K'taka Home Minister Parameshwara defends his statement on selection of MLC candidates
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday defended his statement on the issue of finalising party candidates for the upcoming MLC polls, saying there was nothing wrong in what he had said.
The senior party leader had said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy and State Congress president D K Shivakumar should not decide on the candidates unilaterally.
He said he had suggested setting up of a screening or a high power committee comprising of senior party leaders to select the candidates, but it was too late now as the selection process seems to have reached the final stage. The matter has reached the party high command in New Delhi.
His statement comes a day after the top leaders' trip to New Delhi, to discuss with the party high command candidates for the biennial election to 11 seats in Karnataka Legislative Council. They are still in the national capital.
"There is no need to interpret my statement wrongly. What I said is there is a process of consulting everyone. I am someone who has worked as the party President, consult is what I have said. No one can say what I have said is wrong. What will happen if consulted? We are not saying give tickets only to people we suggest," Parameshwara said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said there are criteria to give tickets, all these things will be considered.
"Let them follow it, no problem. But, there are several people with experience of having served the party, consult such people. This is what I have said, there is nothing wrong in it," he added.
Reacting to Parameshwara's remarks, Shivakumar had said, "Surely, we will consult them (senior leaders)."
Biennial elections to 11 seats of Karnataka Legislative Council to be elected by Members of Legislative Assembly will be held on June 13.
As per the existing strength of parties in the Assembly, the Congress can win 7, BJP three and JD(S) one seat.
To a question whether he referred any names for the MLC elections, Parameshwara said, "When I have not been asked, how can I refer?"
Asked why the CM and state Congress chief did not consult a senior leader like him, the minister said, "I don't know about it. I have said what I have to."
In response to a question, Parameshwara said, with too many aspirants, he had suggested forming a screening committee or a high power committee to decide on candidates, but it is too late now, as the CM and KPCC chief have already gone to Delhi.
"I don't know how many applications have come (from ticket aspirants). I saw in the newspapers our President saying that more than 300 have come. It is difficult for them (leadership) too for screening. So I suggested forming a screening committee, a high power committee and discussing with them; each one will give suggestions. Probably
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
