The Bellary police has intensified their investigation into the vandalism at the UNESCO world heritage site in Hampi of Karnataka, an official said.

A carved stone pillar at <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-shows-miscreants-damaging-world-heritage-site-hampi-in-karnataka-194615">Hampi</a> was allegedly damaged by miscreants and the video of it has gone viral on social media.&nbsp;

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Young Indian men vandalize Hampi, the <a href="https://twitter.com/UNESCO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNESCO</a> World Heritage site which is on <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a> 52 places to visit in 2019 <a href="https://t.co/FuBjAJpLpj">https://t.co/FuBjAJpLpj</a> 
and post a video celebrating their act. I hope they are caught and made an example of in terms of a long prison sentence h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/WhatsApp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WhatsApp</a> <a href="https://t.co/v5DUM7xhuw">pic.twitter.com/v5DUM7xhuw</a>
— Raju Narisetti (@raju) <a href="https://twitter.com/raju/status/1091718932204060673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The clip, which surfaced Saturday, purportedly showed three men pushing the artistically carved stone pillar to the ground, following which it breaks and the trio rejoice.

Other damaged pillars are also shown lying around, but it was not immediately clear whether the men in the video had damaged it.

A person from Betul in Madhya Pradesh shared the videos on Instagram under an identity 'DigitalAyush'. However, the account was deleted ever since the video went viral.

Arun Rangarajan, the SP of Bellary under which Hampi falls, said, "Three teams have been formed to nab the culprits. We have sufficient leads in this case and they will be arrested soon."

"They were tourists who did it just for excitement. There were no other motives," he said.

Karnataka Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar had on Saturday said stringent action would be taken against those responsible.

Recently, Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar empire, known for its rich architecture, was listed second on New York Times list of 52 must-go sites in the world.

The Bellary police has intensified their investigation into the vandalism at the UNESCO world heritage site in Hampi of Karnataka, an official said. A carved stone pillar at Hampi was allegedly damaged by miscreants and the video of it has gone viral on social media.

The Bellary police has intensified their investigation into the vandalism at the UNESCO world heritage site in Hampi of Karnataka, an official said. A carved stone pillar at Hampi was allegedly damaged by miscreants and the video of it has gone viral on social media. Young Indian men vandalize Hampi, the @UNESCO World Heritage site which is on @nytimes 52 places to visit in 2019 https://t.co/FuBjAJpLpj and post a video celebrating their act. I hope they are caught and made an example of in terms of a long prison sentence h/t @WhatsApp pic.twitter.com/v5DUM7xhuw — Raju Narisetti (@raju) February 2, 2019 × The clip, which surfaced Saturday, purportedly showed three men pushing the artistically carved stone pillar to the ground, following which it breaks and the trio rejoice. Other damaged pillars are also shown lying around, but it was not immediately clear whether the men in the video had damaged it. A person from Betul in Madhya Pradesh shared the videos on Instagram under an identity 'DigitalAyush'. However, the account was deleted ever since the video went viral. Arun Rangarajan, the SP of Bellary under which Hampi falls, said, "Three teams have been formed to nab the culprits. We have sufficient leads in this case and they will be arrested soon." "They were tourists who did it just for excitement. There were no other motives," he said. Karnataka Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar had on Saturday said stringent action would be taken against those responsible. Recently, Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar empire, known for its rich architecture, was listed second on New York Times list of 52 must-go sites in the world.

Police intensify probe into vandalism at world heritage site Hampi in Karnataka

The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker, a new film on Netflix, is based on a real-life criminal incident. In February 2013, a homeless guy named Kai Lawrence attacked a woman's assailant with a hatchet and smashed his head with it, saving the woman's life. Soon after the incident, Kai was interviewed by a local TV crew, and the interview quickly went viral, turning him into a superstar. Kai was, however, detained for a murder later that year. What is the murder's mystery? What has become of Kai Lawrence? To learn everything about the 2013 incident, the murder later that year and more keep reading.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker, the 2013 incident&nbsp;</h2>

