Shivakumar says 'efforts may fail, not prayers', urges Congress workers to work together
Mysuru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday called on everyone in the party to work together, abiding by the advice and message given by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, as he refused to comment on whether he was still in the race to become the CM of the state.
After offering prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari at the top of Chamundi Hills here, he said, "Efforts may fail, but not prayers", and that he had made his wish before the Almighty.
There has been speculation within political circles, especially among the ruling Congress, for some time now about a possible change in the chief minister later this year, citing a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
"I don't want any discussions now. I have not come here to speak about politics. I want good for the state. Mallikarjun Kharge is the Congress President; he has given us a message and advice. Abiding by his words, let's all work together," Shivakumar said, responding to a question on whether he was out of the CM race after Siddaramaiah's statement that he would serve a full five-year term.
Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said he, along with his family, had offered prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari for the welfare of the state, himself, his family, and everyone.
Asked whether the time had come for the Goddess to bless him for his prayers, he said, "Efforts may fail, but not prayers—I believe in this. I have prayed to the Goddess and wished for whatever I want."
However, with Siddaramaiah asserting that he will be the CM for the full five-year term, Shivakumar on Wednesday said he had no objection and that he would stand by and support Siddaramaiah.
Indicating that he had "no option", Shivakumar, who is also the State Congress President, said he would abide by the directions of the high command.
There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the CM's post after the Assembly election results in May 2023. The Congress managed to convince Shivakumar and made him the Deputy CM.
There were also reports at the time that a compromise had been reached based on a "rotational Chief Minister formula," under which Shivakumar would become CM after two-and-a-half years. However, this has 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.
