Siddaramaiah an influential backward class leader, party making use of his leadership: DyCM DKShi
New Delhi: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday reaffirmed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s stature as a prominent leader of the backward classes, stating that the Congress party is actively utilising his leadership at both state and national levels.
“Siddaramaiah is an influential leader of the backward classes. The party is using his leadership effectively,” Shivakumar said. He added that a national-level meeting of backward class leaders would be held in Bengaluru on July 15, and the event would be chaired by Siddaramaiah.
“Though he is not formally the head of the committee, he will preside over the meeting due to his seniority and significant role in mobilising the backward classes for the party,” he said.
When asked about political meetings in the national capital, Shivakumar confirmed that on July 10, he, CM Siddaramaiah, and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala would meet to discuss internal party matters.
However, he dismissed speculation that the meeting was related to appointing Siddaramaiah as chairman of the party's OBC committee. “The meeting will focus on party organization, not on any specific appointment,” he clarified.
Responding to questions about a possible change in leadership in Karnataka, the Deputy CM firmly stated: “The Chief Minister’s post is not vacant. This is not the right time to discuss such matters.”
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