Caleb Lawrence McGillvary is Kai Larence's real name. Kai hitched a ride with Jett Simmons McBride in February 2013. Kai jumped out of the car to assist the person after the driver McBride struck a pedestrian by the side of the road during the journey. McBride reportedly got out of the car and attempted to assault the woman who had come over to assist Kai and the pedestrian. Kai then strikes McBridge in the head with a hatchet that he took out of his backpack. However, McBridge suvived Kai's hatchet assault and later went on to stand trial for attempted murder in 2014. Kai also appeared in court as a witness in the McBride case, as per a report.&nbsp;

<h2>Kai Lawrence became overnight sensation after McBride incident&nbsp;</h2>

A follow-up interview of the incident was done by KMPH. Kai quickly rose to fame after the KMPH posted the entire six-and-a-half-minute interview on YouTube. The team of Justin Bieber reached out to him for a song collaboration after learning that a producer for Keeping Up With The Kardashians planned to make a reality programme about him. Check the KMPH interview video here:&nbsp;

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<h2>Kai Lawrence arrested for murder later that year&nbsp;</h2>

Kai Lawrence of the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker was arrested later that year for the murder of 73-year-old lawyer Joseph Galfy. Galfy was found dead at his home in New Jersey. After some circumstantial evidences related to Kai, he was tracked down at a Philadelphia bus station by police and confessed to the murder of Galfy. Kai claimed that he did it in self-defence as Galfy was sexually assaulting him. However, police said there was no evidence that could prove the crime was committed in self-defence. Before you know about the whereabouts of Kai Lawrence, check out this netflix trailer of&nbsp;the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker.

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<h2>Where is Kai Lawrence now?&nbsp;</h2>

Kai was detained after his arrest and held behind bars until his 2019 trial. He was given a 57-year jail term after being found guilty of first-degree murder. He filed an appeal in 2021 but was unsuccessful. Kai is still incarcerated at Trenton's New Jersey State Prison.

 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
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The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker, a new film on Netflix, is based on a real-life criminal incident. In February 2013, a homeless guy named Kai Lawrence attacked a woman's assailant with a hatchet and smashed his head with it, saving the woman's life.

The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker, a new film on Netflix, is based on a real-life criminal incident. In February 2013, a homeless guy named Kai Lawrence attacked a woman's assailant with a hatchet and smashed his head with it, saving the woman's life. Soon after the incident, Kai was interviewed by a local TV crew, and the interview quickly went viral, turning him into a superstar. Kai was, however, detained for a murder later that year. What is the murder's mystery? What has become of Kai Lawrence? To learn everything about the 2013 incident, the murder later that year and more keep reading. The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker, the 2013 incident Caleb Lawrence McGillvary is Kai Larence's real name. Kai hitched a ride with Jett Simmons McBride in February 2013. Kai jumped out of the car to assist the person after the driver McBride struck a pedestrian by the side of the road during the journey. McBride reportedly got out of the car and attempted to assault the woman who had come over to assist Kai and the pedestrian. Kai then strikes McBridge in the head with a hatchet that he took out of his backpack. However, McBridge suvived Kai's hatchet assault and later went on to stand trial for attempted murder in 2014. Kai also appeared in court as a witness in the McBride case, as per a report. Kai Lawrence became overnight sensation after McBride incident A follow-up interview of the incident was done by KMPH. Kai quickly rose to fame after the KMPH posted the entire six-and-a-half-minute interview on YouTube. The team of Justin Bieber reached out to him for a song collaboration after learning that a producer for Keeping Up With The Kardashians planned to make a reality programme about him. Check the KMPH interview video here: × Kai Lawrence arrested for murder later that year Kai Lawrence of the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker was arrested later that year for the murder of 73-year-old lawyer Joseph Galfy. Galfy was found dead at his home in New Jersey. After some circumstantial evidences related to Kai, he was tracked down at a Philadelphia bus station by police and confessed to the murder of Galfy. Kai claimed that he did it in self-defence as Galfy was sexually assaulting him. However, police said there was no evidence that could prove the crime was committed in self-defence. Before you know about the whereabouts of Kai Lawrence, check out this netflix trailer of the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker. × Where is Kai Lawrence now? Kai was detained after his arrest and held behind bars until his 2019 trial. He was given a 57-year jail term after being found guilty of first-degree murder. He filed an appeal in 2021 but was unsuccessful. Kai is still incarcerated at Trenton's New Jersey State Prison.

