Congress high command will decide on who will be the CM: D K Shivakumar
Hubballi(PTI): Karnataka Congress President D K Shivakumar on Monday said the party high command will decide as to who the chief minister will be in the event of the party coming to power in the Assembly elections, likely by April-May.
Conveying good wishes to people of the state and all political parties for the New Year, he however wished that the Congress comes to power.
"I wish good for media, people of the state for the New Year, I also wish good for all parties, but we (Congress) should get the power," Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters here, in response to a question, he said, "It is not that I should become the chief minister, it will be decided by the high command. Mallikarjun Kharge (AICC President), Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi (former AICC Presidents) will decide. What ever they decide is like prasada."
With Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah too along with Shivakumar nursing chief ministerial ambitions in the event of the party coming to power in the state, there seems to be a game of political one-upmanship, between the two leaders as the election nears.
The Congress appears to be a divided house, with supporters of both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar often openly projecting their leaders as the next chief minister.
Calling the BJP "university of lies" on the Mahadayi river water issue, Shivakumar said, "for three-and-a half years they (BJP) couldn't do any thing, despite their own government in Maharashtra...they have taken most of our MLAs through 'Operation Lotus' in Goa and are in power there too, as they did here in Karnataka."
"Without doing anything for three years, as we are preparing to raise a voice on the issue, instead of giving necessary clearances they have now issued a draft note...They (centre) have put a rider pointing to the Supreme Court's final order on the issue, instead of getting the cases filed in the SC withdrawn," he said, adding despite having 25 BJP MPs from the state, they did not meet the PM on the issue even once in order to get the work started.
"Who is going to stop you (Karnataka government) from taking up work within your state, with your money," he questioned the ruling BJP.
Condemning the "delay" by the BJP government in getting the necessary approvals for the Mahadayi project, the Congress today is holding a massive rally in Hubballi to highlight the issue.
Recently, the Union government had approved Karnataka's detailed project report (DPR) on the Kalasa-Banduri (Mahadayi) project, which was opposed by Goa.
Karnataka wants to use the Mahadayi river water from its tributaries Kalasa and Banduri to supply water to drought-hit districts of north Karnataka.
The proposed project will use 3.9 tmc water - 2.18 tmc from Banduri and 1.72 tmc from Kalasa river canals - for drinking water needs.
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Prez confers Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children for excellence in various fields
New Delhi, Dec 26: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 children, recognizing their exceptional courage and outstanding achievements across diverse fields, including art, culture, sports and innovation.
The President underlined the importance of nurturing and celebrating young talents.
"Providing opportunities and recognizing children’s talents has always been a part of our tradition. This tradition should be further strengthened to ensure that every child realizes their full potential," she said.
The award celebrates extraordinary accomplishments in seven categories: art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports and environment.
The honourees -- seven boys and ten girls selected from 14 states and Union territories -- were presented with a medal, certificate and citation booklet.
Among them was Keya Hatkar, a 14-year-old author and disability advocate, recognized for her excellence in art and culture.
Despite living with spinal muscular atrophy, she founded initiatives like "IM POSSIBLE" and "SMA-ART," promoting inclusivity and disability awareness.
President Murmu highlighted the importance of honouring such talents, saying, "The tradition of recognising and nurturing children's potential has always been part of our culture. Their contributions will lead India to the pinnacle of progress."
She further emphasised the Ministry of Women and Child Development's role in sharing these stories of inspiration with the wider public.
The President also paid homage to the unparalleled sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh's sons, commemorated as 'Veer Bal Diwas' on December 26, saying, "Their sacrifices for faith and self-respect continue to inspire countless generations. On this day, the nation bows in reverence to their bravery and spirit."
Among the other awardees was Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old Sufi singer from Kashmir, honoured for his soulful contributions to Kashmiri music, while 17-year-old Vyas Om Jignesh, who has cerebral palsy, was lauded for his dedication to Sanskrit literature, having memorised over 5,000 shlokas and performed in over 500 shows.
In bravery, Saurav Kumar (9) was recognised for saving three girls from drowning, and 17-year-old Ioanna Thapa was honoured for rescuing 36 residents from a fire.
"Examples of courage and patriotism in children strengthen the nation’s confidence in its future. Such acts are truly commendable," President Murmu remarked as she presented the award to the two children.
In the innovation category, 15-year-old Sindhoora Raja was awarded for creating self-stabilizing devices for Parkinson's patients, and cybersecurity entrepreneur Risheek Kumar (17) was honoured for launching Kashmir's first cybersecurity firm.
"Contributions to science, technology, and innovation by children like these show their unparalleled potential to transform lives," the President observed.
Hembati Nag, a judo player from a Naxal-affected area was awarded in the sports category. She overcame numerous challenges to win a silver medal at the Khelo India National Games.
Mentioning Nag's story, President Murmu said, "Hembati's resilience amidst adversity is an example of unmatched courage and determination."
Chess prodigy Anish Sarkar, the youngest FIDE-ranked player at just three years old, was also honoured.
The President envisioned a bright future for the awardees, adding, "In 2047, when we celebrate the centenary of our independence, these award winners will be enlightened citizens of the country. Such talented boys and girls will become the builders of a developed India, shaping its destiny through their talent and efforts."
"May every child of this nation have a bright and prosperous future, for in their success lies the future of India," she said.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children for their exceptional achievements at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The President said that examples of patriotism among award-winning children reinforce our faith… pic.twitter.com/BD94KqE3b0
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 26, 2024
