leadership of neglecting governance amid their internal power struggle.
Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra said the state does not want "acting or outgoing CM", and urged the Congress to settle its leadership tussle before the winter session of the legislature begins in Belagavi next month.
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Karnataka's Bill against Hate Speeches conspiracy against Hindutva activists: Pramod Muthalik
Davanagere: Sri Rama Sene national president Pramod Muthalik has accused the state government of using the proposed Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill to target Hindus and to suppress Hindutva organisations and their leaders.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Muthalik said the Sene opposes the Bill. According to him, the government is bringing this legislation only to appease Muslim voters while selectively targeting Hindu voices.
He questioned whether it is wrong to speak against cow slaughter when the ban is already in force but violations still occur in many places. “Is it wrong to raise awareness among Hindus about love jihad? Is it wrong to oppose illegal construction of churches, mosques or encroachments on cremation grounds? Is objecting to religious conversions wrong?” he asked.
Muthalik alleged that the Bill attempts to silence anyone who questions or protests such issues. He said the move goes against the spirit of the Constitution framed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar and is aimed at weakening the Hindu community.
He urged BJP and JD(S) MLAs to strongly oppose the Bill in the upcoming session and ensure it does not get passed. The organisation will submit memorandums to all legislators and mount pressure, he added.
During the press meet, Muthalik tore copies of the Bill in protest. Leaders of Sri Rama Sene including Parashuram Nadavinamani, Yashavanth, Sridhar and Madhu were present.
