"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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No more street vending on B’luru’s main roads, as govt plans to bring new policy for street hawkers
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday said that the state government has decided to formulate a new policy for footpaths in Bengaluru, under which street vending will not be allowed on main roads and sub-main roads.
Addressing the media after a budget preparation meeting and executive meeting of GBA corporations at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said discussions were held with MLAs from the GBA region regarding the corporations’ budgets and key civic issues.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashok also participated in the meeting and shared his views. Officials from multiple departments, including police, BESCOM, BMRCL, BWSSB and BDA, along with ministers and legislators, were present.
He stated that all five municipalities have prepared their individual budgets, while MLAs have submitted their demands, including calls for ward-wise grants.
“We have decided to bring a new policy for footpaths. Citizens are struggling to walk as footpaths are encroached upon by street vendors,” Shivakumar said.
Highlighting the need to balance livelihoods and public convenience, he added that “a separate space will be provided for street vendors, and specific roads will be designated for their business,” ensuring that pedestrians can use footpaths without obstruction. He noted that there was unanimous agreement among MLAs on this approach.
Issuing a warning to vendors, Shivakumar said that authorities will act against those violating the rules. “If vendors operate during the day and leave their carts on the roadside at night, authorities will clear them. People should be aware of this,” he said.
Providing data on street vendors, he said that around 60,000 vendors have registered so far, of which 30,000 have applied for vehicles, and a tender has already been floated.
“Only those with street vendor identity cards will be allowed to do business. Those without ID cards will not be permitted to operate on the streets,” he added.
