Never said that KRS Dam has cracked: MP Sumalatha
Mysuru: Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh said, “I have never said that the KRS Dam has cracked. I did ask whether the KRS Dam had cracked during a meeting. This is now being politically used to accuse me”, she said.
After visiting the Sutturu Shakha Matt and seeking the blessing of Sutturu Shri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji at Tappalli in Chamundi Hills, she spoke to the media persons on Wednesday.
“I have not said that the KRS Dam has cracked, but instead asked the authorities whether it has cracked. However, some have given a political colour to that statement and fallen behind me”, she said.
“Without permission, illegal mining activities are underway. Although the license has crossed the date of expiry, mining activities are happening illegally. Thousands of crores worth of royalty that is owed to the government has still not be paid. Illegal mining can indeed harm the KRS Dam. Therefore, all mining activities happening around KRS must be mandatorily stopped. In this regard, I have submitted an appeal to the Minister for Mines”, she said.
“Mine owners can also be pressurized about this. Therefore, I have put forth a demand before the government to conduct an independent investigation about illegal mining, or at least permit a CBI Inquiry, in this regard. It is being said that there is no money to conduct a survey related to illegal mining. Thousands of crores of royalty are due to be given to the government from those deceiving the government by indulging in illegal mining. If this had been given then Mandya’s developmental works could have been undertaken”, she said.
“The local farmers have expressed their alarm that the illegal mining activities may cause cracks in the KRS dam. Is it wrong to be alarmed about the use of explosives that could cause cracks in the dam? Should I have sat silently after having witnessed all of this?” MP Sumalatha questioned and once again clarified that she had never said that KRS Dam had cracked.
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Annamalai left out of BJP’s candidate list for Tamil Nadu polls, party cites High Command decision
Chennai/New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, triggering political discussion after the absence of former state president K Annamalai from the roster.
Despite being widely seen as the party’s most prominent face in the state and a key figure in its southern expansion strategy, Annamalai was not fielded in the list. Senior leaders, including Tamilisai Soundararajan from Mylapore, Vanathi Srinivasan from Coimbatore North, and Union Minister L. Murugan from Avinashi, have been nominated.
Responding to questions on the omission, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran said the decision was taken by the party’s central leadership. He expressed confidence that all 27 candidates would emerge victorious in the polls.
Annamalai, a former IPS officer who joined the BJP in 2020 and rapidly rose to prominence, had earlier been replaced as state chief by Nagendran. Known for his aggressive political style and grassroots outreach, he has been instrumental in amplifying the party’s presence in Tamil Nadu, a state traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties.
In a message posted on X, Annamalai congratulated the candidates and reaffirmed his commitment to the party. He said he would campaign actively for BJP and NDA nominees, expressing confidence in the alliance securing a decisive mandate. He also criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, calling it ineffective and self-serving.
The BJP is contesting the elections as part of the National Democratic Alliance led by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Seat-sharing arrangements allocate 169 constituencies to the AIADMK, 27 to the BJP, 18 to the Pattali Makkal Katchi, 11 to the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, five to the Tamil Maanila Congress, and one seat each to the Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi and Puratchi Bharatham.
Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23 across all 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4. The primary contest is expected between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA, although actor-turned-politician Vijay is also positioning himself as a potential challenger, raising the possibility of a multi-cornered contest.
