KPSC scam: K’taka ministers hit back at Kumaraswamy over attacks on CM Shivakumar, Priyank Kharge

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Bengaluru, Sep 1 (IANS) Karnataka Ministers Priyank Kharge and H.C. Balakrishna on Tuesday hit back at Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for criticising the Congress government over the alleged KPSC recruitment scam, questioning his responsibility and asking him to make allegations with greater caution.

Speaking to the media, Minister for Home, IT and BT Priyank Kharge questioned Kumaraswamy’s allegations, asking him to establish any link between him and the alleged irregularities in the KPSC recruitment process.

“Who took them to the resort and arranged training for the KPSC examinations? Being a former Chief Minister, he should speak responsibly. Who is responsible for conducting the examinations? Is it the responsibility of our department? It is the KPSC’s job,” Kharge said, targeting Kumaraswamy.

He said the KPSC chairman was responsible for the functioning of the commission and questioned who was responsible for handling examination materials such as OMR sheets.

“Who is the chairman? He is the BJP-nominated chairman. Who writes the examination? Under whose custody are the OMR sheets kept? They are kept by the KPSC,” Kharge said.

Reacting sharply to Kumaraswamy’s allegations, Kharge said the Union Minister often engaged in “hit-and-run” politics.

“What should I answer if someone speaks like a child? Kumaraswamy only indulges in hit-and-run allegations. Which case has he taken to its logical conclusion?” Kharge asked.

He said Kumaraswamy, being a former Chief Minister, should make statements more responsibly and avoid making baseless allegations.

“Have I gone to a resort and got the examination written? Let him prove even one case of my involvement. If he does, I am ready to retire from politics. Is he ready to retire from politics?” Kharge challenged.

Minister for Municipal Administration H.C. Balakrishna also criticised Kumaraswamy and urged him to focus on creating employment opportunities for youngsters in his constituency instead of making allegations against the state government.

“I request Union Minister Kumaraswamy, you are a Union Minister in charge of Heavy Industries and Steel. You should work towards creating jobs for the youth in your constituency by establishing industries. Making false allegations will not help you or your party,” Balakrishna said.

He also appealed to political leaders to avoid making unnecessary allegations and focus on governance.

“Everyone is in a glass house in the current situation. If there is an investigation, everyone could come under scrutiny. This is unnecessary. People will decide who is the winner or loser in the election,” he said.

Balakrishna said that after being elected by the people and assuming power, political leaders should concentrate on serving them rather than making personal attacks against one another.

“People have elected us, and we have now come to power. It is our responsibility to work for the people. We should not indulge in issuing statements against leaders,” he said.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Karnataka over the alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), questioning the movements of arrested IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar and demanding accountability from State Home Minister Priyank Kharge.

–IANS

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Pahalgam attack: More countries express solidarity with India, offer support in fight against terrorism

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Ambassadors of Israel, Egypt, Argentina, and Nepal met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday, expressing solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam.

Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand currently visiting India, also called on EAM at his office to express solidarity on the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

“Good to meet former PM of New Zealand Helen Clark this evening. Appreciate her support and solidarity on the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Discussed cooperation in health and development,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X after meeting the Kiwi leader.

Jaishankar also held a conversation over phone with Faisal bin Farhan, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday’s terrorist attack in which 26 innocent civilians lost their lives and several others were injured.

“Had a telecon with Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan of Saudi Arabia. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages,” the External Affairs Minister said.

Earlier in the day, the EAM met Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar and appreciated Israel’s steadfast support in combating cross-border terrorism. “A good discussion with Ambassador Reuven Azar of Israel in New Delhi today,” said Jaishankar.

Azar also took to social media and expressed gratitude to EAM Jaishankar for an engaging discussion.

“Thankful for the useful discussion Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. Looking forward to work together to overcome common challenges and untap India and Israel many opportunities!” he posted on X.

The Ambassador of Egypt also called on Jaishankar and offered support in fighting terrorism.

“Received Ambassador Kamel Zayed of Egypt. Discussed deepening our strategic partnership. Appreciated Egypt’s support in the fight against terrorism,” the EAM posted on X.

Jaishankar met Nepal’s Ambassador Shankar Sharma late afternoon and offered his condolences on the death of a Nepali national in the Pahalgam terror attack. He further discussed developments in India–Nepal bilateral ties.

The Ambassador of Nepal expressed strong solidarity with India following the deadly terror attack.

“Shared our deep condolences and firm solidarity with India over the Pahalgam terror attack with EAM S Jaishankar ji today. He also expressed condolences on the death of a Nepali national, Sudip Neupane. We also reviewed our overall Nepal-India ties,” Shankar Sharma posted on X.

EAM Jaishankar also met Argentinian Ambassador Mariano Caucino and welcomed Argentina’s condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. The EAM said that both leaders spoke about advancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation between India and Argentina.

Meanwhile, several top leaders across the globe dialled Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed their condolences on the death of innocent civilians in the Pahalgam terror attack while condemning the heinous act.

The attack has triggered a string of strong retaliatory diplomatic and strategic actions by India, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, closure of the Attari-Wagah border, and cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.

–IANS

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Oppn should join development journey to make Maharashtra prosperous: Eknath Shinde

Mumbai, March 7 (IANS) Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday called upon the opposition not to bring politics into public affairs and join the development journey to make Maharashtra prosperous.

