Karnataka Assembly witnesses banter over DK Shivakumar's CM ambitions
Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 12: The Karnataka Assembly on Thursday witnessed a light-hearted banter between Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, with the latter playfully questioning Shivakumar when he planned to "snatch power" and become the CM of the state.
The exchange was triggered by Shivakumar’s anecdote about securing a ministerial berth in the S M Krishna-led cabinet in 1999, shared while paying tribute to the late former Chief Minister.
The story piqued interest among the MLAs, with some linking it to his current Chief Ministerial aspirations.
Recalling how the Congress came to power in the state in 1999, Shivakumar said, “It was me who drew up the list of ministers and their portfolios, which was sent to the high command. However, when the final list reached Raj Bhavan, my name and T B Jayachandra’s name were missing. Only nine names made it to the list. Media reported that I would become the CM’s political secretary.”
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The Deputy CM said he had then consulted his astrologer, who advised him to "snatch power" if he wanted it. Following this, Shivakumar, along with Jayachandra, had approached Krishna with a demand to be included in the cabinet.
“I told him there wouldn’t be a government without me, and he couldn’t be sworn in without me,” Shivakumar said, recounting how the swearing-in ceremony was delayed to include him in the cabinet list.
At this juncture, Ashoka interjected, asking, “Will you snatch power now to become the CM? When will that happen?”
Amid laughter in the House, the LoP claimed, “I know your astrologer has said you must become CM before January-end or it will be difficult. Your stars are aligned only until then. Don’t delay, or someone like AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge might end up taking the post.”
Shivakumar, smiling, responded, “My astrologer predicted when I would become an MLA, a minister, and even when I wouldn’t get a ticket. If I reveal what he has told me now, 25-30 BJP MLAs and some JD(S) members might join Congress!”
The exchange, filled with humor, left the Assembly in splits.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was absent during this discussion.
Shivakumar has been vocal about his aspirations to become Chief Minister. Following the Congress victory in the May Assembly elections, there was intense competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the top post. Eventually, the party named Siddaramaiah as CM and Shivakumar as Deputy CM, reportedly under a "rotational chief minister" arrangement, though this has not been officially confirmed.
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'No songs on alcohol': Advisory issued for Diljit's Chandigarh concert
Chandigarh, Dec 12: Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has advised singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, set to perform here on Saturday, to refrain from singing alcohol-themed songs during his live show, citing their adverse impact on children of impressionable age.
The advisory issued by the CCPCR chairperson Shipra Bansal on Thursday, specifically mentioned songs like 'Patiala Peg', '5 Tara', and 'Case' etc, cautioning against even altered versions that promote alcohol, drugs or violence.
"Avoid performing the songs i.e. Patiala Peg, 5 Tara, Case etc, even with twisted words in which alcohol, drugs and violence are promoted. These songs affect the children of impressionable age," the advisory read.
This follows a similar directive issued last month by the Telangana government during Dosanjh's live show in Hyderabad, where he was advised against promoting alcohol and drugs. The notice also restricted from inviting children on stage due to loud sounds and flashing lights.
The singer began the India leg of his Dil-Luminati Tour from Delhi in October this year.
In the Chandigarh advisory, the CCPCR chairperson said, "It has come to our notice that Diljit Dosanjh is going to perform in his live show scheduled for December 14, at Exhibition Ground, Sector-34, Chandigarh."
"After going through the representation received by the Commission, the CCPCR has decided to issue the following advisory in best interest of the children," it said.
The advisory noted that as per the World Health Organization's (WHO) report, adults should not be exposed to sound with a peak pressure level above 140db (decibel).
"For children, the level is reduced to 120 db. It is advisable to not invite children on stage during live show where peak sound pressure level is above 120db which is harmful for children," the advisory said.
The commission's advisory also asked to ensure that people aged below 25 years are not served alcohol as it is which is punishable under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and other provisions of law.
"You are therefore requested to comply with the advisory issued by the commission in the best interest of children," it said, addressing the singer, event organisers and concerned authorities.
A copy of the advisory has also been forwarded to the Chandigarh Excise and Taxation Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, among others for necessary action.
Meanwhile, a delegation led by Chandigarh BJP's former president Arun Sood met the Deputy Commissioner here on Wednesday demanding a change in venue for the concerts of Dosanjh and Punjabi rapper A.P Dhillon, scheduled for December 14 and 21, respectively.
Sood cited that a recent event at the Sector 34 ground here by rapper-singer Karan Aujla had led to traffic congestions which caused inconvenience for residents.
The delegation demanded that the upcoming concerts be shifted from Sector 34 to Sector 25 rally ground to avoid inconvenience and hardships to locals.
Arun Sood said, "There has been a lot of anguish among residents and businessmen of Chandigarh, especially in sector 34 and surrounding sectors after the recent music show of Punjabi singer Karan Aujla at the exhibition ground."
He said that locals and businessmen of Chandigarh were affected by the rush of thousands of people, and their vehicles choking the city.
"We are not against the music concerts in the city, but our only concern is the venue," Sood said, adding that he himself is a big fan of Punjabi artists and music.
