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."
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TN seeks duty-free cotton imports to support textile sector: CM Vijay writes to PM
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove the import duty on cotton.
In his first letter to Modi after taking over as chief minister of the state, he said Tamil Nadu is the country’s largest textile and apparel exporting state.
Lakhs of people are dependent on this sector for both direct and indirect employment, especially women from rural and semi-urban backgrounds, Vijay pointed out.
Stating that the industry is facing a severe crisis due to an increase in cotton prices and consequently yarn prices, he said, “I understand this is caused primarily due to a shortage in cotton production and increased trading activity in the country.”
Pointing out that the price of cotton has increased from Rs 54,700 to Rs 67,700 per candy—an increase of 25 per cent over the last two months—while yarn prices have increased from Rs 301 to Rs 330 per kg, he said, “In this situation, the continued supply of raw material can be ensured only through imports.”
However, there is an import duty of 11 per cent on cotton, he said, adding that in such a situation, permitting duty-free cotton imports will help the industry meet increasing export commitments and remain globally competitive.
Vijay said that after agriculture, the textile and apparel sector is one of the largest employment-generating sectors.
“There is a significant responsibility on the government to safeguard the employment of lakhs of people and ensure the sustainability of the textile value chain," he said.
“Hence, I request your intervention to remove the import duty on cotton from the existing 11 per cent to 0 per cent to ensure the availability of raw material. This measure will enable the textile and apparel industry to remain globally competitive, enhance exports, and protect jobs,” he added.