In his reply to the debate on the Governor’s address in the state council, he said that the government has resolved to achieve a prosperous Maharashtra by increasing the pace of development whereby the life of the common man will become comfortable, industries will flourish and beloved farmers, sisters, youth and elders be happy.

“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, our new government has also started strongly. Its reflection will also be seen in the first Budget. We want to develop the state with double the speed and quadruple the capacity. We want the welfare of the people of the state. During the last two and a half years of the Mahayuti government, we have done historic development works and implemented welfare schemes. Therefore, our responsibility has increased as the people elected us with a huge majority in the Assembly elections,” said the Deputy Chief Minister.

DCM Shinde announced that the flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana will not be closed but will be implemented in future too.

He criticised the opposition for spreading misinformation about the Ladki Bahin Yojana, saying there has been no change in the scheme’s criteria.

“Beloved sisters, eligible for benefits under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, will never be disqualified. The scheme will not be closed,” he said.

He said high-security registration number plates for vehicles are very important.

“The opposition is also giving wrong information about that. If we compare Maharashtra with other states, these rates are not high in our state. In other states, the rates have been fixed for 2020-21. But the state rates have now been fixed in October 2024. Also, Maharashtra’s rates include GST and fixing charges. If we compare other states, the rates of number plates in the state are low,” he clarified.

He said, those who insult Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, will not be spared in Maharashtra.

Countering the opposition charges about the MoUs signed by the government for investments, DCM Shinde accused the opposition of spreading misinformation.

“Maharashtra has received record annual foreign investment in the last decade in just nine months of the fiscal 2024-25,” he said.

A total of Rs 1,39,434 crore has been received in the first nine months of the financial year 2024-2025.

“The Chief Minister has quoted the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The complication FDI equity inflow during October 2019 and December 2024 is reported at Rs 6,71,863 crore which is 31 per cent of the total FDI equity inflow in the country,” DCM Shinde said.

He added that 80 per cent of the investment agreements signed in Davos in the last three years have been implemented.

“The goal was to restore the state’s economy and instil confidence among investors and entrepreneurs, and we have successfully achieved it,” he said.

He said that Maharashtra is also the favourite destination of foreign tourists.

“Our target is not only Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, but also the development of other districts as tourist circuits,” he added.

“Our priority is to provide affordable housing to the common man. The government has prepared a policy for this. We have accelerated the rehabilitation projects in Mumbai. Maharashtra is number one in the country in the construction of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in rural areas,” he said.

–IANS

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Assure all possible support to affected families: CM Pramod Sawant on Goa stampede

Panaji, May 3 (IANS) Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said that the state authorities are ensuring that all necessary medical attention is provided to those injured in the tragic stampede that occurred during the Lairai Devi temple festivities in Shirgao village.

The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday as a large number of devotees had gathered for the annual yatra.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant personally visited the hospital to assess the condition of the injured. Later, posting on X, the Chief Minister said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic stampede at the Lairai Zatra in Shirgaon this morning. I visited the hospital to meet the injured and have assured all possible support to the affected families. I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure that every necessary measure is being taken.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with CM Sawant and reviewed the situation in detail, offering full support from the Centre during this difficult time.

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that all district hospitals were on high alert and fully equipped to handle the emergency.

In a post on X, Rane said, “In light of the unfortunate stampede incident at the Goa temple, we are actively ensuring that all those affected receive the necessary medical attention. A 24/7 helpline is now available, please dial 104 for any medical emergencies.”

He added that the medical infrastructure at Goa Medical College (GMC) and other district hospitals has been strengthened and placed on high alert.

“Ten advanced 108 ambulances have been deployed to assist with transfers and on-site management. We remain committed to providing comprehensive care and support during this difficult time,” he said.

Rane further informed that immediate and extensive steps have been taken to manage the crisis.

“We have coordinated with 108, ensuring that five ambulances were dispatched to the site, with three stationed at Asilo and an additional three kept on standby until the situation stabilises,” he added.

According to his statement, 30 casualties have been reported so far. Of these, eight critical patients — including two who required intubation — have been referred to GMC for specialised care.

“Four individuals, including two males and two females, were brought in dead. Eight are currently admitted at Asilo, ten are undergoing treatment for minor injuries, and two have been discharged,” he said.

However, sources indicate that the actual death toll may be higher, with at least six people confirmed dead and over 30 injured.

“Ten patients are currently serious and under observation in casualty at GMC. Additional doctors have been roped in, and a dedicated ICU with ventilators has been set up to provide consolidated care. All necessary arrangements have been made, and we are closely monitoring the condition of each patient,” he said

GMC and Health services, including 108, have also been instructed to remain on high alert. MS from GMC and Asilo have been appointed as nodal officers to monitor the situation closely. We will keep you regularly updated,” Rane added.

The stampede occurred during the Shri Lairai Yatra, an annual religious event that draws over 50,000 devotees to the temple in North Goa.

A highlight of the centuries-old ritual is the participation of barefoot ‘dhonds’ who walk across a bed of burning embers in a symbolic act of devotion. The sheer number of attendees and a sudden surge in the crowd reportedly led to the deadly stampede.

Preliminary reports point towards severe overcrowding and insufficient crowd management arrangements as potential causes behind the stampede.

The situation turned chaotic due to a downward slope on a stretch of the route, where the crowd reportedly surged forward rapidly, leading to a crush.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue and medical efforts are underway. The state government has provided full support and assistance to the victims and their families.

–IANS

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