Kumaraswamy expands cabinet by inducting 2 ministers
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Friday expanded his cabinet by inducting two Independent MLAs into the ministry in an apparent move to give stability to his 13-month-old wobbly government.
In the much-awaited expansion, R Shankar and H Nagesh were sworn in as cabinet-rank ministers by Governor Vajubhai Vala who administered them the oath of office and secrecy at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan.
Shankar had served as minister during the initial days of the Kumaraswamy government but was dropped from the cabinet during the rejig in December last year.
He and Nagesh had sided with the BJP and written to the governor withdrawing support to the government.
As the BJP failed in its alleged attempts to topple the coalition government, the two lawmakers made a u-turn and moved closer to the coalition.
The two were inducted from the JD(S) and Congress' share in the ministry, in an attempt to block chances of their switching over to the BJP whom the ruling coalition has accused of trying to dislodge the Kumaraswamy government.
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Dharwad Corporation zonal offices raided after complaints of corruption in issuing land records
Hubballi: Karnataka Lokayukta officials on Friday conducted raids at multiple zonal offices of the Hubballi-Dharwad City Corporation following complaints alleging bribery and delay in issuing land-related documents, including e-Swathu records.
The raids were carried out in the morning under the leadership of Siddalingappa S.T.. Separate teams inspected 12 zonal offices of the Corporation and examined records linked to land ownership and document processing.
According to sources, the Lokayukta received complaints from members of the public alleging that Corporation officials were demanding bribes for issuing e-Swathu and other land documents.
Residents reportedly alleged that applications were being deliberately delayed if bribes were not paid.
Based on these complaints, officials carried out inspections of files and records connected to land ownership and issuance of documents.
Further investigation is underway.
