PayCM: Minister K Sudhakar says Congress targeting Bommai as he is Lingayat
Bengaluru, Sep 23: Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Saturday alleged that the Congress launched the 'PayCM' campaign targeting Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai because the party cannot tolerate a Chief Minster from the major Lingayat community.
But, Bommai distanced himself from a discussion.
I am not a party to that statement and will not comment, Bommai said in Chitradurga.
Speaking to reporters here, Sudhakar said, Whoever gives good governance, especially if there are strong Lingayat chief ministers, they (Congress) drag them out. People of the State are taking note of it.
Congress has always done that. They always target major community. This is not the first time. They did not spare Kengal Hanumanthaiah. Whom did they spare? Whoever is the Chief Minister from the major community, this is their constant approach, the Minister added.
According to him, the Bommai-led Bharatiya Janata Party government is providing a clean administration. In the last 14 months, people believe him as a people's chief minister. He is giving a good governance, which Congress leaders are not able to tolerate, he charged.
Sudhakar said the PayCM campaign shows the desperation of the Congress to come back to power. The Opposition party has sealed whatever little chances it had in Karnataka.
The Minister recalled how actor Akhil Iyer took objection to the use of his photograph without his permission in the campaign, citing the actor's tweet where he warned Congress of legal action.
You would have seen yesterday (Friday), they did the campaign in the name of actor Akhil Iyer. What did he say yesterday? He said without his knowledge or seeking his permission his photo was used. He said he will take legal action. It is obvious how malafide this smear campaign is, he charged.
Alleging that the PayCM was filled with malafide political intent, Sudhakar sought to know: "Are these Congress leaders Satya Harishchandra?' How many of these have returned from jail and how many are out on bail? Aren't they ashamed of talking politics and corruption?
He said the top Congress leaders in Karnataka, who are talking about corruption are out on bail.
Sudhakar said the party has no moral right to speak on corruption because it lost power due to maladministration.
The Congress launched the PayCM campaign, putting out posters in public places with a QR code with a visible image of Bommai in the middle. Upon scanning, the QR Code redirects to a website 40percentsarkara.com launched by the Congress 10 days ago.
When the general Assembly elections are just eight months away, the party launched the campaign accusing the Bommai government of indulging in corruption.
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Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