Video shows miscreants damaging world heritage site Hampi in Karnataka

Common perception dictates that the southern states of India are more progressive in comparison to their northern counterparts when it comes to women empowerment.

Women in South India&nbsp;are believed&nbsp;to&nbsp;enjoy more independence, freedom and a say in the household matter.&nbsp;

However, recent figures released by Civil Registration system indicate a serious dip in sex ratio in the otherwise better off South Indian states.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>State</td>
			<td>2008</td>
			<td>2016</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Andhra Pradesh</td>
			<td>986</td>
			<td>806</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Karnataka</td>
			<td>1047</td>
			<td>896</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tamil Nadu</td>
			<td>928</td>
			<td>840</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Telangana</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td>881</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kerala&nbsp;</td>
			<td>952</td>
			<td>954</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Activists on ground who have been working to spread awareness and rein in female foeticide in Karnataka say that while there have been numerous schemes, officials have been lackadaisical in implementing the PCPNDT act of 1994 that prohibits foetal sex determination.&nbsp;

Mandya, Kollegal and border areas of Karnataka allegedly continue to witness rampant sex determination and elimination.&nbsp;

However, some activists on the ground are sceptic about the data, as it contradicts the National Family Health Survey data of 2016.

Brinda Adige, a prominent women's rights activist in the city blames increased migration to the urban areas as one of the major reasons for rampant sex determination and elimination.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Common perception dictates that the southern states of India are more progressive in comparison to their northern counterparts when it comes to women empowerment.

Common perception dictates that the southern states of India are more progressive in comparison to their northern counterparts when it comes to women empowerment. Women in South India are believed to enjoy more independence, freedom and a say in the household matter. However, recent figures released by Civil Registration system indicate a serious dip in sex ratio in the otherwise better off South Indian states. State 2008 2016 Andhra Pradesh 986 806 Karnataka 1047 896 Tamil Nadu 928 840 Telangana NA 881 Kerala 952 954 Activists on ground who have been working to spread awareness and rein in female foeticide in Karnataka say that while there have been numerous schemes, officials have been lackadaisical in implementing the PCPNDT act of 1994 that prohibits foetal sex determination. Mandya, Kollegal and border areas of Karnataka allegedly continue to witness rampant sex determination and elimination. However, some activists on the ground are sceptic about the data, as it contradicts the National Family Health Survey data of 2016. Brinda Adige, a prominent women's rights activist in the city blames increased migration to the urban areas as one of the major reasons for rampant sex determination and elimination.

Sex Ratio in South India plunges, raises concern

JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday publicly voiced his unhappiness with ally Congress, saying he was in 'pain'&nbsp;and would not remain 'quiet anymore'.

Gowda, father of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, made known that the six months of running the coalition government with the Congress was not a pleasant experience but he had "not opened mouth."

"Is this a way to run the coalition government, where we have to request our partner not to use foul language? Six months have passed that Kumaraswamy became the Chief Minister and all kinds of things have happened in six months. Till now I haven't opened my mouth but now I can't keep quiet," he said.

His comment comes days after several state Congress leaders demanded that former chief minister Siddaramaiah be made CM again.

Gowda also slammed former Siddaramaiah who a few days back misbehaved with a woman, where he snatched her mic.

"How can anyone touch anybody's clothes? He is a kind of person who does not even meet MLAs," Gowda said.

JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday publicly voiced his unhappiness with ally Congress, saying he was in 'pain' and would not remain 'quiet anymore'. Gowda, father of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, made known that the six months of running the coalition government with the Congress was not a pleasant experience but he had "not opened mouth.

JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday publicly voiced his unhappiness with ally Congress, saying he was in 'pain' and would not remain 'quiet anymore'. Gowda, father of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, made known that the six months of running the coalition government with the Congress was not a pleasant experience but he had "not opened mouth." "Is this a way to run the coalition government, where we have to request our partner not to use foul language? Six months have passed that Kumaraswamy became the Chief Minister and all kinds of things have happened in six months. Till now I haven't opened my mouth but now I can't keep quiet," he said. His comment comes days after several state Congress leaders demanded that former chief minister Siddaramaiah be made CM again. Gowda also slammed former Siddaramaiah who a few days back misbehaved with a woman, where he snatched her mic. "How can anyone touch anybody's clothes? He is a kind of person who does not even meet MLAs," Gowda said.

I am in pain, won't keep quiet anymore, former Prime Minister Deve Gowda warns Congress

The importance of Karnataka government does not lie in unrelenting ambition of former chief minister Yeddyurappa. Its importance lies in the impact it will create nationally, if the JDS-Congress alliance comes apart. Karnataka today sells the idea of coalition being a stable entity which BJP wants to discredit at the national level.

Secondly, if the alliance continues, BJP will find very difficult to retain 17 seats in the state. The matter becomes more acute as SP-BSP alliance has firmed up in Uttar Pradesh which means that BJP’s numbers in the north will also come down substantially. If this is to happen in every state then BJP would lose Lok Sabha elections even before the campaign begins. It is for this reason, BJP wants the Congress-JDS government to fall in Karnataka.

If coalition gets discredited in Karnataka, then&nbsp;the BJP will be able to discredit the idea of a Grand Alliance in the run-up&nbsp;to the Lok Sabha elections. The sudden desperation on part of BJP to topple the government also stems from triple victory of the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

If the government in Karnataka falls either from internal sabotage or external pressure, the ultimate benefit would accrue to the BJP and it will be on three counts.

BJP will go to the town saying that Grand Alliance against BJP is a dead idea and squabbling leaders have nothing in common except hatred against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The fall will also impact the ability of the Congress to manage regional satraps and regional players. BJP has been running successful coalition in states like Goa, Meghalaya and Bihar, showcasing its ability to snatch allies and run the government in states where it does not have the number. Lastly, the message would go out that BJP is down but not out and unlike them, Congress cannot manage political contradictions under Rahul Gandhi.

BJP did this with élan in Bihar. When they realised that Nitish Kumar could emerge as a fulcrum around whom the entire Opposition could come together, they ran away with the face itself. In a day, the Opposition lost its most acceptable face.

Such was the situation then that Congress would have found it very difficult not to support Nitish Kumar’s candidature as the Prime Minister in case elections threw a hung Parliament. If Congress does well in the Lok Sabha election, the credibility of Rahul Gandhi will get further solidified and depending on the number, Congress would project him as the Prime Ministerial candidate. Right now, Rahul Gandhi has emerged a challenger but not entirely in an avatar of acceptable Opposition leader.

In case of Karnataka, it will showcase the ability of the Congress to carry regional leaders with them. The occasional outburst of CM Kumarswamy should not be taken lightly. Even if he does not come out the alliance, he would definitely make the government end up looking weak and mismanaged. The only thing Congress can hope for is that prolonged interference results in negative political return where people start to see BJP as a disruptive force in the state.

On the other hand, Congress as an organization is also responsible for the crisis. Some of the MLAs have a running feud with sitting ministers. Local MLA Umesh Jadhav has a running feud with Priyang Kharge, minister in Karnataka government and son of Mallikarjun Kharge.

Similarly, Chikabalapur MLA Dr Sudhakar is also in the list of disgruntled lawmakers as certain of his local demands have not been met. Sum total of the Karnataka affair is that and political development in Karnataka will have a national impact. In Bihar, BJP was able to rob the face of an emerging coalition and in Karnataka they have the chance to discredit the idea of a coalition.

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The importance of Karnataka government does not lie in unrelenting ambition of former chief minister Yeddyurappa. Its importance lies in the impact it will create nationally, if the JDS-Congress alliance comes apart.

