Minister KN Rajanna reaffirms ‘revolutionary’ political developments in Karnataka after Sept
Bengaluru, Jul 24 (PTI): Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, who had earlier hinted at "revolutionary" political developments in the state post-September, reiterated on Thursday that he stands by his statement.
Similar remarks made by him on June 26 had sparked speculation about a possible change in leadership and a cabinet reshuffle later this year.
"It (revolutionary political developments) is ahead… I had said September. I still stand by that statement," Rajanna told reporters here when asked about his earlier comments.
When pressed for details, he said, "If I reveal everything now, there won’t be any curiosity left. Let the curiosity remain."
Noting that Siddaramaiah has already clarified the issue of a leadership change, Rajanna, a supporter of the chief minister, said any discussion on the topic is irrelevant.
"Siddaramaiah has made it clear that he will abide by the high command’s decision, so that rider is also there. Any decision on this will be taken at the high command level," he added.
Earlier this month, Siddaramaiah had asserted that he would complete his full five-year term as CM, while reiterating that he would go by the party high command's decision.
Speculation has been rife in political circles—particularly within the ruling Congress—about a potential change in leadership later this year, reportedly tied to a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
There has also been talk of a change in the KPCC President post, which Shivakumar has held beyond his original term.
Rajanna said he plans to meet AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, during his upcoming visit to Delhi.
"There’s no specific reason. He is our in-charge secretary, so I will meet and discuss matters with him," he added.
Responding to reports that he had "boycotted" Surjewala’s one-on-one meetings with ministers earlier this month, Rajanna clarified, "I wasn’t called for that meeting. If I had been in the city, I would have met him. But I had pre-scheduled international travel for personal reasons and couldn’t attend."
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
