Trump, Kamala Harris engage in heated presidential debate
Washington, D.C.: In a highly anticipated face-off, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris engaged in a fiery debate on September 10, 2024, ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. The debate, held in Philadelphia and moderated by ABC's David Muir and Linsey Davis, began with a handshake but quickly descended into heated exchanges on key issues like abortion, immigration, and the economy.
Trump, the Republican nominee, and former president, attacked Harris for her association with the Biden administration, stating that she offered no new leadership. He criticised her stance on healthcare, claiming she had "no plan" for improving the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Harris, in turn, accused Trump of lacking any clear policy direction on healthcare, asserting that she would strengthen the ACA and focus on protecting citizens' access to affordable care.
The debate saw Trump repeating claims about the U.S. economy under his presidency, while Harris presented herself as a leader of a new generation, distancing herself from both Trump and Biden. Trump also leveled accusations against Harris, claiming she "hates Israel," without providing evidence. Harris defended her positions and rebutted Trump’s claims, particularly around issues of foreign policy, trade with China, and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The topic of abortion further fueled tensions, with Trump celebrating the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, stating that the issue should be left to individual states. Harris, however, pledged to restore federal protections for abortion rights.
The debate, set against the backdrop of a closely contested election, saw both candidates seeking to win over undecided voters. Trump, who faces multiple criminal charges, dismissed them as "politically driven," while Harris attacked his record, particularly on issues related to law enforcement and criminal justice.
As the debate concluded, it remained unclear which candidate gained the upper hand. The U.S. presidential elections are scheduled to be held on November 5, 2024.
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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.
