DK Shivakumar clarifies stand on caste census after Kharge’s criticism in Rajya Sabha
Belgaum: Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) D.K. Shivakumar addressed the media near Suvarnasoudha in Belgaum on Tuesday, clarifying his position on the caste census and dismissing reports of opposition. In response to questions about his stance and comments made by AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge, Shivakumar emphasized that he had never expressed opposition to the caste census.
Kharge, on Monday had criticised DK Shivakumar for his stance on caste census asserting "All upper caste people are united on this. He [Shivakumar] is also opposing, you [BJP] are also opposing. Both are one in this issue. This is the character of caste. Upper caste people will be united internally."
Shivakumar clarified, "Our opinion is that the caste census survey should be done scientifically and systematically." Shivakumar explained that concerns had been raised by several MLAs regarding the proper conduct of the caste census survey. Complaints were received about the lack of a thorough house-to-house survey, leading to questions about the scientific validity of the process, added.
ALSO READ: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes DK Shivakumar's stand on caste census
"We believe in social and economic surveys. I stand by the Congress party's commitment to providing social justice to all sections of society," Shivakumar affirmed. Responding to reports of missing caste census records, he mentioned that the information received from Jayaprakash Hegde indicated that the report in question lacked the necessary signatures of secretaries, raising doubts about its validity.
When asked if Kumaraswamy's statement that influential ministers will join the BJP along with 50-60 MLAs after the Lok Sabha elections was aimed at him, he said, "I am a Congressman by birth. I am not crazy to go to another party. I have my own basic ideals and great faith in the Gandhi family and the Congress party."
"I am not responsible for anything they say. Let them say something and turn around; I will not worry about it." he further added.
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Sports Ministry revokes WFI suspension, restores Federation's status as NSF
New Delhi (PTI): The Sports Ministry has revoked the suspension imposed on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), ending the months of uncertainty surrounding the sport and paving the way for resumption of activities, including selection trials for the upcoming Asian Championship in Amman.
The ministry had suspended the WFI on December 24, 2023 for lapses in governance and procedural integrity by the new body, which was elected on December 21.
The Sanjay Singh-led body had announced the conduct of Under-15 and Under-20 National Championships in Nandini Nagar, Gonda – the stronghold of former WFI chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh – and the choice of venue irked the government since the former BJP MP was facing charges of sexual harassment.
The ministry, in its order, said that the WFI has taken compliant measures, so in larger interest of the sport and athletes, the ministry has decided to lift the suspension.
"I thank the government for taking this step. It will allow us to function smoothly. It was needed for the sake of the sport. The athletes were suffering for lack of competitions," Sanjay Singh told PTI.
The ministry, though, has asked the WFI to follow certain directions, such as the federation has to ensure that there is a balance of power among the elected office bearers, and it keeps itself disassociated from the suspended/terminated officials.
It may be noted that Prem Chand Lochab, the new general secretary, was elected from the rival camp and the ministry's directive could be understood in that context.
"The EC of the WFI must give an undertaking in this regard within 4 weeks.
Any violation of the undertaking will invite appropriate legal action, including the action under the Sports Code," the ministry said in its order.
It also said that the WFI must ensure that the selection for all international events should be done in a free, fair and transparent manner as per the extant provisions of the Sports Code and the other latest instructions issued in this regard along with regulations issued from time-to-time by the UWW (United World Wrestling)," the order said.
WFI president said there is nothing that can't be followed.
"We have already shifted to a new office and soon we will call for an EC meeting and also issue a circular for the selection trials. We have no issues in following these instructions," he said.
The Asian Championship is scheduled to be held in Amman, Jordan from March 25.
The Indian wrestlers missed out on competing in Ranking Series tournaments in Zagreb and Albania due to the ministry suspension and the court cases filed by prominent wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Satyawart Kadian.
The wrestlers, who had led the protest against Brij Bhushan, had contended that the WFI did not have the authority to pick national teams since it was suspended.
The court had directed the Indian Olympic Association to restore the ad-hoc panel for managing the WFI but the sports body had refused, saying UWW, the world governing body, recognises only the WFI and won't accept entries from the ad-hoc panel.
The UWW had threatened IOA to suspend WFI again if there was interference in its governance.
"We are so relieved that this suspension has been lifted. There was a compete lull, the young wrestlers were suffering for no fault of theirs. They were missing tournaments, there was no national camp. The suspension should have been lifted long back," said a coach associated with a leading training centre in Haryana.
