Dinesh Gundu Rao criticizes PM Modi's request for more time to realise ‘Achhe Din’
Bengaluru: Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for asking for more time to bring "Acche din" (good days), stating that it is ridiculous to seek time until 2047 without achieving significant progress in the past ten years.
Speaking at a press conference at the KPCC office in Bengaluru, Rao pointed out that Modi had originally asked for five years but has now been in power for a decade. He questioned what the government has accomplished in these ten years and highlighted that there has been no significant increase in financial assistance to the poor. Rao also criticised the central government for neglecting Karnataka.
Rao also criticised Modi's claims about the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, stating that it is actually the Arogya Karnataka Yojana, with the state government providing 70% of the funds compared to the centre's 30%. He highlighted that while only 1920 crores have been received from the centre for Ayushman Bharat, the state government has contributed 4790 crores.
Regarding foreign investment, Rao credited the Congress for laying the foundation for increased foreign capital inflows during Manmohan Singh's tenure. He also criticised Modi's efforts to promote cashless transactions, stating that the amount of cash in the country has increased significantly despite claims of devaluing the rupee to promote cashless transactions.
Rao questioned Modi's comments about Bangalore, stating that the state government is effectively managing the drought situation. He criticised the central government for not providing promised funds for water source development in Bengaluru and for neglecting the city's tax contributions. Minister concluded by stating that it will be difficult for the BJP to win 200 seats in the country.
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Make polling hours 6am-7pm for May 7 LS polls, Karnataka BJP urges EC citing heatwave
Bengaluru, May 3: Citing the ongoing heatwave in the state, Karnataka BJP on Friday petitioned the Election Commission with a request to modify the polling hours to the 6am-7pm period in the 14 parliamentary constituencies in the state that goes to polls on May 7.
Polling is currently scheduled to be held in the second phase in the state in 14 segments in the northern districts between 7am to 6pm on May 7.
"It has become hard to come out and vote between hours 10.00 to 17.00 due to uncontrollable heat. The average heat in those parts (north Karnataka) covering 14 parliamentary constituencies are between 37 and 42 degree (Celsius). The mercury is rising at an alarming level and it would become hard for the electors to come out and vote," BJP's petition said.
The petition highlighted the alarming rise in temperatures, which are expected to go beyond 40 degree Celsius, and also stated that the number of voters over the age of 40 is high and that they are vulnerable to the heatwave.
"To keep up the good spirit of voting, necessary action should be taken," the BJP petition urged the Election Commission, saying, "In this background, it is requested to modify the time of voting in the 14 parliamentary constituencies from 06.00 to 19.00 hours on May 7".
Polling was held between 7 am and 6 pm during Karnataka's first phase of the Lok Sabha polls in 14 constituencies on April 26.
