Several BJP MLAs will join Congress after LS poll results, claims K C Venugopal
Bengaluru: Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal Monday claimed that several BJP legislators would join his party after the Lok Sabha poll results are declared and dismissed speculation about the longevity of the coalition government in Karnataka.
He also exuded confidence about formation of a Congress-led government at the Centre.
"We are very much confident that in the parliamentary election, there will be a government at the Centre under the leadership of the Indian National Congress. The people of the country are now very much for a change and that will happen on May 23," Venugopal said.
"Then how can they (BJP) destabilise the Karnataka government after May 23? We are not going to poach any MLAs from the BJP, but naturally they will come to the Congress after May 23. Naturally that is going to happen," he told reporters in Kalburagi.
Result of the seven-phase general elections will be declared on May 23.
The statement by the AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka comes a day after Congress leader and minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan said that state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa was "daydreaming" about coming to power and claimed that around 10 saffron party MLAs were in touch with his party.
Yeddyurappa had recently said the longevity of the state government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after the Lok Sabha election results.
There are already discussions within political circles that any adverse results for the Congress-JD(S) coalition in the Lok Sabha polls, would have its implications on the state government.
Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and JD(S) leaders, including its state chief A H Vishwanath are upset over a few Congress legislators, including ministers, clamouring for CLP leader Siddaramaiah becoming chief minister again, triggering a slugfest between the two parties.
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No more street vending on B’luru’s main roads, as govt plans to bring new policy for street hawkers
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday said that the state government has decided to formulate a new policy for footpaths in Bengaluru, under which street vending will not be allowed on main roads and sub-main roads.
Addressing the media after a budget preparation meeting and executive meeting of GBA corporations at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said discussions were held with MLAs from the GBA region regarding the corporations’ budgets and key civic issues.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashok also participated in the meeting and shared his views. Officials from multiple departments, including police, BESCOM, BMRCL, BWSSB and BDA, along with ministers and legislators, were present.
He stated that all five municipalities have prepared their individual budgets, while MLAs have submitted their demands, including calls for ward-wise grants.
“We have decided to bring a new policy for footpaths. Citizens are struggling to walk as footpaths are encroached upon by street vendors,” Shivakumar said.
Highlighting the need to balance livelihoods and public convenience, he added that “a separate space will be provided for street vendors, and specific roads will be designated for their business,” ensuring that pedestrians can use footpaths without obstruction. He noted that there was unanimous agreement among MLAs on this approach.
Issuing a warning to vendors, Shivakumar said that authorities will act against those violating the rules. “If vendors operate during the day and leave their carts on the roadside at night, authorities will clear them. People should be aware of this,” he said.
Providing data on street vendors, he said that around 60,000 vendors have registered so far, of which 30,000 have applied for vehicles, and a tender has already been floated.
“Only those with street vendor identity cards will be allowed to do business. Those without ID cards will not be permitted to operate on the streets,” he added.
