Karnataka challenging not just other states but a few countries also: PM Modi
Bengaluru (PTI): Pitching Karnataka as a key investment destination, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised its culture, language and people, and said the power of "double engine" government is one of the reasons for its fast-paced growth in several sectors.
The PM's stress on "double engine" government (same party in the government at both State and Centre), while delivering inaugural address at the three-day Global Investors' Meet, 'Invest Karnataka 2022', via video conferencing, gains significance, as the State goes to polls in about five months.
"Karnataka has the power of double engine, with the same party (BJP) in the government at both State and Centre. That is one of the reasons why the State is growing at a fast pace in several areas and is holding top ranking in ease of doing business and FDI inflow," Modi said.
The state also has about 400 'fortune 500 companies', and more than 40 of the 100 plus unicorns in the country, he noted. "Karnataka is today known as one among the world's largest technology clusters. From industry to IT, fin-tech to biotech, startup to sustainable energy, new records of progress are being written here."
Karnataka is not only challenging other states in India, but a few countries too, he said, adding that "whenever there is a talk about talent and technology, the name that first appears in the mind is: 'Brand Bengaluru'. It is established across the world."
'Invest Karnataka 2022' is said to be the first such large-scale investors meet in the country after COVID.
Welcoming investors to invest in the state, Modi said, "Karnataka is a place where there is both tradition and technology, there is a great amalgamation of nature and culture, and its identity is associated with both wonderful architecture and vibrant startups."
Karnataka is known for its most beautiful natural hotspots, he said. "the soft language Kannada, the rich culture here, and a sense of belongingness among Kannadigas towards all, has won the hearts of everyone."
Modi further said the organising of the Global Investors Meet is the best example for competitive and cooperative federalism.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
CM playing cheap politics: Delhi LG office denies Atishi's temple demolition charge
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Tuesday alleged that an order was issued by a panel on the "directions of Lt Governor VK Saxena" for demolition of multiple Hindu and Buddhist religious structures, a charge refuted by the LG office as "cheap politics".
The LG secretariat in a statement said neither are any temples, mosques, churches or any other place of worship being demolished, nor has any file in this regard was received by it.
In a letter to LG Saxena, the chief minister said she was informed that the 'Religious Committee', in a meeting on November 22, ordered for demolition of the religious structures in the national capital.
It has been decided by the Religious Committee "on your directions, and with your approval" to demolish multiple religious structures across Delhi, the chief minister claimed.
In a sharp reply, the LG secretariat alleged that the chief minister is playing "cheap politics" to divert attention from her as well as her predecessor Arvind Kejriwal's "failures".
"If at all, the LG has issued strict instructions to the police to maintain extra vigil against forces who may indulge in deliberate vandalism for political benefits. His instructions are being strictly followed, as was witnessed during the just gone Christmas celebrations which did not see any untoward incident," the LG secretariat said.
In her letter, Atishi said the list of religious structures to be demolished includes many temples and Buddhist places of worship,
The religious structures were situated at West Patel Nagar, Dilshad Garden, Sunder Nagri, Seema Puri, Gokal Puri and Usmanpur, as per the list furnished by the chief minister.
Atishi requested Saxena in her letter to prevent "demolition" of the religious structures, saying it would hurt the sentiments of the communities concerned.
Earlier, all decisions of the Religious Committee were sent to the LG office via chief minister and the home minister, she said, adding the government would then ensure that no religious sentiments were hurt due to such action, she said.
The chief minister said an order was issued last year by the LG office stating that demolition of religious structures is a matter related to "public order" and would be directly under the purview of the LG.
"Since then the work of the Religious Committee has been directly monitored by you. All files of the Religious Committee are routed from the Home department to the the LG office, completely bypassing the chief minister and the home minister," she said in the letter to the LG.