The importance of Karnataka government does not lie in unrelenting ambition of former chief minister Yeddyurappa. Its importance lies in the impact it will create nationally, if the JDS-Congress alliance comes apart. Karnataka today sells the idea of coalition being a stable entity which BJP wants to discredit at the national level. Secondly, if the alliance continues, BJP will find very difficult to retain 17 seats in the state. The matter becomes more acute as SP-BSP alliance has firmed up in Uttar Pradesh which means that BJP’s numbers in the north will also come down substantially. If this is to happen in every state then BJP would lose Lok Sabha elections even before the campaign begins. It is for this reason, BJP wants the Congress-JDS government to fall in Karnataka. If coalition gets discredited in Karnataka, then the BJP will be able to discredit the idea of a Grand Alliance in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. The sudden desperation on part of BJP to topple the government also stems from triple victory of the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. If the government in Karnataka falls either from internal sabotage or external pressure, the ultimate benefit would accrue to the BJP and it will be on three counts. BJP will go to the town saying that Grand Alliance against BJP is a dead idea and squabbling leaders have nothing in common except hatred against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The fall will also impact the ability of the Congress to manage regional satraps and regional players. BJP has been running successful coalition in states like Goa, Meghalaya and Bihar, showcasing its ability to snatch allies and run the government in states where it does not have the number. Lastly, the message would go out that BJP is down but not out and unlike them, Congress cannot manage political contradictions under Rahul Gandhi. BJP did this with élan in Bihar. When they realised that Nitish Kumar could emerge as a fulcrum around whom the entire Opposition could come together, they ran away with the face itself. In a day, the Opposition lost its most acceptable face. Such was the situation then that Congress would have found it very difficult not to support Nitish Kumar’s candidature as the Prime Minister in case elections threw a hung Parliament. If Congress does well in the Lok Sabha election, the credibility of Rahul Gandhi will get further solidified and depending on the number, Congress would project him as the Prime Ministerial candidate. Right now, Rahul Gandhi has emerged a challenger but not entirely in an avatar of acceptable Opposition leader. In case of Karnataka, it will showcase the ability of the Congress to carry regional leaders with them. The occasional outburst of CM Kumarswamy should not be taken lightly. Even if he does not come out the alliance, he would definitely make the government end up looking weak and mismanaged. The only thing Congress can hope for is that prolonged interference results in negative political return where people start to see BJP as a disruptive force in the state. On the other hand, Congress as an organization is also responsible for the crisis. Some of the MLAs have a running feud with sitting ministers. Local MLA Umesh Jadhav has a running feud with Priyang Kharge, minister in Karnataka government and son of Mallikarjun Kharge. Similarly, Chikabalapur MLA Dr Sudhakar is also in the list of disgruntled lawmakers as certain of his local demands have not been met. Sum total of the Karnataka affair is that and political development in Karnataka will have a national impact. In Bihar, BJP was able to rob the face of an emerging coalition and in Karnataka they have the chance to discredit the idea of a coalition. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Karnataka grand alliance: BJP's final push

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday accused BJP of continuing its efforts to poach MLAs and claimed one of his party`s legislators was on Thursday offered huge amount of money under the saffron party's 'Operation Kamala'.

“Operation Kamala is still on. Even last night they (BJP) offered one of our MLAs, a huge amount of money and asked him where it should be sent. You will be surprised to know the gift amount. Our MLA responded that he did not need any gift and wants to be left alone.This is how they are still working on poaching,” Kumaraswamy said.

Former state chief minister and CLP leader Siddaramaiah also accused BJP of attempting to poach legislators. There is no operation Kamala. They have Benami money which they have earned through corruption. With that corruption money they tried and failed.”

