My belief aligns with BJP's vision for India's development: scion of erstwhile Mysuru royal family
Bengaluru (PTI): The scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Thursday said he decided to join the BJP as his own belief aligns the party's vision for the development of India.
Wadiyar was named by the BJP as its candidate in Mysuru constituency in the coming Lok Sabha elections, replacing incumbent MP Pratap Simha, on Wednesday.
"There is no concept of Raja' (king) and Praja' (subjects) in modern India and everyone is a common man before God and the law", he said after visiting the BJP state office here, and meeting veteran party leader B S Yediyurappa at his residence.
"I think their (BJP) vision for country in terms of development aligns with my own vision and beliefs and I think, therefore, if you work with an institution, you must align with their cause and so I chose the BJP," the 32-year-old who is entering the poll fray for the first time, said.
Mysuru is the home district of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress is yet to name its candidate for the Mysuru seat.
Wadiyar said he is confident of his victory and welcomed competition.
"I am as confident as one can be. Of course, the Chief Minister has held the bastion for a long time and we too have our own influence. I welcome all competition and I hope that we have a fair fight based on our ability and we will return victorious," he said.
Wadiyar sought to downplay some Congress leaders seeking to promote a narrative that the electoral fight in Mysuru is going to be between "common man vs king".
"Well, it is only a narrative. Before the law and God there is no such thing like a king. Everybody is a common man. So, this is a fight between common man and a common man only. It will be judged by the ability of the candidate," the US-educated Wadiyar said.
Thanking the BJP for giving him an opportunity to contest the election, he said he would strive towards the development of Mysuru and Kodagu districts to bring them up on the world map.
Wadiyar said he decided to join politics as he can bring major changes in the region. "I think politics is the right way to influence the policies and bring in a means to implement at a greater scale of development."
On Pratap Simha, who was the MP for 10 years, being denied re-nomination, Wadiyar said he has spoken to him.
"He (Pratap Simha) has already assured of his support and of course he has already done wonderful work in the last 10 years laying the foundation stone for much of the development of Mysuru. We will continue the good work he has done," he said.
VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Here’s what Maharaja of Mysore and BJP leader Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said on the announcement of his candidature from Karnataka’s Mysore constituency.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 14, 2024
“I am honoured and privileged to have this opportunity to contest the… pic.twitter.com/0nbI8dPXnK
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
