Whispers of Karnataka Congress leaders on paying tributes to Sardar Patel go viral
Bengaluru, Nov 24: With the whispers between senior Congress leaders in Karnataka, D K Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah wondering about paying homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at an event organised to observe Indira Gandhi's death anniversary going viral, the BJP has accused the grand old party of showing respect to the country's first Home Minister only out of fear of the J P Nadda-led party.
The 1.15-minute video purportedly shows conversation between the two leaders, who were seated on the dais at the party office here to observe the event on October 31, which also happens to be Patel's birthday.
It was picked up by mics placed on the table while the cameras were on.
In the video, Siddaramaiah can be seen reminding Shivakumar, at the beginning of the event, that the day also happens to be Patel's birthday .
In response, Shivakumar says, "It is, Sir, but this is day (Indira's death anniversary) and that is birthday (Patel's). We don't keep their portraits together.
Following which Siddaramaiah can be heard saying, "But, what happens is, BJP will take advantage of it." To which Shivakumar replies, "Yes...but we have never kept (portraits together so far)."
The video is then fast-forwarded to show Shivakumar asking a party worker if Patel's portrait is there, and directs him to get it.
He then tells Siddaramaiah, he will get the Patel's portrait placed next to Indira, to which the former CM says, "it will be good."
Shivakumar then supervises the placement of Patel's portrait and all the leaders of the state including Siddaramaiah pay floral tributes to it.
Sharing the video, BJP leaders alleged that Congress shows respect to Patel, due to fear of BJP.
"If anyone had doubt about how much the Nehru Dynasty hated Sardar Patel, this video makes it clear. Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar agree to place photo of Sardar Patel along with that of Indira Gandhi fearing BJP. It is a shame that Slaves are so much scared of an Italian," BJP national General Secretary C T Ravi tweeted.
BJP MLA and Chief Minister's Political Secretary MP Renukacharya in a tweet said: "The Congress showed respect to Patel, due to fear of BJP."
ಬಿಜೆಪಿಗೆ ಹೆದರಿ ಪಟೇಲರಿಗೆ ಗೌರವ ತೋರಿದ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್! ನವರ ಕರ್ಮಕಥೆ. pic.twitter.com/TgytqmplOy
— M P Renukacharya (@MPRBJP) November 23, 2021
If anyone had doubt how much the Nehru Dynasty hated Sardar Patel, this video clears it.
— C T Ravi 🇮🇳 ಸಿ ಟಿ ರವಿ (@CTRavi_BJP) November 24, 2021
CONgress leaders @siddaramaiah & @DKShivakumar agree to place photo of Sardar Patel along with that of Indira Gandhi fearing BJP.
It is a shame that Slaves are so much scared of an Italian. pic.twitter.com/ZiO3pUegGu
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.
345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
