Mallikarjun Kharge asks PM Modi to stop 'self praise', recuse himself from election campaign
Bengaluru, Jun 1 (PTI): Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public speeches after Operation Sindoor, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged him to "focus on the enemy instead of self-boasting" and to recuse himself from election campaign.
"I don't like reacting to all his (Modi's) statements," Kharge said while addressing reporters in Bengaluru. "But my only request to him is that those in power should sometimes keep their mouth shut."
Kharge questioned the Prime Minister's recent public statements and political activities, suggesting that Modi should temporarily step back from electoral campaigning. "Modi should recuse himself from elections and focus on the country. He should understand whatever has happened in the country and speak," he remarked.
"I am saying without any political differences that he (Modi) should focus on the enemy instead of self-boasting that no one except for him would have done it. Our full support is with the Armed Forces," he said.
Referring to ongoing developments linked to Operation Sindoor, Kharge noted that Congress delegations had travelled abroad for consultations. "Let them come back. Till they return, it is not proper to be touring around and giving speeches," he said.
The opposition leader in the Rajya Sabha reiterated the Congress party's unwavering support for the Indian Armed Forces.
The Congress chief also took a swipe at the Prime Minister's earlier assertion that the military had been given a free hand. "When Modi has said he has given full power to the armed forces, then why is he claiming that he did it? Self-boasting is not good."
Emphasising the need for political restraint during sensitive times, Kharge said, "We will not say anything as the situation is not normal."
He cited the example of restraint shown in Pakistan's parliament during previous India-Pakistan tensions, stating, "When the clashes broke out between India and Pakistan, a discussion started in Pakistan's parliament not to speak anything against the country."
"So long as there is an army, we all are safe. That's why we support the armed forces," he said.
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K'taka remains central to Aequs' strategy, says min Patil amid row over firm's investment in TN
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Commerce and Industries Minister M B Patil on Monday asserted that Aequs continues to expand in the state and that its proposed investment in neighbouring Tamil Nadu was a business decision aimed at diversification, not a shift away from Karnataka.
Reacting to criticism on social media over reports that the Karnataka-based firm had signed a major investment deal in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district for setting up a specialised aerospace and defense manufacturing cluster, he said the state government was fully aware of the company's plans and remained confident about its long-term commitment to Karnataka.
"While we welcome every major investment in India, would like to clarify a few points," Patil said in a post on 'X'.
Aequs was significantly expanding its footprint within Karnataka, including a Rs 3,000 crore investment in Kolar for electronics manufacturing.
"Its recently approved Rs 1,500 crore ECMS project will also be grounded in the state. Karnataka remains central to its long-term strategy," he said.
Patil added that the government had prior knowledge of the TN proposal.
The government was already informed and aware that the TN investment is a business decision aimed at geographic diversification and de-risking operations, not a shift away from Karnataka.
"Healthy competition between states strengthens India's manufacturing ecosystem," he said.
Emphasising the state's focus on high-technology sectors, Patil said, "We remain committed to deepening Karnataka's leadership in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and our engagement with industry partners is strong and ongoing."
The Aequs Group has pledged Rs 4,000 crore to bolster Tamil Nadu's aerospace manufacturing capabilities at the SIPCOT-Shoolagiri Industrial Park in Krishnagiri district.
The group proposes to establish a specialised aerospace and defense manufacturing cluster for the production of aircraft engines, gearbox components, and precision engineering parts. This initiative is expected to provide employment to 7,000 individuals.
