Bijapur: Criticizing a section of media for not raising critical issues such as increasing unemployment, sharply dipping GDP, the worst economic condition of the country, and COVID pandemic, Former Karnataka Home Minister, MB Patil has said instead of these issues, matters such as drugs in Bollywood, Rhea Chakraborty are given undue importance. 

Addressing media persons on Friday, Patil said that though the drug issue is indeed important and the police are handling the matter, however, more critical issues should be raised and discussed in media. 

“I think we are losing our focus from important issues. While the world is talking of the sinking economy and the COVID pandemic, some media channels are focusing only on Rhea Chakraborty, Ragini, and drugs in the film industry. We must understand that because of the COVID pandemic, millions of people have lost jobs, the business community is in dismay and the economy has dipped to the bottom. Our primary matter of discussion should be these issues”, he said. 

Replying to a query whether this was an attempt made by some people to deliberately divert public attention from real issues, Patil replied that in that case, even the media should be blamed for it. 

“We must display of sense of maturity by raising important issues pertaining to the common people”, he said.

Accusing the Union Government of not coming forward to help the flood victims in the State, Patil said that last year, when the State government estimated the loss of Rs. 35,000 crores, the Union Government offered nothing.

“This year also the situation is the same. We have received no funds from the Centre for flood relief”, he said.

Admitting that raising the height of the Almatti dam to 524 meters from the present 519 meters would take time as the Union Government is yet to issue gazette notification in this regard, he however expressed happiness for using the Almatti dam for filling up of tanks of the district to help farming community.

He hoped that the present BJP government will give adequate funds for the irrigation projects.

MLA, Devanand Chavan, Former MLA, Vithal Katakadonda, and other leaders were present.

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New Delhi (PTI): The Rajya Sabha on Monday witnessed a walkout by several opposition parties over BJP member K Laxman's remarks that OBC reservation is being misused in the name of religion.

Leader of the House and Union Minister J P Nadda criticised the walkout, saying the Congress leadership and the opposition's INDIA alliance are neither interested in debates nor have any respect for democratic values or the Constitution.

During Zero Hour, Laxman raised the issue of OBC reservation, and said their quota is being misused in the name of religion.

He said some states are extending reservations to Muslims and requested the government to order a comprehensive review of such religion-based reservations.

While he was speaking, certain opposition members raised objections to Laxman's remarks.

Later, almost the entire opposition staged a walkout from the House.

Nadda said the opposition parties are disrespectful to the Constitution and do not respect the parliamentary procedures.

He further said opposition parties consider Muslims as a vote bank, while accusing them of engaging in appeasement politics.