Haryana outcome will have no impact on Cong govt's commitment on caste census in K'taka: Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday said that Haryana Assembly election results will have no impact on the commitment of the Congress government in the State on the issue of caste census.
Karnataka Cabinet is "most likely" to discuss the Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, also known as "caste census", based on a survey conducted in 2014-15 in the State, on October 18.
The BJP won a third straight term in Haryana, dashing the hopes of the Congress. Some reports suggested that the BJP benefitted from caste-based consolidations in Haryana, where Congress had during the poll campaign promised a caste survey to woo the backward classes.
"Why would it (Haryana results) have any impact? We have our own mind and policies. We have our own commitment to the people of Karnataka. Congress' commitment of caste census is across the country. We are very clear that the caste census has to happen," Kharge said in response to a question whether the Haryana setback will have any impact on the caste census in this State.
Speaking to reporters here, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister said the Congress leadership -- M Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah -- are clear on caste census and there is no ambiguity on the issue in the state.
"Caste census is not merely to figure out numbers, it helps the government to devise better policies, schemes and in better governance ..." he said, as he termed difference of opinion among leaders from Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities within ruling Congress on caste census as "diversity", "while you call it different opinions".
Noting that the BJP is claiming moral high ground and demanding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation on the MUDA issue, Kharge urged the opposition party to look within their outfit pointing at state BJP President B Y Vijayendra's election affidavit in which he has clearly mentioned about an ED (Enforcement Directorate) case against him.
"He (Vijayendra) has been booked under various sections of prevention of corruption act which include offences relating to public servants being bribed, cheating and extortion and others, and he had got summons also, this is his own mention in the election affidavit, and not Congress' allegations," he said.
Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) has been registered by the ED in the case against Vijayendra, Kharge alleged. "If BJP is asking Siddaramaiah to resign based on the ECIR complaint, the same should apply for their state President first, and also to other BJP MLAs who have ECIR cases. They speak on moral grounds only when it comes to Siddaramaiah. If they have iota of shame Vijayendra should not continue as President."
He further pointed out that Vijayendra's father and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa is facing a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case. "...you are going around and giving us moral lectures. What morality do they have?"
Regarding rape case against Congress MLA and former minister Vinay Kulkarni, he said: "Let the law take its course, we are not here to protect anybody."
"I think there are two cases, there is a case and a counter case. He (Kulkarni) has alleged that he was being blackmailed. We are ready for investigation. Vinay Kulkarni has said that he is ready to face investigation, and this is nothing but a political conspiracy...He was in fact the first to file a case," Kharge added.
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Supriya Sule vows to rebuild NCP (SP) with renewed commitment
Mumbai, Nov 24: Senior NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule said on Sunday that her party, which won 10 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections, respects people’s mandate and pledged to work towards a capable, inclusive and progressive state.
In a statement on X, the Baramati MP promised to rebuild their party and said it would move forward with determination despite its dismal show. Her party and its Maha Vikas Aghadi allies Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) collectively bagged only 46 of the state’s 288 assembly seats.
“We respect and humbly accept the verdict of the people in the assembly elections. This result is a moment for deep reflection and renewal. We will introspect, learn, and rebuild with honesty, hard work, and an unshakable commitment to the values we stand for,” Sule wrote.
She stressed that her party was committed to creating a capable, inclusive, and progressive Maharashtra.
“Our vision of a capable, inclusive, and progressive Maharashtra remains unchanged. We reaffirm our pledge to fight for the rights, dignity, and self-respect of farmers, workers, women, youth, and every marginalised section of society,” Sule stated.
Sule said that her party will continue to carry forward the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, and social reformers like Jyotiba Phule. “We are determined to carry forward the timeless ideals of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar with renewed energy and purpose,” she wrote on the social media platform.
Sule congratulated those who had won in the elections. “We hope you will serve Maharashtra with dedication and prioritise the welfare of every citizen,” she said.
The MP, the daughter of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, expressed gratitude to the voters, party workers, their MVA allies and the authorities for facilitating the elections.
“A heartfelt thank you to all voters, the diligent workers and leaders of NCP (SP), our Maha Vikas Aghadi allies, the Election Commission, police, administration, media, and everyone who contributed to making this election a vibrant celebration of democracy," Sule added.
Sule said the party would remain focused on its goals and continue its efforts to serve the people of Maharashtra. “We remain steadfast. Our fight continues—with humility, with courage, and with the hope of building a Maharashtra that fulfils the dreams of its people,” she added.
Sharad Pawar suffered the worst-ever defeat in his political career in Maharashtra polls with the NCP faction led by him winning only 10 seats in the 288-member House. His MVA partners Congress and Sena (UBT) got 16 and 20 seats, respectively.
The ruling Mahayuti scored a massive victory with the BJP winning 132 seats, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde emerging victorious in 57, and NCP headed by Ajit Pawar grabbing 41 seats.
