Surjewala meets Karnataka Congress MLAs amid 'disgruntlement', leadership change buzz
Bengaluru (PTI): AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, began meetings with party legislators here amid signs of "disgruntlement" and speculation about a leadership change within the ruling party.
According to party sources, as part of his three-day visit, Surjewala is likely to hold mostly one-on-one meetings with legislators. On Monday, he was scheduled to meet MLAs from the Chikkaballapura and Kolar regions.
He is expected to hear their grievances and collect feedback on the government’s functioning, sources said.
The meetings have gained significance as some MLAs have recently expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
They also come at a time when speculation over a leadership change has resurfaced following Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna’s remarks hinting at "revolutionary" political developments after September.
There is also talk within party circles of a possible cabinet reshuffle and a change of state Congress president, a post currently held by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge said Surjewala has come. "Based on his report and what feedback he gathers, we will decide what steps to take".
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, speaking to reporters in Mysuru, said, "He is the AICC General Secretary in-charge. He will seek the opinion of MLAs, hear their concerns, and assess what needs to be done to strengthen the organisation. He will do his job."
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said Surjewala regularly visits Karnataka to review party matters, not just government affairs.
"He will also review political aspects, party programmes, and if there are disturbances within the party or government, he will guide us as the in-charge General Secretary," he said.
Surjewala may also address concerns raised by certain MLAs in recent weeks, he added.
Aland MLA B R Patil had alleged bribery in public housing allotments under the Housing Department, while Kagwad MLA Raju Kage had hinted at resigning, citing delays in developmental works and fund release, and alleging that the administration had "completely collapsed."
Their remarks have embarrassed the ruling Congress, with opposition BJP and JD(S) accusing the government of "rampant corruption" and demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan.
Siddaramaiah met both Patil and Kage last week after returning from New Delhi and reportedly assured them that their concerns would be addressed. He is also said to have urged them "not to speak publicly against the government".
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for a cabinet reshuffle as the Congress government completes two years in office.
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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.
