Congress leaders advise Hariprasad not to air grouses outside party forum
Bengaluru (PTI): Senior Congress leader B K Hariprasad's veiled dig at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seems to have created unease within the ruling party, with some senior leaders and ministers advising him to not to air his grouses outside, and instead take it up with party high command.
Industries Minister M B Patil, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and senior MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy, reminded Hariprasad about his seniority and experience in politics and tried to suggest that his statements were unbecoming of his stature.
"Hariprasad is a senior leader, he has to guide youngsters. He can speak with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Randeep Surjewala, KC Venugopal, directly. He has contacts, he can air his grouses with them. Speaking at other platforms is not right for his stature.
... It's not appropriate for him to speak like that in public. It's not good for the party, government and himself," Patil told reporters.
Stressing that nobody is above the party and should not cross the line, he said, "The party will be observing everything, including Hariprasad's statement and will take appropriate decisions."
Rao said, "... positions come and go, but speaking like that on a public platform is unacceptable."
Hariprasad damaged his own reputation, he said.
"He has to say what his grouse is. High command seems to have spoken to him now, and asked him not to indulge in such statements."
According to Rayareddy, Hariprasad should directly talk to the Congress high command about his disgruntlement.
"Hariprasad is a senior Congress leader, these days he seems to be upset. I don't know whether it is because he is not made Minister or he feels he is being sidelined, but his statements indicate that... He has direct contact with high command, including Sonia Gandhi, and can speak to them and get his issues resolved," he added.
In what is being seen as veiled attack against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Hariprasad on Saturday had said, some people wearing a Hublot watch along with a panche (dhoti) cannot claim to be a Samajwadi (socialist), and one cannot become Devraj Urs (former CM known for social reforms) by sitting in his car.
Though he did not take any names during his speech, it was quite apparent that the comments were directed at Siddaramaiah, considering the references he made to.
He also expressed his displeasure over a Dalit leader like G Parameshwara (now Home Minister) not being considered by the Congress for the CM's post and ST leader like Satish Jarkiholi for Deputy Chief Minister's post.
The MLC, who is said to be sulking for sometime now over not being inducted into Karnataka cabinet, had made these statements while speaking at a 'convention of like-minded most backward classes' like -- Ediga, Billava, Namdhari and Deevara among others.
However, Minister Priyank Kharge said, Hariprasad has not taken any names. He is a senior leader, and will speak to party leadership and resolve issues if any.
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Punjab CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 14.63 crore sports stadium in Sangrur
Sangrur (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 14.63 crore modern sports stadium here, underscoring that expanding access to quality playgrounds alongside a strong education system is key to steering the youth towards "purpose, performance, and global achievement".
The stadium coming up on 4.38 acres in Satouj will offer professional training and host a wide range of sports including badminton, handball, judo, netball, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, kabaddi and karate, according to an official release.
"It is a historic day for the region as this stadium is coming up at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore. This stadium will be constructed over an area of 4.38 acres, and the complex will host various sporting activities," Mann said.
"The stadium will have a 200-metre athletic track, pavilion for spectators and players and a multipurpose indoor sports hall," he said.
While highlighting the wide range of facilities being created, Mann said professional training opportunities will be provided to children and youngsters in the stadium, adding that this project will ensure that the area emerges as a sports hub.
Emphasising the importance of balanced development, he said, "When there is a good school for education and a proper ground for sports, a child can bring glory to their village, state, and country on the global stage."
Reaffirming the Punjab government's focus on youth development, Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab government is successfully providing world-class facilities for education and sports."
This project will help in further breaking the backbone of drugs by fostering sporting culture in the state, and it will help in channelising the unbounded energy of youth of state in a positive manner, he said.
Such stadiums will play an important role in helping the youth stay away from the curse of drugs and in order to encourage the youngsters to realise their dreams of winning medals in national and international sporting events, the CM said.
Later, Mann launched an ultra-modern community health centre here that aims to benefit the residents of 85 villages. It is equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, he said.
Mann alleged that previous governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted. He said his government is reversing this by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.
"To impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the CHC at village Kauhrian... This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of Rs 13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds," he said.
He further noted, "The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children's diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided."
Mann added that dental treatment will also be provided by a specialist at the facility.
