Party patriarch Deve Gowda makes emotional appeal to 'save and nurture JD(S)'
Bengaluru, Oct 8: Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Saturday appealed to JD(S) workers and people of Karnataka to "save and nurture his party" which he termed as a regional party that has worked for all sections of the society.
The JD(S) supremo, who has been ailing with age-related issues and severe knee pain for some time now, made a public appearance at the party's 'Janata Mitra' rally here.
Many JD(S) leaders expressing happiness about the 89-year-old leader's onstage appearance and address to party workers said it has enthused them ahead of the state assembly polls next year.
"I know who is doing what for this party's survival... I pray with folded hands, save this party. This party has done no injustice to any one and has worked for all communities," Gowda said.
"I pray to everyone with folded hands, save and nurture this party. People of this state have the strength to save a regional party," he said, amid loud cheer from the crowd.
Highlighting that it was the JD(S) that stood for all sections of the society including minorities and nomadic tribes, the veteran leader said, "Many have worked to save this party, similarly many abandoned it too...whatever they may think about me, everyone should unite and cooperate to save this party."
Promising to visit every district in the days ahead, Gowda said, "Don't have any doubts about it."
"I'm yet to recover completely...but there is spirit in me. Don't think that I will be at one place. After some days, I will visit various centres across the state and speak to people," he added.
The JD(S) leadership has set a target of winning at least 123 out of the total 224 seats, which will go for polls by April-May next year, and to form an independent government on its own strength.
Addressing the gathering, Gowda's son and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, appealed to citizens to give JD(S) one chance to form an independent government in the state for a full five-year term.
"If you trust and give us an opportunity at least one time, we will work for the betterment of the state and its citizens with full potential, by providing jobs to youth, housing to the homeless... If I don't fulfill my promise, I will dissolve JD(S).This is my challenge to you, the people of the state and Bengaluru. Decision is yours," he added.
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Gujarat Samachar owner arrested by ED; Cong alleges targeting over critical reporting on Modi govt
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Bahubali Shah, one of the owners of Gujarat Samachar, a leading Gujarati newspaper, on charges related to financial fraud. According to reports, the arrest took place late Thursday night, May 15, following a simultaneous operation by the Income Tax Department.
Sources close to the family, as quoted by Deccan Herald, confirmed Shah was taken into custody after the raids. Shah reportedly experienced chest pain following his arrest and was initially taken to VS Hospital before being shifted to Zydus Hospital for further medical attention.
The opposition Congress has strongly condemned the arrest, alleging it was politically motivated. Gujarat Congress President and Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil claimed that the move was a direct consequence of Gujarat Samachar’s critical coverage of the Narendra Modi government, particularly its recent reporting on the India-Pakistan conflict.
“Bahubali Shah was arrested by the ED hours after an Income Tax operation. The real reason behind his arrest is the paper’s critical writing against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government,” said Gohil.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Gohil alleged that the ED and IT actions were aimed at intimidating independent media voices. He noted that the raids came while the Shah family was still mourning the recent death of their matriarch, Smritiben.
“Gujarat Samachar has always stood up against power. However, for showing the mirror to the BJP government and Prime Minister Modi during the recent India-Pakistan fallout, they have been targeted. The BJP has deployed its favourite toolkit—Income Tax and ED—against the newspaper, its TV channel GSTv, and associated business entities,” Gohil posted.
He further added, “Bahubalibhai is a senior citizen with health concerns. I strongly condemn this excess by the Modi government. Media that does its job is being ruthlessly targeted. BJP should know that not every media is 'Godi media' willing to sell its soul. I stand with Gujarat Samachar and all journalists who speak truth to power. Jai Hind.”
The ED has not issued an official statement on the matter yet.
Punishment to stand up for Truth has been the motto of the BJP government.
— Shaktisinh Gohil MP (@shaktisinhgohil) May 15, 2025
Leading Gujarati newspaper Gujarat Samchar has always stood up against power, who so ever it be. However, showing mirror to BJP Government and PM Modi in the recent India - Pakistan fallout has ensured… pic.twitter.com/09gfFouuWc