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the other hand refuted all such allegations and asserted that legislators are trying to leave the JD(S)-Congress coalition due to internal fight.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are not resorting to any operation Kamala. Their MLAs are trying to go away from them because of their internal fights and it is their duty to keep them intact within their party. They should stop giving baseless statements against us. We have 104 MLAs and two 2 independent MLAs and we are concentrating on our work as the Opposition," Yeddyurappa said,

The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday accused BJP of continuing its efforts to poach MLAs and claimed one of his party`s legislators was on Thursday offered huge amount of money under the saffron party's 'Operation Kamala'.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday accused BJP of continuing its efforts to poach MLAs and claimed one of his party`s legislators was on Thursday offered huge amount of money under the saffron party's 'Operation Kamala'. “Operation Kamala is still on. Even last night they (BJP) offered one of our MLAs, a huge amount of money and asked him where it should be sent. You will be surprised to know the gift amount. Our MLA responded that he did not need any gift and wants to be left alone.This is how they are still working on poaching,” Kumaraswamy said. Former state chief minister and CLP leader Siddaramaiah also accused BJP of attempting to poach legislators. There is no operation Kamala. They have Benami money which they have earned through corruption. With that corruption money they tried and failed.” Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the other hand refuted all such allegations and asserted that legislators are trying to leave the JD(S)-Congress coalition due to internal fight. “We are not resorting to any operation Kamala. Their MLAs are trying to go away from them because of their internal fights and it is their duty to keep them intact within their party. They should stop giving baseless statements against us. We have 104 MLAs and two 2 independent MLAs and we are concentrating on our work as the Opposition," Yeddyurappa said, The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Karnataka CM claims operation Kamala still on, BJP refutes baseless allegation

In an ugly turn in the ongoing power game in Karnataka, a Congress MLA was injured in an alleged brawl with a colleague lawmaker at a resort even as the party issued notices to its four legislators who skipped a crucial CLP meeting amid BJP's alleged poaching attempt.

Anand Singh was hospitalised after he and JN Ganesh, both from Ballari district, had a heated argument and came to blows late last night at the resort where the party MLAs are herded together, Congress sources said Sunday.

In its notices to four MLAs on Sunday, the party sought to know why action should not be taken against them under the anti-defection law for not attending the Friday's Congress Legislature Party Meeting that was a show of strength against BJP's alleged bid to dislodge the ruling coalition.

Singh has "a black eye and suffered blunt injuries," according to sources at the private hospital where he is undergoing treatment. He had also complained of uneasiness in the chest but was now in the ward and "fine", they added.

Ganesh is among the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-congress-mlas-skip-clp-meeting-govt-faces-no-imminent-threat-191291">disgruntled Congress MLAs</a> who was reportedly in touch with other dissidents in the party and on the BJP's radar in its alleged toppling game.

State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa urged Governor Vajubhai Vala and Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to seek a report on the incident involving the two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-two-independent-mlas-withdraw-support-from-congress-jds-govt-190475">MLAs</a>.

Congress spokesperson and former Nizamabad MP Madhu Goud Yakshi said the scuffle was related to some business issue had nothing to do with politics.

"It was personal district related. They are all together in business. The scuffle has nothing to do with politics. They come from the same district and have business relations. It (the fight) is something related to that. It has nothing to do with politics," he said.

The two MLAs had the dinner together in his presence and everything was cordial but after he left the fight broke out, Yakshi told PTI.

Bidadi police under whose jurisdiction the Eagleton resort is located, said they have not received any complaint so far.

A posse of policemen have been deployed in front of the hospital with no visitor being allowed.

"We have not been allowed inside the hospital," Raghunath, a Congress MLA, said.

In a dig at the Congress, BJP tweeted, "It's unfortunate that @KPCCPresident was unable to stop the fight in Eagleton resort. We hope Anand Singh is being treated &amp; we pray for his speedy recovery. Unfortunately @dineshgrao can't even blame BJP now, MLA's were locked up under his watch at Eagleton. Whats ur excuse now?"

Yeddyurappa said Siddaramaiah was answerable for the incident and demanded that police record Singh's statement.

"The brawl between Congress MLAs in a resort and resultant hospitalisation of Anand Singh, has made all 224 legislators hang their heads in shame.

Both the Governor and Speaker must intervene and seek a report on the incident for taking suitable action," he told reporters here.

