Siddaramaiah lashes out at PM Modi, FM Nirmala Sitharaman, says Centre failed K'taka during crisis
Bagalkot: Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman, Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, Siddaramaiah has asserted that, it is inequitable that the central government failed to release the state’s GST share and flood relief funds when the state government is reeling under financial crisis.
He started his two-day visit to Badami, where he represents the constituency, with visiting flood-hit areas on Monday. It is his first to Badami since June 4.
Speaking to the reporters, Siddaramaiah pointed that, “Narendra Modi being the Prime Minister of the country has failed to visit the flood-hit areas instead he preferred spending luxurious life at his residence. Though the state had shown Rs 35,000 crore revenue loss due to historic floods in 2019 – it failed to sanction the sufficient flood relief funds. Even this year the state witnessed floods but the Centre has failed to provide any assistance.”
“With a deficit in funds, even the development works are hit in the state. The Chief Minister has switched himself into the silent mode as he failed to get the expected financial support from the central government. We will raise the issue in the upcoming session” Siddaramaiah further added.
Drug Mafia:
Responding to the allegations labeled against him by Minister CT Ravi, who shared a picture of suspected drug peddler Shaikh Fazil with Siddaramaiah and MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan to add that the drug peddler had political connections with the KPCC top brass, Siddaramaiah noted “Thousands of people will take photos with us and even burglars will pose - it doesn’t mean that we are involved with them or helping them to indulge in illegal activities.”
“Accused having a photo with us is not important, instead, having sufficient evidence to prove the allegations is important. While the ruling party leaders are claiming Zameer Ahmed is indulged in burg businesses they should have enough evidence before making allegations. If saffron cadre is wishing to play photo politics than there are many photos - where accused actress Ragini Dwivedi is campaigning with BJP leaders including CM’s son Vijayendra. Does this mean all these leaders are indulged in the drug mafia? The former CM of the state questioned.
“It is the job of the government and police to put an end to the deeply rooted drug business in the state. We offer complete support to the government to initiate stringent action against those people including political leaders indulged with the drug mafia,” reiterated Siddaramaiah.
Hindi Imposition:
“We don’t have any objections to learning Hindi but the union government should not impose it against one's will. It is not the first time even earlier it was opposed. The Supreme Court has permitted the state’s to provide education in the regional language then why is the central government forcing on the non-Hindi speaking states?” Siddaramaiah asked.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India dismisses report of Musk joining Modi-Trump call; says it was between 2 leaders only
New Delhi (PTI): India on Saturday rejected a media report that said billionaire Elon Musk joined a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump earlier this week.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Tuesday's conversation was between the two leaders only.
The New York Times, quoting unnamed US officials, reported that Musk participated in the call between Trump and Modi, adding it was an "unusual appearance" by a private citizen on a call between two heads of state.
"We have seen the story. The telephone conversation on March 24 was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only," Jaiswal said.
"As has been stated earlier, it provided the opportunity for exchange of views on the situation in West Asia," he said.
In its report, the New York Times said it is "unclear" why Musk was on the call or whether he spoke.
Our prime minister only spoke to Trump and there was no one else who spoke to the PM, people familiar with the matter said.
They suggested that it is for Washington to clarify if somebody else was in the room or listening to the conversation.
The New York Times said Musk's participation in the phone call signalled a reconciliation between the billionaire and Trump.
The two had fallen out last year following Musk's exit from a government task force charged with slashing the federal workforce.
The US president had initiated the phone call with Modi to discuss the West Asia crisis.
It was the first conversation between the two leaders since the West Asia conflict began on February 28.
In the conversation, Modi underlined the importance of ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible, noting that it is vital for global peace, stability and economic well-being.
