Man with gun goes close to CM Siddaramaiah, garlands minister during election campaign
Bengaluru, Apr 9: A gun-wielding man on Monday went close to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while he was on an open vehicle here, and garlanded Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy standing next to him.
The incident happened at Bhairasandra in the city when Siddaramaiah was campaigning for Reddy's daughter and Congress' Lok Sabha candidate Sowmya Reddy.
The man, whom police identified as Riyaz, suddenly climbed on the vehicle with a gun fastened to his waist.
Raising slogans in support of Congress, Riyaz garlanded Reddy, his daughter Sowmya and others.
As he was getting down from the vehicle, Siddaramaiah and others on the vehicle noticed the gun.
Police said Riyaz has been carrying a gun since a murderous assault on him a few years ago, and he has been exempted from surrendering his gun.
ALSO READ: Congress government in Karnataka stands robust and stable: CM Siddaramaiah
In a post on the microblogging site 'X', the BJP targeted the chief minister, saying this proves that "those who garland" Siddaramaiah are hooligans, rowdies, street thugs.
"Gun-wielding rowdies, who used to be seen in the birthday posters, are now posing in front of the society with guns and garlands the CM and deputy chief minister in the rallies. Although the election code of conduct is in force, they are carrying guns and demonstrating like this to intimidate the voters in the area," the party said.
ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ @siddaramaiah ಅವರಿಗೆ ಹಾರ ಹಾಕುವವರು ಸನ್ಮಾನ ಮಾಡುವವರು ಗೂಂಡಾಗಳು, ರೌಡಿಗಳು, ಬೀದಿ ಪುಂಡರು ಎನ್ನುವುದು ಸಾಬೀತಾಗಿದೆ.
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) April 8, 2024
ಇಷ್ಟುದಿನ ಹುಟ್ಟುಹಬ್ಬದ ಫ್ಲೆಕ್ಸ್ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಗನ್ ಹಿಡಿದ ರೌಡಿಗಳು, ಇದೀಗ ಸಿಎಂ, ಡಿಸಿಎಂ ಅವರ ರ್ಯಾಲಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜಾರೋಷವಾಗಿ ಗನ್ ಹಿಡಿದು ಹಾರ ಹಾಕಿ ಸಮಾಜದ ಮುಂದೆ ಪೋಸ್… pic.twitter.com/r9paiEgw15
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Manipur CM pledges action against poppy growers
Imphal, Nov 24: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday said action will be taken against poppy planters and their accomplices following an ultimatum by a Naga village authority.
Singh's assurance came after a police team, led by an additional SP, and village volunteers were allegedly targeted by armed planters when they attempted to destroy poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi district recently.
In a post on X, Singh said, "I appreciate the Makhan Village Authority for taking a strong stand against poppy cultivation in their villages. Let me assure you that central security forces and state police are always on standby, ready to take necessary action against poppy cultivation and its accomplices."
He also urged everyone to "come forward and join this movement to eliminate drugs from Manipur."
On Saturday, the Makhan Village Authority issued an ultimatum to the Manipur government, demanding action within four days against poppy planters in Kangpokpi district.
In a statement, the village authority said on November 20, volunteers and a police team were confronted by armed men while attempting to destroy poppy cultivation in the hill areas of the district.
"Wielding guns and weapons, the poppy planters attacked the volunteers and the police team and damaged the equipment brought to cut poppy plants, thereby incapacitating the mission," the statement added.
The village authority also criticised the police team, accusing them of "literally running away from the poppy planters," calling the act "a complete mockery of their arms and uniform."
Meanwhile, police said "they are investigating the incident and will provide information when the report is clear.
I appreciate the Makhan (Makhen) Village Authority for taking a strong stand against poppy cultivation in their villages. Let me assure you, agencies such as the NCB, NAB, central security forces and state police are always on standby, ready to take all necessary actions against… https://t.co/pehGaWFssp
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) November 23, 2024
