Convene meeting of party legislators, chief whip tells BJP's K'taka chief amidst groupism in party
Bengaluru: Amid reports of groupism within the BJP's Karnataka unit, party MLA and government's chief whip in the Legislative Assembly V Sunil Kumar has asked state president Nalin Kumar Kateel to convene a meeting of legislators to discuss recent developments including cabinet expansion and appointments to boards.
Expressing concern over ministers, legislators, and party leaders making public statements, he urged Kateel to rein in them immediately.
"Such public statements have hurt thousands of party workers and well-wishers, who are working under one ideology, with discipline," Kumar said in his letter to Kateel dated December 1.
Without differentiating between the old guard or newcomers, the party's disciplinary framework has to be made loud and clear to everyone, he said, adding that "I am confident that you will do that immediately."
The much-awaited expansion or reshuffle of the BS Yediyurappa cabinet, for which the party's high command is yet to give its consent, has led to groupism within the party, with leaders belonging to groups hobnobbing and giving open statements or expressing their disgruntlement.
The newcomers--Congress-JDS rebels who are now with the BJP--claim the BJP came to power because of them and that they should be inducted into the cabinet for their "sacrifice."
However, some veteran functionaries have expressed strong reservations to it and assert it is they who have nurtured the party to this level.
There is also disgruntlement over the possible induction of MLC C P Yogeshwar's into the cabinet, with some leaders saying he is not directly elected by the people. The comments come in the wake of the chief minister indicating he will be made a minister.
Kumar, who is MLA from Karkala, said legislators like him have to share their opinions within the party forum on appointments to boards and corporations, cabinet exercise, and the state president has to listen to them.
"Modi like administration, ideology based administration, antyodaya, and people-friendly programs have to reflect in our administration.
Also, we will have to share our opinions and suggestions before you (Kateel) regarding recent developments in this government, its decisions, and also activities in the party," he said.
The suggestions that they will offer will be aimed at further strengthening the party and making the administration more effective, he added.
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Delhi govt to provide up to Rs 10 crore collateral-free loans to women startups, SHGs
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi government will provide collateral-free loans of up to Rs 10 crore to women-led start ups and self help groups in the national capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday.
The government will also provide platforms in malls and large shopping complexes across the city to help indigenous products made by women self-help groups (SHGs) reach a wider market.
"We are working on a wider scale to make the women of the capital self-reliant, entrepreneurial, and economically empowered. Arrangements have been made for providing collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 crore to women self-help groups and startups," Gupta said in a statement.
She said the Delhi government itself would act as guarantor for such loans extended to women start ups and SHGs.
Addressing the inauguration of a two-day 'Mega Self Help Group (SHG) Mela-2026' organised in Rohini on Saturday, Gupta said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently promoted the vision of 'Vocal for Local', 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', and 'One District, One Product'.
She said the SHG Mela was an effort to promote indigenous products prepared by women and connect them with the wider market.
Around 24 self-help groups participated in fair, where handicrafts, crochet work, khadi, household products, food items, and other handmade products were exhibited and sold. Handicrafts under 'One District, One Product' initiative of North-West Delhi district were also showcased.
Gupta said that people often preferred foreign brands despite Indian handicrafts, khadi, household products, and handmade items being comparable in quality.
"The only requirement is better branding and marketing of these products," she said.
She appealed to people to use more local and indigenous products instead of foreign goods.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to conserve fuel, use public transport, and adopt indigenous products, Gupta said the Delhi government was also promoting campaigns such as 'Monday metro' and 'No Vehicle Day'.
"If people make small changes in their daily routine, it will directly benefit the country," she said.
