Many BJP MLAs ready to join Congress: Former CM Siddaramaiah
Vijayapura, August 10: ‘Operation Kamala’ is nothing but buying MLAs like sheep, cattle, and buffalos by paying crores of rupees, said former CM and coordination committee Chairman Siddaramaiah.
Speaking to media persons in Almatti on Friday, he said that BJP state president and former Chief Minister Yeddyurappa had purchased MLAs by paying Rs 20-25 crore. He practiced an immoral politics for coming to power.
"Many BJP MLAs have expressed their willingness to join the Congress party, but we have said ‘Bedappa, nivu alle iri’ (No, you stay right there). The state’s people have voted for the Congress-JDS government; hence it is running smoothly;” he said.
“The state of Karnataka will be united forever. There is nothing like North Karnataka, South Karnataka, and Coastal Karnataka in the state. North Karnataka needs to be developed. It is not wrong to fight for that. But, I will oppose fighting for a separate state,” he said.
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TN govt reaffirms 21-yr age limit for liquor sales
Chennai (PTI): Seeking to curb rising alcohol consumption among minors in the state, the Tamil Nadu government has reinforced the legal age requirement of 21 for all liquor purchases and consumption.
The government has also ordered the closure of 717 liquor outlets across the state and warned of strict action against those who violate the new directives.
The state-owned Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), the agency which holds a monopoly on sales of liquor, will be shutting 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 outlets near bus stations.
A senior TASMAC official on Thursday said that the staff at liquor shops have been instructed to check identity proof, including Aadhaar card, for all customers whose age is in question.
The official also said that the state government is considering a reduction in operational hours.
Currently, the liquor shops across the state operate from 12 noon to 10 pm.
"They are weighing a proposal to move the closing time to 8 pm," he added.
At present, the TASMAC operates a total of 4,765 liquor shops across the state. After the closure of 717 shops, it would come down to 4,048 outlets.
In 2025, the revenue from liquor sales stood at Rs 48,344 crore, which is the second highest after the registration department.
