Karnataka Congress MLAs told to work towards winning 20 Lok Sabha seats
Bengaluru, May 24: After wresting power from BJP in Karnataka in the Assembly polls, the state Congress has set its sight on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with the party asking its MLAs to work towards winning 20 seats.
Karnataka has 28 Lok Sabha seats, and the target of 20 seats was fixed at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting held at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday.
"We should win 20 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. We can't sit quietly thinking that we have won the Assembly election. The momentum must carry into the Lok Sabha polls," state Congress president and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said at the meeting.
The BJP had swept 2019 Lok Sabha polls by winning 25 out of 28 seats, while an independent supported by it won one seat. The Congress and JD(S) won just one seat each.
Asking MLAs not to neglect party workers and to respond to people who voted them to power, Shivakumar called on them to ensure that the Congress office is functioning in every district and constituency across the state.
ALSO READ: BJP targets Deputy CM Shivakumar for his 'saffronisation' remarks on Karnataka Police
Later, speaking to reporters, the KPCC chief said the government's top priority is to fulfil the five 'guarantees' made to citizens ahead of polls.
"MLAs have been asked to tour their constituencies to thank voters for the win in Assembly polls," he said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is also the CLP leader, asked MLAs to regularly attend Assembly sessions.
He also asked the MLAs to create awareness among citizens on the "discrimination" Karnataka is facing at the hands of the Narendra Modi-led government at the centre in terms of devolution of funds, and the injustice that happened to the state with respect to the finance commission.
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Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions announces special scholarships for 1,000 students
Bengaluru: Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions is announcing special scholarships for 1000 students of government and aided schools for the current academic year, announced Dr. Abdul Qadeer, head of Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference at the Bift Hall of the Darussalam Building on Queen's Road in the city, he said that students who have obtained more than 90% marks in the SSLC examination and have studied in Kannada, Urdu or English medium in government and aided schools in the state can apply for this scholarship.
Selected students will be granted a 75% tuition fee waiver to study at Shaheen PU Colleges located in various parts of the country. Dr. Abdul Qadeer said the initiative aims to support students from families below the poverty line.
Eligible students can apply by visiting the nearest Shaheen college or by applying online at www.shaheengroup.org. The last date to apply is May 15. Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be conducted on May 18 at Shaheen colleges. Priority will be given to students from rural areas, children with disabilities, and orphans.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer also introduced the CARES initiative, which aims to ensure that no child is deprived of education due to financial constraints. Under this scheme, if religious institutions such as mosques, Baitul Maal, temples, or churches come forward to cover 40% of the education expenses of children from the poorest backgrounds, the Shaheen Foundation will contribute the remaining 60% as a scholarship.
He also mentioned that the Minority Welfare Department of Karnataka has decided to provide secular education alongside religious education in 100 madrasas. Work has already begun in 97 madrasas under this initiative. There is scope for enrolling nearly 2,000 school dropouts. Children above the age of 12 will be trained and prepared to pass the SSLC examination within two years, he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdul Qadeer also announced that the Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions has signed an agreement with M.S.I.T. Medical College, a government-run institution in Tajikistan. Indian students who wish to pursue MBBS studies will be enrolled there, and the curriculum will be based on Indian standards. A total of 500 students will be admitted under this program. After completing the MBBS course, students will be trained for India’s qualifying examination. For more information, students are requested to call the helpline number 9686601088 or visit the website www.msitshaheen.com.
Educationist Syed Tanveer Ahmed, Shaheen Group of Educational Institutions Acting Head Sheikh Shafiq, Chief Executive Officer Tausif Ahmed, Director Asif Ali were present at the press conference.
