"Like-minded" Karnataka Cong MLAs to meet after May 19 assembly bypolls
Bengaluru, May 13: Amid coalition worries, a meeting of "like-minded" Congress MLAs will take place after bypolls to Kundgol and Chincholi assembly constituencies on May 19, Congress legislator S T Somashekar, who is the convener of the meeting, said Monday.
"MLAs are busy with Chincholi and Kundgol bypolls. I will also be there from Wednesday morning till May 17 or18.. there was Bengaluru dairy election as well.
So because of elections I could not speak to anyone, will speak to about 10 to 12 (legislators) and fix the date," Somashekar said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "meeting will happen, there is no problem with it, date has to finalised, May 21 is the plan, but have not spoken to everyone as all are busy with election. Will speak to them on May 17 or 18 and decide."
Earlier, the meeting of "like-minded" MLAs called by Somashekar on April 30 was deferred citing preparations for the bypolls.
The party had asked all its MLAs to work for the Chincholi and Kundgol bypolls.
Congress Legislature Party leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had also asked Somashekar and associate MLAs, who are considered close him, to postpone the meeting as it would send a wrong message ahead of by-polls.
Somashekar's invitation for the April 30 meeting of "like-minded" MLAs had created a flutter amid worries within the rulingCongress-JD(S) coalition and dissidence in the Congress surfacing again.
The meeting is likely to discuss issues faced by Congress MLAs under the coalition government and long-pending development work.
Also, the present political situation in the state and the implications of the Lok Sabha and assembly bypoll results will be discussed, Congress sources said.
According to the sources, as these MLAs are considered close to Siddaramaiah, they may also discuss the growing clamour for him to become CM once again and JD(S) leaders' public outburst on the issue.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and JD(S) leaders, including its state chief A H Vishwanath, are upset over a few Congress legislators including Ministers clamouring for Siddaramaiah becoming the Chief Minister once again.
Also, the meeting gains significance following Yeddyurappa's reported statement that the longevity of the state government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after the Lok Sabha election results.
Somashekar in January had embarrassed the coalition, especially Congress leaders, with his statement that Siddaramaiah be made Chief Minister again, and had claimed that development works had come to a grinding halt.
His comments had irked Kumaraswamy, who had even threatened to step down.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
