Karnataka: With likely introduction of anti-conversion bill, Congress issues Whip to MLAs
Belagavi(PTI): Amid reports that the BJP government in Karnataka is likely to introduce the contentious anti-conversion bill during the ongoing winter session of the state legislature, Opposition Congress on Friday issued a "Whip", asking its members to mandatorily take part in the assembly proceedings next week.
The winter session of legislature that began here on December 13 is scheduled to go on till December 24.
Stating that matters of utmost public importance are coming up for discussion next week, the Whip issued by the Opposition's Chief Whip in the assembly Ajay Dharam Singh has asked all the members to mandatorily participate in the proceedings from December 20-24, from the beginning till conclusion.
Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Siddaramaiah has already said that the Congress party will not allow the anti-conversion bill to be passed.
The proposed anti-conversion bill that is also being opposed by Christian community leaders, according to official sources, is expected to come before the Cabinet on Monday and once cleared there, it is likely to be introduced in the legislative assembly and council.
The bill is expected to have penal provisions, and may also insist that the persons who wish to convert to another faith file an application before the Deputy Commissioner two months prior.
Also, the person who wishes to convert is likely to lose the religion of his or her origin and facilities or benefits attached with it, including reservations; however, one is likely to receive the benefits entitled to, in the religion he or she converts to.
The Congress has also indicated that it will continue to demand for discussion on the alleged involvement of a minister and an MLC in a land-grabbing case, and press for the sacking of the minister.
The government's reply to discussion regarding recent rains and floods, and the damage caused by it, is also likely next week.
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Manmohan Singh, LK Advani cast votes from home
New Delhi (PTI): Former vice president Mohammad Hamid Ansari, former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, former deputy prime minister LK Advani and former Union minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi have cast their votes using the home voting facility, the Delhi poll body said.
The office of the chief electoral officer (CEO) of Delhi on Thursday kicked off the home voting facility for elderly voters and persons with disabilities (PwDs) and it will go on till May 24.
According to the data shared by the office, 1409 voters cast their ballots from the comfort of their homes across all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi on Friday, which was the second day of the facility being started.
The West Delhi constituency reported the highest number of home votes, with 348 voters participating. Among them, 299 were elderly individuals.
With the completion of the second day, a total of 2,956 voters have exercised their right to vote from home, the CEO office said.
"Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and former Union minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi successfully cast their votes on May 17 from their home availing home voting facility in the New Delhi parliamentary constituency," the office said.
Former vice president Mohammad Hamid Ansari cast his vote on Thursday, it added.
Former deputy prime minister LK Advani cast his vote on Saturday, sources said.
On the first day, 1,482 voters exercised their franchise from home.
A total of 5,406 voters across Delhi -- elderly individuals and PwDs -- have filled out Form 12D to avail of the home voting facility in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
This initiative ensures these voters can participate in the electoral process with ease and dignity, eliminating the need to visit polling stations. Delhi will go to polls on May 25.
