Political developments in Karnataka to reach conclusion post Bihar polls: BJP's Vijayendra
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra on Friday said several political developments already underway in the state are expected to reach a logical conclusion after the Bihar assembly polls, citing voices within the ruling Congress about a possible change in the Chief Minister later this year.
He also said recent developments indicate that "all is not well" within the ruling Congress, with party members themselves hinting at political changes gaining momentum in November.
Speculations are rife about the change of guard and cabinet reshuffle in the state when the Congress government reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, which is being referred to by some as "November revolution".
"The reactions of Ministers and legislators of the ruling party, makes it clear that all is not well in the Congress party. After the Bihar polls, a lot of political developments that have already begun in the state, will meet its logical end. Those in the ruling party are themselves talking about it," Vijayendra told reporters here.
Asked if there are indications of political developments gaining momentum in November, he said, "ruling party members themselves are dropping hints. We have been saying it for six months. Whether there is a peril for the Chief Minister's chair, or will it be good luck for someone else, let's wait and watch."
Amid talks about CM change, Siddaramaiah has reiterated that he will complete a full five years term.
According to sources, the Chief Minister is also said to be considering a cabinet reshuffle, as the government is about to complete 2.5 years in office, which will be seen as a message that he is at the helm and will continue to do so.
A closed-door meeting between seenion Ministers like -- Home Minister G Parameshwara, Social Welfare Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi -- on Thursday, has added to the buzz.
There has been speculation within state's political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the Chief Minister change later this year, citing power-sharing agreement involving incumbent Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar.
There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister's post after the declaration of Assembly election results in May 2023. The Congress had managed to convince the latter and made him the Deputy CM.
There were some reports at the time that a compromise had been reached based on a "rotational chief minister formula," according to which Shivakumar will become CM after two-and-half years, but they have not been officially confirmed by the party.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
