If CM is changing in Karnataka, Lingayats must be given priority: Panditaradya Shivacharya Swamiji
Chikkodi: The recent discussions regarding the potential change of Karnataka's Chief Minister have sparked statements from leaders of various communities. In a recent development, Srisaila Jagadguru Dr. Channa Siddarama Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji said that the Veerashaiva Lingayat community must be prioritised for the Chief Minister's position if changes are made.
Swamiji, speaking at Yadoora village in Chikkodi taluk, Belagavi district, highlighted that the Lingayat community has played a significant role in the recent elections and should be rewarded with key political positions.
He named prominent Lingayat leaders such as MB Patil, Ishwara Khandre, SS Mallikarjuna, and Shamanur Shivshankarappa as suitable candidates for the Chief Minister's role. He also said that the issue has been discussed with Jagadgurus from Kashi and Ujjain.
ALSO READ: D K Shivakumar mocks demand for 3 more Deputy Chief Ministers in Karnataka
Further, Srishaila Jagadguru said that if an agreement was made at the time of becoming the Chief Minister, let them act accordingly.
This statement follows a demand from top Vokkaliga pontiff Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swami of Vishwa Okkaliga Mahasansthan Math, who urged the current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to step down in favour of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during the Kempegowda Jayanti program.
The opposition BJP had seized upon this statement, with Leader of Opposition R Ashok questioning whether DCM DK Shivakumar was behind Swamiji's appeal.
In response to these developments, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintained that any decision would be made by the party's High Command, while the discussions around the creation of an additional Deputy Chief Minister position continue to create confusion within the state Congress.
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Meghalaya: Interstate ATM theft racket busted, 6 arrested
Shillong (PTI): An interstate racket involved in ATM thefts across several states has been busted, with the arrest of six persons in connection with a break-in at an electronic banking outlet in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district, police said on Wednesday.
The accused were allegedly involved in breaking into an ATM of the Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank on April 5, 2024, they said.
Three of the accused were arrested from Barpeta in Assam, while the remaining were apprehended from Haryana, police said.
Ri-Bhoi SP Giri Prasad M said a special police team was constituted to investigate the case.
"With coordinated efforts and assistance from Assam and Haryana Police, we were able to apprehend the accused involved in the ATM break-in," he told PTI.
The case was registered at Umiam police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to police, the gang used gas cutters to break open the ATM safe and fled with the cash within minutes.
"The group is part of a larger network involved in similar ATM thefts across different states. Further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network," the SP added.
