Don't indulge in signature campaign: Karnataka CM Yediyurappa amid talk of leadership change
Bengaluru, Jun 7: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Monday asked ruling BJP legislators not to indulge in signature campaign or issue political statements on speculation about his replacement, and instead focus on COVID management in their constituencies and help the needy.
"At a time when people are facing distress because of the COVID pandemic, every BJP legislator should give priority towards controlling COVID in their constituencies.I appeal that no one should indulge in any kind of signature campaigns or making political statements, and help people in distress," Yediyurappa said.
The Chief Minister's statement was following a series of political statements on speculation about attempts to replace him, and claims by his political secretary M P Renukacharya about having a letter signed by more than 65 legislators in his favour.
Meanwhile, Revenue Minister R Ashoka said, state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel has constituted a committee to put an end to open expression about resentments and statements on leadership change, which are causing embarrassment to the party and the government.
He also said that the party president has issued an order not to carry out any kind of signature campaign, and warned action against those involved.
Stating that the committee consists of state president, Chief Minister, four general secretaries, four Ministers, Ashoka, who is also part of the committee said, "it is with a purpose to clear confusion and stop open statements.Those with grievances can approach it."
"No one should speak regarding the Chief Minister's position or about replacing him...here no one should make counter statements either in favour or against the CM.This is the direction from the state president and the central leadership," he added.
Amid speculation about a leadership change, Yediyurappa on Sunday said that he will continue in the top post as long as the BJP high command has confidence in him, and he had no confusion about it.
Several legislators and Ministers considered close to Yediyurappa rallying around him have said the Chief Minister's statement was out of "hurt" due to recent developments and open statements by some leaders on leadership change, amid efforts by his administration to control COVID-19.
Earlier today, MLA Renukacharya said he has a letter signed by more than 65 legislators in favour of Yediyurappa and owing their allegiance to him, and wants him to continue as the Chief Minister.
"I have the letter containing signatures of MLAs in favour of Yediyurappa, there is nothing to hide in this, it is honestly (done).The letter addressed to state president is drafted in Kannada have been signed (by MLAs) and to national leaders including PM, Amit Shah (Home Minister) and J P Nadda (national president). It is drafted in English and signed," he said.
However, Hubballi-Dharwad West BJP MLA Arvind Bellad, whose recent visit to Delhi had led to speculation about attempts to unseat Yediyurappa, expressed doubts about the authenticity of the letter containing signatures of MLAs and said no signature campaign has taken place in favour or against anyone.
"Signatures were earlier taken from about 65 legislators during the session, seeking early release of funds from the RDPR department.As such letters have a separate covering letter and papers containing signatures, I don't know whether that letter is being used now," he said, adding that the truth will be known if the legislature party meeting is called.
Renukacharya, however, clarified that the letter concerning the RDPR department has already been given to those it was addressed to, and this was a separate letter.
Hitting back at Bellad by sarcastically calling him "Chief Ministerial aspirant", he also said that the letter was not a show of strength against anyone.
Meanwhile, several Ministers including Industries Minister and senior BJP leader Jagadish Shettar, ruling out leadership change, said such talks were adversely impacting the image of the government and administration.
"I don't understand why this issue of leadership change is being discussed repeatedly.If such discussions continue, it will damage the government's image and will impact the day-to-day functioning of the government and administration," Shettar said.
ಕೋವಿಡ್ ಸಾಂಕ್ರಾಮಿಕದಿಂದ ಜನ ಸಂಕಷ್ಟಗಳನ್ನು ಎದುರಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ, ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಶಾಸಕರು ತಮ್ಮ ತಮ್ಮ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೋವಿಡ್ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳಿಗೆ ಆದ್ಯತೆ ನೀಡಬೇಕು.ಯಾರೂ ಕೂಡ ಸಹಿ ಸಂಗ್ರಹಿಸುವುದಾಗಲಿ, ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಹೇಳಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡುವುದಾಗಲಿ ಮಾಡದೆ, ಸಂಕಷ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಜನರಿಗೆ ನೆರವಾಗಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ವಿನಂತಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ
— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) June 7, 2021
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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
