MGNREGA renaming: Why remove Gandhi’s name, asks SP’s Ram Gopal Yadav

Bengaluru, Feb 6 (IANS) In a snub to some leaders who have been pushing for the replacement of B.Y. Vijayendra as the President of the party in Karnataka, the BJP’s high command has refused to entertain their complaints against him, sources stated on Thursday.

Furthermore, the high command has reprimanded former minister and BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi for making a false statement to the media, claiming that their group had met BJP National President J.P. Nadda.

The senior leadership has expressed outrage against the rebel camp for tarnishing the party’s image.

In this backdrop, the rebels, who were hopeful of convincing the top leadership to replace Vijayendra, have faced a severe setback and are returning from New Delhi empty-handed, sources confirmed.

The rebel camp had to be content with former minister and senior Dalit leader Arvind Limbavali meeting National President Nadda a day before their arrival in New Delhi.

Former MLA Kumar Bangarappa had met BJP National General Secretary (Organisation), B.L. Santhosh. However, the high command flatly refused to meet the rebel group and even expressed displeasure over their actions, sources stated.

The group managed to meet former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai in New Delhi and urged him to take the lead.

However, sources revealed that Bommai declined their request, stating that he would abide by the party’s decision regarding the leadership.

Disheartened by these developments, the rebel camp leaders have decided to return to Karnataka, while some are heading to Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Sources stated that the high command has sent a clear message regarding the issue of the state president through this episode.

The rebel camp, including BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, former Union Minister G.M. Siddeshwara, BJP MLA B.P. Harish, and former MLA Kumar Bangarappa, had also planned to file a complaint against Karnataka state in-charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal.

However, although their concerns were conveyed to the national leadership, the latter chose to ignore them, sources revealed.

Encouraged by these developments, BJP MLA Suresh Gowda stated on Thursday that Vijayendra has been effectively leading the party and called for action against the rebel leaders.

“It is inappropriate to criticise former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. If party leaders themselves make negative statements against him, it will deeply hurt party workers. Yediyurappa was instrumental in bringing the BJP to power in the state. Rebels like MLA Yatnal should address their concerns internally instead of making public statements,” MLA Gowda urged.

He further stated that the appointment of the state President is solely at the discretion of the high command.

However, if no action is taken against the rebel leaders, it could set a bad precedent. The high command should prevent rebel leaders from making public statements.

It remains to be seen what will happen to the plans of the rebel MLAs, who had intended to hold an unofficial meeting of the Lingayat community MLAs and MPs at the office of Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna in New Delhi on February 10.

It was planned to convey a message that Vijayendra is not the tall leader of the influential Lingayat community, from which the BJP derives its core strength in Karnataka.

In response to the rebel camp’s activities in New Delhi, Vijayendra’s supporters have planned a show of strength on February 12.

Former minister M.P. Renukacharya asserted that the BJP would struggle to win even 10 seats if Vijayendra is replaced.

–IANS

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New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), held a meeting with visiting Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel on the sidelines of the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Friday with discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

During the meeting, George and Fasel also discussed regional and global developments.

“Secretary (West) Ambassador Sibi George met Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alexandre Fasel on the sidelines of the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi today. Discussions were held on strengthening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors and views were exchanged on regional and global developments. Implementation of India EFTA TEPA will foster technological collaboration, quality investments and create job opportunities,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X after the meeting.

According to the MEA, commercial contacts between India and Switzerland date back to the early 19th century when in 1851 the Volkart Trading Co. established its offices in Basel and Mumbai. During the First World War, Switzerland set up its consulates in key locations around the world, including in Mumbai, to secure food and economic prospects.

Bilateral ties achieved new heights following PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Switzerland in 2016 and 2018 and that of the Swiss President Doris Leuthard to India in 2017.

Negotiations on bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) started in October 2008 and, after 21st round of negotiations held over 16 years, the agreement was finally signed in March 2024. With it, Switzerland and the other European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States – also including Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway – became the first European partners to conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India.

Last November, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with Switzerland’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda, where they discussed investment opportunities for the pharmaceutical sector.

“Co-chaired a meeting with SECO State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda with Swiss pharma and biotech companies. Discussions focused on avenues of further cooperation in R&D and expanding investment opportunities for Swiss pharma companies to leverage India’s robust healthcare sector,” Goyal stated in a post on X after the meeting.

“Also, discussed the progress made under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with an aim to further enhance collaboration across key sectors for mutual growth,” he added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a courtesy visit to President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Friday, in what appears to be a routine interaction between the nation’s top constitutional offices.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan officially announced the meeting through a post on X, saying: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.”

The social media post was accompanied by photos showing the Prime Minister and the President engaged in a warm conversation, seated in the grandeur of the Presidential Palace.

Such courtesy calls are a regular feature of India’s governance protocol, allowing the Prime Minister to keep the President informed on key national matters or simply maintain institutional harmony.

While no official agenda was disclosed for this particular meeting, it comes on the heels of significant national observances.

The visit coincides with Veer Bal Diwas celebrations on December 26, commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.

Additionally, the day saw President Murmu conferring the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on young achievers, including cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, recognising extraordinary talents across diverse fields.

Earlier this week, on December 25, President Murmu hosted events at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, including the release of the Indian Constitution in the Santhali language — a milestone close to her heart as the first tribal President.

Prime Minister Modi later praised this initiative on social media, noting it would deepen constitutional awareness among Santhali speakers.

Political observers note that these meetings often occur post major events, festivals, or policy milestones.

In 2025 alone, similar courtesy calls have followed occasions like Diwali greetings in October, updates on national security operations earlier in the year, and international summits.

The interaction underscores the seamless coordination between the Executive and the Head of State, reflecting stability in India’s democratic framework amid a busy Parliamentary session and year-end activities.

–IANS

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