Priyank Kharge plays down reports on his meeting Rahul Gandhi amid speculation on CM change
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday played down reports that he has held discussions with top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on the leadership change issue in the state, during a recent meeting, and has conveyed the latter's message to CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar.
Maintaining that the Congress high command will decide and give clarity on the issue of CM change in Karnataka, he said, he met Gandhi to explain about KEO (Knowledge-driven, Economical, Open-source), an AI-ready personal computer, that was launched during the recent Bengaluru tech summit, and to discuss on "vote chori" cases in the state.
The power tussle within the ruling party has intensified, amid speculations about chief minister change in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, citing purported "power-sharing" agreement involving Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in 2023.
According to reports Kharge has conveyed Rahul Gandhi's message to both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, and that they are likely to be called to New Delhi soon for a meeting with an intention to sort out the issue.
"Discussions are in the media, will I meet Mohan Bhagwat (RSS chief) if not Rahul Gandhi? Will I report to Keshava Krupa (RSS state headquarters) without reporting to CM and Deputy CM on my meeting? Rahul Gandhi was invited for the Bengaluru Tech Summit, he couldn't come. I had sought his time to show our Artificial Intelligence Personal Computer," Kharge said in response to a question.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, Rahul Gandhi had curiosity about the AI personal computer, so he had given time. "I met him and explained to him."
To a question on reports that he has given a report to Rahul Gandhi on the developments in the state, Kharge said, "Who said all this? only both of us were there....the high command is there and they will take a decision. Why should I speak on this issue?"
Asked whether Rahul Gandhi asked him anything about the developments, he said, "If he has asked, can it be shared with the media?" Priyank Kharge had met Shivakumar on Wednesday night.
The minister ruled out any confusion in the party on the leadership issue, pointing out that everyone including the CM, Deputy CM, AICC chief and ministers have consistently said that the party high command will decide on the matter and everyone will abide by it.
To a question on Siddaramaiah's statement that the high command should put an end to all confusion, he said, "when the time comes, they will do it. The confusion is in the BJP, media, it is not there in the Congress."
Stating that, he briefed the CM and the Deputy CM about his visit, like always done on any visit, Kharge said, discussion happened on "Vote Chori" cases in Aland, Mahadevapura, and how to go about it in the future, nothing else.
Responding to a question on Shivakumar's statement on Tuesday that power sharing was discussed between five to six people, he said, "I have been saying it. Discussion has happened between few people, what was discussed, they know. The high command will decide."
Asked about reports that the high command has called a meeting with the CM and Deputy CM on November 29 in Delhi to discuss the leadership issue, he said he was not aware of it.
Reiterating that the high command will give clarity on the issue, Kharge, when asked as to when it can be expected, said, "AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge is again coming to Bengaluru today for a marriage function. Tomorrow and the day-after he has a couple of meetings there (in Delhi) to discuss serious issues related to OBC and Bihar polls, after that senior leaders will discuss and see when to call (state leaders)."
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India, Russia unveil new measures to broaden trade, economic ties between countries
PM Modi bats for bringing peace to Ukraine
New Delhi (PTI): India and Russia on Friday firmed up a five-year plan to bolster economic and trade partnership in the face of Washington's punitive tariff and sanctions regime even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to President Vladimir Putin that the war in Ukraine must be brought to an end through dialogue.
Following their summit talks, Modi and Putin unitedly demonstrated their keenness to impart a fresh momentum to the trajectory of the over eight-decades-old partnership between the two nations.
Besides finalising the 2030 economic programme, the two sides signed several agreements to expand cooperation in a number of sectors including health, mobility and people-to-people exchange.
"Over the past eight decades, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs. Humanity has had to pass through many challenges and crises. And amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star," Modi said in his media statement.
ALSO READ: India not neutral, it is on the side of peace: PM Modi to Putin on Ukraine conflict
The prime minister, referring to the economic roadmap, said taking the India-Russia economic partnership to new heights is now a common priority for both sides. Modi also said that India and Russia are working towards early conclusion of a free trade agreement with Eurasian Economic Union.
The Ukraine conflict also figured prominently in the talks with Modi saying that India has advocated for peace in that country.
"We welcome all efforts being made for a peaceful and lasting resolution of this matter. India has always been ready to contribute its part and will remain so in the future," he said.
On threat of terrorism, Modi said India and Russia have long been standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against the menace.
"Whether it is the terrorist attack in Pahalgam or the cowardly assault on the Crocus City Hall - the root of all these incidents is the same," he said.
"India's unwavering belief is that terrorism is a direct assault on the values of humanity and that global unity against it is our greatest strength," he added.
Modi said India-Russia cooperation in the critical minerals sector is crucial for ensuring secure and diversified supply chains across the entire world.
ALSO READ: Russian President Putin says India, Russia collaboration not directed against anyone
In his remarks, Putin said the two sides resolved to prioritise cooperation in areas of security, economy, trade and culture.
We are looking at increasing annual bilateral trade volume to USD 100 billion, he said.
Putin said Russia is also looking at expanding cooperation in the energy sector with New Delhi, adding his country is ready for uninterrupted shipments of fuel to India.
We could also talk about cooperation in construction of small modular nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power plants, he said.
Russia, India and other like-minded nations are working towards a just and multipolar world.
