Madhu Bangarappa announces joining Congress
Bengaluru: Former JD(S) MLA Madhu Bangarappa on Thursday announced joining the Congress, saying there is scope for him to work and express his sentiments in his new party.
Putting all speculation to rest, Madhu on Thursday called on former chief minister Siddaramaiah and said he was joining the Congress.
"All our supporters had taken the decision. Hence, I am joining Congress today," Madhu, son of former chief minister, the late S Bangarappa, told reporters.
For the past one year, his switching over the party was in the offing which finally happened today. After meeting Siddaramaiah, Madhu said in the present context, the country and state needs the Congress party.
Stating that he can do more good work in Congress, he said his father became the state chief minister while in Congress. Madhu said he decided to join the Congress as the leaders in the party had been calling him.
"I have more scope to work here and express my feelings," the leader said.
Regarding the JD(S), he said he had explained his woes to veteran JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on many occasions.
However, that was not the reason for him to leave the party. Reacting to Madhu Bangarappa's exit, Kumaraswamy said he was not surprised as it was on the cards for about a year.
He, however, underlined that people have the habit of backstabbing the party supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda.
"Since the inception of JD(S) it had been the practice that whoever Deve Gowda had trusted, slew him," Kumaraswamy said.
He added that the JD(S) has the capacity to help ordinary workers rise in the organisation.
ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಪಕ್ಷ ಸೇರಲು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿರುವ ಮಧು ಬಂಗಾರಪ್ಪ ಅವರು ಇಂದು ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಭೇಟಿಮಾಡಿ ಮಾತುಕತೆ ನಡೆಸಿದರು. pic.twitter.com/9Mid1pbYRZ
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 11, 2021
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
