Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar occupies CM's suite at new Karnataka Bhavan
New Delhi: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has occupied the exclusive CM’s suite accommodation at the new Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi’s upscale Chanakyapuri area, stirring speculation in political circles regarding changes in the state’s Congress leadership.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had briefly occupied the suite during a previous visit to the national capital but later shifted to the CM’s suite in the Annexe building of Karnataka Bhavan, reportedly citing lack of ventilation in the new facility.
Sources quoted by Deccan Herald said that Shivakumar requested Siddaramaiah to allow him to use the suite since it was lying vacant, and the Chief Minister agreed.
Reacting to the buzz, Shivakumar told reporters there was no need to read into the matter. “The Chief Minister’s post is not vacant and there is no need to discuss such issues now,” he said.
Amid ongoing speculations of a possible leadership change in the state, Congress general secretary (Karnataka in-charge) Randeep Surjewala held meetings with party MLAs to gauge their views on current political developments in the state.
Shivakumar mentioned that Surjewala would soon hold a joint meeting with both him and the Chief Minister to discuss ongoing political affairs in Karnataka. However, he refused to disclose further details about the proposed meeting.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
