HD Kumaraswamy accuses BJP of raising emotive issues
Bengaluru, Apr 4: Former Chief Minister of Karnataka H D Kumaraswamy on Monday alleged rampant corruption in the State and took a dig at Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai by saying he should offer concession to "people's files" like the one given to 'The Kashmir Files.'
You made 'The Kashmir Files' tax-free but you never touched people's files. You are collecting 100 per cent tax on those people's files. Give 100 per cent concession to them. The country will benefit, Kumaraswamy told reporters.
He said the contractors have alleged that ministers were demanding 40 per cent commission on public works.
On the row over 'hijab' and 'halal' meat, Kumaraswamy said he had expressed apprehension that the BJP would raise some emotive issues and create an atmosphere to disturb peace and harmony in society." "My prediction has come true..."
The JD(S) leader accused the BJP government, led by Bommai, of turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to the ongoing campaign against halal meat.
Why do you play the State anthem by noted Kannada poet Kuvempu, which says Karnataka is a garden of racial peace? I am not in favour of any particular religion or any specific caste or community. I am with the 6.5 crore people of Karnataka, Kumaraswamy said.
He alleged that those distributing leaflets against such meat, and disturbing peace in society are roaming scot-free without paying heed to complaints filed by some advocates in that regard.
He slammed the Congress. "Congress is responsible for bringing the BJP to power and for the deterioration of peace and harmony in the State. Congress was responsible for unseating a secular government in 2019, Kumaraswamy said, referring to the coalition government led by him for 14 months from May 2018 to July 2019.
He accused the Congress also of giving passage to anti-cow slaughter and anti-religious conversion Bills that were introduced by the BJP.
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Domestic LPG cylinder costlier by Rs 60, commercial up Rs 115 amid West Asia conflict
New Delhi (PTI): The prices of domestic LPG and commercial cylinders were hiked by a steep Rs 60 and Rs 114.5, respectively, amid rising energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict.
Non-subsidised LPG, the one that common household users other than the Ujjwala beneficiaries use in their kitchens, will now cost Rs 913 per 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi as against Rs 853 previously, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) website. This is the second increase in prices in less than a year.
Industry officials said the increase follows a steep rise in global energy prices since the breakout of military conflict in West Asia.
Despite the price increase, cooking gas in India is priced at the lowest when compared with neighbouring countries, they said.
The price increase, the website showed, is effective from March 7.
This is the second increase in rates in 11 months. Prices were last hiked by Rs 50 in April last year.
In Mumbai, non-subsidised LPG now costs Rs 912.50, Rs 939 in Kolkata and Rs 928.50 in Chennai, according to the IOC website.
Rates differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT.
Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries, the over 10 crore poor who have got free LPG connections since the scheme was launched in 2016, will continue to get a subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills in a year.
The price of commercial LPG, the one used by establishments such as hotels and restaurants, was increased by Rs 114.5 per 19-kg cylinder. It now costs Rs 1,883 in Delhi. This increase comes on top of the Rs 28 per 19-kg cylinder increase on March 1.
Commercial LPG rates have risen by Rs 302.50 this year.
