Karnataka Governor cancels all events until August 29 amid heightened security
Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has canceled all scheduled events until August 29, following intelligence reports that prompted a significant increase in his security measures. The Governor, who usually does not use a bulletproof vehicle, was seen using one on Wednesday, a reflection of the rising tensions between the ruling Congress party and the Governor’s office.
Governor Gehlot's decision to abstain from public events outside Raj Bhavan led to his absence from the inaugural convocation ceremony of Nrupatunga University on Wednesday. According to sources close to the Governor, intelligence inputs suggested that a section of students might protest during the convocation, leading to his decision to skip the event.
The move comes amidst ongoing protests by Congress leaders and ministers, who are demonstrating against the Governor’s decision to sanction the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. During a rally at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan warned that the state’s peace could be disrupted if the Governor continued to act in what they perceive as a partisan manner. Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza further escalated tensions by suggesting that Congress workers might force Gehlot out of Raj Bhavan, drawing parallels with the unrest in Bangladesh that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.
A senior official revealed that the Governor is entitled to Z+ security, which includes the use of a bulletproof car, although Gehlot had not used this vehicle since assuming office last July.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, when informed of the increased security measures, including the use of the bulletproof car, stated that he was unaware of any direct threats to the Governor. He noted that heightened security is often a standard procedure based on intelligence reports, especially during significant events like Independence Day.
Parameshwara also distanced himself from the inflammatory remarks made by Ivan D’Souza, asserting that such language is inappropriate for protests, though he declined to take legal action against the Congress MLC.
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.
Congress’ downfall will start from Baramati if it doesn’t let Sunetra Pawar win unopposed: Bawankule
Nagpur (PTI): The Congress will have to face consequences if it doesn't allow NCP president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to win the Baramati assembly bypoll unopposed, said minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday.
The party’s “downfall” will start from Baramati, he said, stressing that the people of Baramati and Maharashtra wish that she is elected unopposed, said the BJP leader.
The April 23 bye election was necessitated after the tragic death of deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who headed the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. After his death, his wife Sunetra became the party president.
The NCP, BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are partners in the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state.
“The Congress will face consequences if it doesn’t let Sunetra win unopposed from Baramati. Its downfall will start from Baramati if it doesn’t withdraw its candidate,” Bawankule told reporters in Nagpur.
Amid efforts to ensure an unopposed contest, the Congress has fielded advocate Akash More for the bypoll.
The party had said that it would withdraw from the contest only if an FIR were registered in Ajit Pawar’s death in the Baramati plane crash.
Replying to another question, Bawankule said the BJP’s performance will be more robust in Assam and Kerala elections compared to the last assembly polls in these states. Assembly polls are being held in a single phase in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on Thursday.
“These elections will once again show Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership commanding support among the people,” he said.
