Opposition in Karnataka BJP against allotment of tickets to disqualified MLAs
Bengaluru, Sept 24: Even as the fate of 17 disqualified Congress-JD(S) MLAs is yet to be decided by the Supreme Court with respect to their eligibility to contest the October 21 bypolls in Karnataka, there is growing opposition within the state BJP against giving tickets to them.
The saffron party that came to power with the help of these 17 disqualified MLAs, plans to field most them as candidates in the by-polls after getting respite from the Apex Court, where they have challenged their disqualification.
In case of not getting any relief, there is a plan to field one of their family members as candidates, party sources said.
However, there is resistance to the move in several constituencies, from ticket aspirants and party candidates defeated during the 2018 assembly polls, stating that tickets should be given to loyal party cadres who have worked to build it.
Hosakote is one among the key constituencies, where party is facing such situation, as supporters of Sharath Bachegowda, who was the BJP candidate during 2018 assembly polls and faced defeat, thronged Chief Minister B S Yeiyurappa's residence and demanding ticket for their leader.
Supporters vehemently opposed any move by the party to allot ticket to disqualified legislator M T B Nagaraj, and even reportedly suggested party leadership that they were even okay with making him MLC and Minister, but not a MLA.
Bachegowda's supporters even threatened that he may contest independently if the party denied him ticket, even as his father reportedly met Yediyurappa amid reports that the Congress was trying to lure his son.
Similar resistance has been witnessed in Mahalakshmi Layout, Kagawada, Yeshwanthpur among others.
However, senior BJP leaders are hopeful that party's local leaders and workers would be taken into confidence about ticket allotment to disqualified MLAs.
"We are hopeful that our party men will understand, they know the situation and how crucial this election is for the party to stay in power.. it is because of the resignation of these MLAs, BJP was able to come to power," a senior party functionary said.
By-elections to constituencies represented by 15 out of 17 disqualified former Congress-JD(S) legislators would be held on October 21 and results would be declared on October 24.
The 15 constituencies that will go to polls are Athani, Kagwad, Gokak, Yellapura, Hirekerur, Ranibennur, Vijayanagara, Chikkaballapura, K R Pura, Yeshwanthpura, Mahalakshmi Layout, Shivajinagara, Hosakote, K R Pete, Hunsur.
Among the 15 constituencies going for polls, 12 were represented by Congress and 3 by JD(S).
Winning most seats in this by-elections is crucial for BJP to stay in power.
The ruling party has a 105 MLAs (including one independent) in the assembly whose current strength is 208 (after 17 disqualification).
While the Congress' strength is 66, JD(S) has 34 MLAs in the Assembly that also consists of one BSP member, a nominated member and the Speaker.
The actual strength of the assembly is 225 and the half way mark is 113.
BJP will need to win at least six seats in the bypolls for 15 constituencies, to remain in majority in the assembly, which will still have two vacant seats (Maski and R R Nagar).
Absence and resignation of 17 Congress-JD(S) MLAs during the trust vote had led to the collapse of the H D Kumaraswamy headed coalition government in July, and helped BJP to come to power.
After examining the petition moved by leadership of both parties, the then assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar had disqualified 17 Congress and JD(S) MLAs and one independent under the anti-defection law, which they have challenged in the Supreme Court.
The matter will come up before the court on Wednesday.
The then Speaker had ruled that those disqualified, cease to be MLAs with immediate effect till the expiry of the 15th assembly (in 2023).
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Noida DM warns outsourcing agencies, workers against unruly conduct
Noida (PTI): Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam has warned outsourcing agencies and contractors of strict action, including blacklisting and licence cancellation, in case of any unruly behaviour by them or their workers.
The warning comes in the wake of a large-scale protest by thousands of factory workers, including women, in Noida that turned violent on Monday.
Chairing a meeting with outsourcing agencies and contractors of various industrial units on Tuesday, Roopam stressed the need for 100 per cent compliance with government guidelines to maintain industrial peace in the district.
"All contractors must ensure 100 per cent adherence to government guidelines. If any unruly behaviour is exhibited by an agency, or by any of its employees or workers, the agency itself shall be held jointly responsible and in such instances, the agency may be blacklisted, and proceedings for the cancellation of its licence may be initiated," the DM said.
Referring to the revised minimum wage rates prescribed by the state government, the district magistrate said unskilled workers will receive Rs 13,690 per month, semi-skilled workers Rs 15,059, and skilled workers Rs 16,868.
She directed contractors to ensure full compliance with these wage standards and to transfer wages directly into workers' bank accounts.
Emphasising the interdependence of stakeholders, Roopam said industry, workers and employers are mutually complementary.
"The smooth operation of industries safeguards employment opportunities, while the stability of employers simultaneously ensures the future of the workforce," she said.
She cautioned that any disruption in industrial activity would adversely impact all stakeholders as well as the overall development of the state.
The district magistrate also appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours or misleading information and urged all stakeholders to work with mutual cooperation and trust.
She assured that the state government remains committed to protecting the interests of both workers and employers, and that the administration stands ready to act promptly to resolve any issues.
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