Biden, Harris lead US in mourning loss of lives in Gujarat bridge collapse
Washington (PTI): US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday led the country in mourning the victims of the devastating bridge collapse in Gujarat.
Today, our hearts are with India. Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the bridge collapse and join the people of Gujarat in mourning the loss of too many lives cut short, Biden said.
The United States and India are indispensable partners, with deep bonds between their citizens. In this difficult hour, we will continue to stand with and support the Indian people, Biden said in a statement.
We stand with the people of India who are mourning the victims of the devastating bridge collapse in Gujarat. Our hearts are with those who lost loved ones and all those impacted, Harris said in a tweet.
Congresswoman Grace Meng, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, said she was devastated by the high number of deaths caused by the bridge collapse.
I'm heartbroken to learn that many of those killed are children, women and the elderly. India is a dear friend and ally of the United States, and we stand with its people during this terrible time of tragedy and sorrow, Meng said.
I thank the first responders who have worked to save lives, and I'm keeping all who are impacted in my thoughts and prayers, especially those who have lost family members, said the Congresswoman.
The United States is deeply saddened by the tragic collapse of a suspension bridge in Morbi, Gujarat, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said.
Our hearts are with the people of India, and we extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. The United States stands with our Indian partners during this difficult time, he said.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Senator Jim Risch said his prayers are with those affected by the tragic bridge collapse in Gujarat.
The US stands by its partner and friend India during this difficult time, he said.
State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said the US is deeply saddened by the news of the collapse of a suspension bridge in Morbi, Gujarat on Sunday. Our condolences go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy and their families, and the United States stands with our Indian partners and has offered support to the government of India.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Bob Menendez said as victims, loved ones, and Indian authorities pursue answers, the US must support efforts to swiftly and thoroughly examine this tragedy and ensure this does not happen again.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
