Rebel Karnataka Leader Eshwarappa Defies BJP, Vows to Contest Polls Against Party

Posted on by Vividh Bharthi

New Delhi: K.S. Eshwarappa, former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and a rebel within the BJP, revealed on Wednesday night that he was unable to secure a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital. Despite this setback, Eshwarappa affirmed his decision to run as an Independent candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing reporters in New Delhi, Eshwarappa stated, “I was unable to meet the Home Minister, and I remain firm in my decision to contest as an Independent candidate.”

Eshwarappa explained that after being summoned to Delhi by Shah, he received notification that the meeting could not take place. Interpreting this as tacit approval for his independent candidacy, Eshwarappa expressed determination to challenge BJP’s official candidate, B.Y. Raghavendra, in the Shivamogga constituency.

Raghavendra, the son of former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, has been nominated by the BJP for the seat.

Asserting his resolve to contest against the BJP, Eshwarappa declared, “With the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, I will emerge victorious.”

Eshwarappa’s dissent stems from the party’s decision to deny a ticket to his son, K.E. Kanthesh, for the Lok Sabha polls in Shivamogga. This disenchantment follows a similar denial of a ticket to Eshwarappa himself for the Karnataka Assembly elections last year.

Additionally, Eshwarappa has vowed to oust B.Y. Vijayendra, Yediyurappa’s son, from his position as state BJP chief. Eshwarappa, one of the senior-most BJP leaders in Karnataka, played a pivotal role in building the party alongside Yediyurappa and others from its inception.

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Cop killed as patrol vehicle overturns in pond in Bihar’s Darbhanga

Patna, Dec 17 (IANS) A police personnel was killed while two others were seriously injured when a Dial 112 police patrol vehicle overturned in a pond in the Simri Bazar police station area in Bihar’s Darbhanga district in the early hours of Tuesday.

The incident occurred at 12.30 a.m. when the police vehicle, returning from Sadhwara to Simri Bazar after patrolling, overturned into a pond while avoiding hitting a dog on the road.

The cop, identified as Shekhar Paswan (59), succumbed to his injuries in Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) while driver GK Jha, and constable Archana Kumari, were currently undergoing treatment.

Paswan was a resident of Raghepura village in the Bahadurpur police station area.

Senior police officers visited the accident site and inquired about the circumstances leading to the accident.

Jha said that he lost control over the vehicle while avoiding hitting a dog.

Jha said that while trying to save the dog, the patrolling vehicle overturned in a pond next to the road.

“After the incident, we pulled out Archana Kumari and Shekhar Paswan,” Jha said.

Paswan was rushed to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Senior officers, including the City SP, rushed to DMCH and the accident site to investigate the matter.

Simri Police Station in-charge Manish Kumar confirmed that the accident occurred while avoiding the dog and attributed the chaos at the site to dense fog and nighttime visibility issues.

“Jha and Archana Kumari are receiving treatment at DMCH. We have sent Paswan’s body for post-mortem. The family members of the deceased were informed about the tragic accident,” Kumar said.

–IANS

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‘Run for Viksit Rajasthan’ to be annual event, says CM Sharma

Jaipur, Dec 12 (IANS) Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday said that to inspire the youths to contribute to the state’s development the ‘Run for Viksit Rajasthan’ would become an annual event on December 12.

He said this while speaking at the ‘Run for Viksit Rajasthan’ event held at Amar Jawan Jyoti.

CM Sharma highlighted that this initiative, marking the completion of one year of the state government, symbolises unity, determination, and progress. He stated that when the youths advance, both the country and the state move forward. Their energy, enthusiasm, and talent are vital for propelling Rajasthan to new heights. He expressed confidence that the dream of a developed India and a prosperous Rajasthan can be realized through collective participation.

To encourage participation in the ‘Run for Viksit Rajasthan’, the Chief Minister also ran alongside the youths, impressing them with his simplicity and enthusiasm.

Over 10,000 people, including NCC, NSS, RAC, Home Guard members, and the general public participated in the event.

The Chief Minister reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of achieving big dreams and bold resolutions for India’s future. He noted that the goal of creating a developed India resonates with every citizen and aligns with his government’s vision. Quoting Swami Vivekananda that the 21st century would belong to India, CM Sharma remarked that the Prime Minister has turned this vision into reality, with the century now belonging to India and its youth.

CM Sharma also celebrated the achievements of state athletes, who have consistently won medals at national and international levels. He proudly mentioned the state’s success at the Paris Paralympics, where players secured three medals, including gold and bronze.

To further support sports, the government is developing world-class facilities and has signed MoUs worth Rs 15,000 crore during the Rising Summit. Through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, 50 talented athletes will receive world-class training. Additionally, Rajasthan will host the Khelo India National Youth Games in 2026.

The Chief Minister announced initiatives like the Sports and Youth Policy and the establishment of Maharana Pratap Sports University to ensure the development of sports and youth in the state.

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives like Fit India, Yoga Day, and Swachh Bharat, aimed at promoting health and cleanliness among youth. He commended the Chief Minister’s efforts in creating employment opportunities, with plans to provide four lakh government jobs and boost private sector employment over the next five years through initiatives like Rising Rajasthan.

The Chief Minister released balloons to symbolize the vision of a developed Rajasthan and flagged off the marathon. He also distributed cheques and certificates to athletes, including international medalists Avni Lekhra, Mona Agarwal, and Sundar Singh Gurjar.

The event was also attended by MLAs Gopal Sharma and Gurveer Singh, Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant, Director General of Police U.R. Sahu, senior officials, and athletes among others.

–IANS

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10 lakh people to be benefitted in 12 days of development programme: Assam CM

Guwahati, Dec 13 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that at least 10 lakh people are set to benefit from the state government’s “12 days of development programme”.

Speaking at an occasion in Jorhat, Sarma said: “Multiple departments, including Revenue and Disaster Management, Finance, and Industries & Commerce and Public Enterprises, are poised to roll out a range of initiatives that will directly benefit millions of people across the state in the near future. More than 10 lakh families in Assam are expected to be positively impacted by these measures as part of the ongoing ‘12 Days of Development’ program.”

He elaborated on the government’s microfinance relief scheme aimed at assisting women, noting that the administration has issued No-Due Certificates, which will enable them to access loans from banks.

He also revealed that the government plans to extend additional financial support, with a provision of Rs. 15,000 in 2026, and affirmed that further efforts would be made to help these women secure larger loans from financial institutions.

Sarma highlighted that as part of the “12 Days of Development” initiative, the Education Department has initiated three important schemes to provide substantial benefits to students.

He stated that under the Banikanta Kakati Merit Award, girl students who secure a first division in the Higher Secondary Examination and boy students who attain 75 per cent or higher marks, would be awarded scooters.

As part of the Anundoram Borooah Award, students achieving 75 per cent marks or more in HSLC exams would be given cash prizes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), amounting to approximately Rs 12,500 each, he added.

He also said that more than three lakh students enrolled in Class 9 would receive bicycles under the Chief Minister’s Special Scheme.

Sarma launched the ceremonial distribution of no dues certificate under the Assam Microfinance Incentive and Relief Scheme to borrowers amounting to Rs 223.30 crore, officials said.

Moreover, under the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Sarma also disbursed Rs 35.337 crore to 6,86,487 families.

On the other hand, the Chief Minister presented seed capital under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme. Under the scheme, 6490 members of SHGs amounting to Rs. 21.90 crore have been given.

–IANS

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