Video on alleged plot to kill Karnataka BJP MLA S R Vishwanath surfaces, probe on
Bengaluru, Dec 1: A video containing a conversation between a Congress leader and a person who is said to be his associate, allegedly discussing about eliminating Yelahanka BJP MLA S R Vishwanath has surfaced, following which the legislator's security has been enhanced and a probe is on.
The purported conversation between Gopalkrishna, a Congress candidate, who had lost twice against Vishwanath in the Yelahanka assembly segment and his associate Kulla Devraj is said to have taken place a couple of months ago. It was aired widely by Kannada news channels on Wednesday.
While Vishwanath has sought a detailed probe and punishment for those involved, Gopalakrishna has denied the allegation, suggesting that it was the MLA's 'ploy'.
Without divulging much, Bengaluru police chief Kamal Pant merely said that the City Crime Branch is conducting a probe into the case and necessary action will be taken.
Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said the government has taken seriously, the conspiracy to kill Vishwanath, who is also the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) Chairman and a detailed investigation will take place.
"Vishwanath personally spoke to me with regard to the case and investigation is in the preliminary stage," he said, adding that as per the request of the legislator, his security will be enhanced.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who is in Hubballi, said he will seek information from officials and Vishwanath personally and assured necessary legal action.
Speaking to reporters, Vishwanath, a three time MLA, said he has lodged a complaint with the police and the home minister that a Congress leader Gopalakrishna wanted him killed.
"Yesterday evening, at around 7-7:30 - one Kulla Devaraj wrote an apology, saying he received supari (contract) from Gopalakrishna. He said he was under a threat for having rejected the supari....I then called the Home Minister immediately," he said.
Expressing shock at the very thought that an MLA can be finished off with a supari (contract) and calling it a dangerous trend, he further said "There are audio and video clippings in which Gopalakrishna is heard and seen plotting to kill me while talking to Devaraj, who is a Congress worker."
"They also discuss getting the killers from Andhra Pradesh. They also know that I drive alone to my farmhouse. They discussed finishing me off there," Vishwanath said, adding that he has brought this to Chief Minister Bommai's notice.
"In one of the videos, Gopalakrishna is heard saying that I can't be defeated in elections. Such a thing has never happened in Karnataka and in my 42-year career. I don't know why Gopalakrishna did this. Should all the winning candidates be killed?" he asked.
Denying the allegations, Gopalakrishna termed the videos that are being aired by local channels as "fake".
"All of this is the MLA's plan. I don't have such a criminal mind. Let it be probed and I will cooperate with the police...It's true that I met Devaraj.. we discussed some land matters. Everything else is edited and manipulated. This has been done to tarnish my image. I will lodge a complaint against Devaraj and sue him," he said.
Gopalakrishna also demand a CBI probe into the 2017 assassination attempt on rowdy-turned-politician Kadabagere Srinivas, alluding to Vishwanath's involvement in it.
Meanwhile, favouring an impartial probe into the alleged conspiracy to eliminate Vishwanath, Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar said "Let the guilty be punished. But this looks like an attempt to oppress political opponents. Also, all of Bengaluru's rowdies are with Vishwanath."
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Kohli does not deserve place in Indian team, he didn't work hard to rectify mistakes: Irfan Pathan
Sydney, Jan 5: Lambasting Virat Kohli for neither playing domestic cricket nor working hard to iron out the technical flaws in his game, former pacer Irfan Pathan on Sunday questioned star batter's place in the side and called for an end to the superstar culture in the Indian team.
Kohli and Rohit Sharma were woefully out of form during the just-concluded Test series against Australia. The 1-3 defeat resulted in team losing out on qualifying for the World Test Championship final.
Kohli could manage only 190 runs in his nine innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, repeatedly offering edges to the slip cordon or keeper.
"We need to end superstar culture, we need team culture. You need to improve yourself and improve the Indian team. There were matches before this series, too, and they had an opportunity to play domestic cricket, but they didn't. We need to change that culture," Pathan told Star Sports.
The former all-rounder said even the great Sachin Tendulkar played Ranji Trophy even when it wasn't required of him only because he wanted to spend that much time -- four or five days -- on the pitch
"When was the last time Virat Kohli played domestic cricket? (the host points out that Kohli's last first-class appearance for Delhi was in 2012) It has been more than a decade."
Pathan went to the extent of saying that maybe Kohli's place should be given to a youngster, given that he has averaged less than 30 in first innings in the last five years.
"For the Indian team in 2024, in the first innings where you basically set up the match, Virat Kohli’s average is 15. And if you consider his average over the last five years, it's not even 30.
"Does the Indian team deserve its senior player? Instead, give a youngster a chance. Tell him to get ready. He will also give an average of 25–30. This is about the team, not the individuals."
Pathan also questioned if Kohli was even serious to improve.
"When we talk about Virat Kohli, he has done a lot for India. He has delivered many performances. But you are getting out from the same mistake again and again.
"You are not creating a gap between two mistakes. You are not trying to fix the technical mistake. Sunny sir is in the field. How long does it take to talk to Sunny Sir or someone?"
Australia beat India by six wickets in the fifth and final Test to regain the Border Gavaskar trophy.
Time to shift the spotlight! 🌟 #IrfanPathan calls for an end to the superstar culture, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team-first mentality in Indian cricket💬🇮🇳#AUSvINDOnStar #ToughestRivalry #WTC #WorldTestChampionship pic.twitter.com/YQ6TKJUXe4
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025
