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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Pandya''s fifty powers India to 175-6 against SA in first T20I
Cuttack (PTI): Hardik Pandya smashed a sparkling unbeaten 28-ball 59 to lift India to 175 for six against South Africa in the first T20I here on Tuesday.
Returning to international cricket after recovering from quadricep injury, Pandya smashed six fours and four maximums to provide the much-needed impetus in the fag end of the innings after India were 78 for 4 in 12th over.
Tilak Varma (26) and Axar Patel (23) also chipped in with useful contributions after SA asked India to take first strike.
SA managed to take wickets early on with Lungi Ngidi (3/31) and Lutho Sipamla (2/38) sharing five wickets before Pandya produced a superb innings.
Brief Scores:
India 175 for six in 20 overs (Hardik Pandya 59 not out; Lungi Ngidi 3/31).
