Karnataka reports 33,000 road crashes annually, killing nearly 12,000 people: Ramalinga Reddy
Bengaluru: Karnataka sees nearly 33,000 road accidents each year, resulting in almost 12,000 deaths and leaving over 50,000 people severely injured, according to Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
Reddy, who addressed a gathering at the Safethon 2025 event at Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, stressed the need for public cooperation to achieve the target of reducing road crashes by 50 percent by 2030, as reported by Deccan Herald.
He pointed out that India reports around 4.5 lakh road accidents annually, causing more than 1.5 lakh fatalities. “In Karnataka, nearly 33,000 road crashes occur, killing nearly 12,000 people and causing severe injuries to over 50,000 people every year,” Reddy was quoted as saying by DH. He further emphasised that the responsibility of curbing this crisis lies with both the government and every road user.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety, the Karnataka State Road Safety Authority has set up automated driving testing tracks in 42 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state. Additionally, automated testing stations have been established in all districts.
The state has also introduced smart enforcement systems to monitor traffic violations more efficiently. These systems help the transport department issue e-challans and ensure that transport vehicles are equipped with safety features such as retro reflective tape and rear marking plates.
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Nothing wrong in MLAs aspiring for ministerial position: K'taka HM Parameshwara
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Bengaluru (PTI): Amid a group of ruling Congress MLAs camping in Delhi with a cabinet rejig demand for their inclusion, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there was nothing wrong in legislators aspiring for ministerial positions.
He asserted that experienced MLAs were capable of handling such responsibilities.
His remarks came a day after senior and first-time MLAs stepped up lobbying efforts in the national capital with the party high command, seeking a cabinet reshuffle and greater representation.
"There is nothing wrong in them asking for it (ministerial position)," Parameshwara, a senior Congress leader, said
He added that the MLAs, some of who have been elected thrice, are capable to take up the ministerial positions.
He maintained that the final call on any cabinet reshuffle rests with the party high command.
"Our Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah), the high command, and our party (state) president (DK Shivakumar) decide about reshuffle. These three sit together and take a decision," he said.
The minister also indicated that the established procedure for cabinet formation was likely being followed.
"Earlier too, when I was the (state Congress) president, during cabinet formation, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader, and our in-charge general secretaries would take decisions that would then be presented before our AICC president, approval would be obtained, and then it would be announced," he said.
He added that even today the same procedure is followed.
Responding to questions on whether senior ministers would make way for newcomers, Parameshwara said they would abide by the party's decision.
"If the high command decides then we have to accept it. There is no question of not accepting it," he said.
Stressing on party discipline, he added, "Whether it is me, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, or Energy Minister K J George, we all are seniors. If they (high command) decide that we should be replaced and make changes, then there is no question of us opposing it."
Clarifying that discussions were limited to a possible cabinet reshuffle, he said decisions on leadership matters were entirely in the hands of the high command.
He said the discussions were limited only to the Cabinet rejig and not changing the party state president, a post being held by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for the past six years.
"Right now we are discussing cabinet reshuffle, not about the party president. All such matters are left to the high command," he said.
Recalling his own appointment as state Congress president in the past, Parameshwara said he had not lobbied for the post. "When I was made president, I did not lobby for it. Our leader Sonia Gandhi took the decision. It came as a surprise to me. I had not asked for it," he said.
On Sunday, several senior MLAs travelled to Delhi to press for a cabinet reshuffle, while first-time legislators renewed their demand for representation, seeking at least five berths in the Siddaramaiah-led ministry.
The push for a rejig comes amid internal rumblings within the ruling party and speculation over leadership issues, even as the high command is yet to take a final call.
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