Don't understand what Yathindra said on leadership, says Shivakumar
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday asserted that there were no differences between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, adding that he did not understand the comments made by the CM’s son on the issue of a leadership change in the state.
Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s remarks on Monday--that there was "no question" of a leadership change at present and that he believed Siddaramaiah would continue as chief minister for the full five-year term--had reignited speculation over a possible change of guard, just days after a temporary truce following a round of "breakfast diplomacy" between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
"Everything is fine. There is no difference between me and the chief minister— it was never there, it is not there today, and it won’t be there in the future. I have not understood what he (Yathindra) has said. I will speak to him," Shivakumar said when asked about the comments.
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Speaking to reporters, he declined to reveal details of his discussions with the Congress high command or when he might next be called for a meeting.
When asked why the Congress had issued notices to those who spoke in his support but not to Yathindra, Shivakumar--who is also the state Congress president--simply said, "I will talk to them..."
Following Yathindra’s remarks, Siddaramaiah on Monday reiterated that he would abide by whatever decision the party high command takes.
Responding to media questions on Tuesday, Yathindra said, "Let anyone say whatever they want. I have said what I have to. I don’t want to react further."
Speculation about a leadership change had intensified after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, fuelled by talk of an alleged power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar dating back to 2023.
Recently, the chief minister and deputy CM held breakfast meetings at each other’s residences on instructions from the party high command—a move seen as an attempt to pause the leadership tussle and signal Siddaramaiah’s continuation as chief minister for now, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session that began on December 8.
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UP govt committed to providing housing to needy: Adityanath
Gorakhpur (UP) (PTI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said the state government would ensure housing for the needy and extend adequate financial assistance for the treatment of those suffering from serious illnesses.
During his visit to Gorakhpur, he heard grievances of people at a ‘Janata Darshan’ programme held at the Gorakhnath Temple.
Addressing the gathering, Adityanath said the government is committed to ensuring that every eligible and needy person benefits from welfare schemes and that all public grievances are resolved effectively.
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He interacted with around 100 people and listened to their complaints individually at the Mahant Digvijaynath Smriti Bhavan premises, an official statement said.
The chief minister directed administrative and police officials to ensure time-bound, fair and satisfactory redressal of issues.
He also instructed the police to take prompt and strict action in matters related to law enforcement.
During the interaction, a woman raised her concern regarding lack of housing, to which the chief minister assured that she would be provided a house under a government scheme.
People seeking financial help for treatment of serious ailments were also assured that lack of funds would not hinder medical care.
Adityanath directed officials to promptly prepare estimates for advanced medical treatment of needy patients and ensure timely assistance.