Senior BJP leader and former Deputy chief minister R Ashok asked the Congress to produce Singh before the media and said police should initiate legal action in the case.

Senior minister D K Shivakumar, however, brushed aside reports that Singh had been assaulted and claimed all the Congress MLAs were united.

"Someone has misled. There was no fracas. There was no incident of smashing of bottle (on Singh's head). It is all fake news. Everyone is together. The entire Congress is united," he said.

As it struggled to keep its MLAs on leash, the Congress Sunday issued notices to Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be miffed over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli, Congress sources said.

Exposing fissures in the party, the four lawmakers had skipped the CLP meet, held amid the political turmoil that broke out on Monday last with BJP MLAs ensconced in a luxury hotel in Gurugram.

The BJP MLAs flew back home last night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return and said the party would not destabilise the Kumaraswamy government.

The absence of four at the CLP meet posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government in the numbers game but suggested the crisis for it was far from over.

In the notice to Jarkiholi, CLP leader Siddaramaiah besides seeking response from him for not attending the MLAs' meeting also asked him to provide an explanation about media reports that he was joining BJP and about his visit to Delhi and Mumbai to meet saffron party leaders.

Asking as to why he has not issued any statement so far rejecting the media reports, Siddaramaiah said "your conduct suggests that you will voluntarily quit from the membership of the Indian National Congress. You have got elected as a legislator on Congress symbol and cannot quit as party member under the Constitution."

Seventy-six of the 80 Congress MLAs had attended the CLP meet.

Ahead of the meet, Siddaramaiah had issued notices to all the party MLAs warning that their absence would be viewed "seriously" and action initiated uner the anti-defection law.

Top Congress sources had said Friday that at least eight party MLAs have "committed" themselves to BJP, an apprehension that caused jitters in the party and made it to shift the legislators to the resort.

As for the BJP camp, party MLC Lehar Singh said all 104 MLAs flew back to the state late Saturday night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return.

Former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa said the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state would fall due to internal bickering and his party would form the government.

In an ugly turn in the ongoing power game in Karnataka, a Congress MLA was injured in an alleged brawl with a colleague lawmaker at a resort even as the party issued notices to its four legislators who skipped a crucial CLP meeting amid BJP's alleged poaching attempt.

In an ugly turn in the ongoing power game in Karnataka, a Congress MLA was injured in an alleged brawl with a colleague lawmaker at a resort even as the party issued notices to its four legislators who skipped a crucial CLP meeting amid BJP's alleged poaching attempt. Anand Singh was hospitalised after he and JN Ganesh, both from Ballari district, had a heated argument and came to blows late last night at the resort where the party MLAs are herded together, Congress sources said Sunday. In its notices to four MLAs on Sunday, the party sought to know why action should not be taken against them under the anti-defection law for not attending the Friday's Congress Legislature Party Meeting that was a show of strength against BJP's alleged bid to dislodge the ruling coalition. Singh has "a black eye and suffered blunt injuries," according to sources at the private hospital where he is undergoing treatment. He had also complained of uneasiness in the chest but was now in the ward and "fine", they added. Ganesh is among the disgruntled Congress MLAs who was reportedly in touch with other dissidents in the party and on the BJP's radar in its alleged toppling game. State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa urged Governor Vajubhai Vala and Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar to seek a report on the incident involving the two MLAs. Congress spokesperson and former Nizamabad MP Madhu Goud Yakshi said the scuffle was related to some business issue had nothing to do with politics. "It was personal district related. They are all together in business. The scuffle has nothing to do with politics. They come from the same district and have business relations. It (the fight) is something related to that. It has nothing to do with politics," he said. The two MLAs had the dinner together in his presence and everything was cordial but after he left the fight broke out, Yakshi told PTI. Bidadi police under whose jurisdiction the Eagleton resort is located, said they have not received any complaint so far. A posse of policemen have been deployed in front of the hospital with no visitor being allowed. "We have not been allowed inside the hospital," Raghunath, a Congress MLA, said. In a dig at the Congress, BJP tweeted, "It's unfortunate that @KPCCPresident was unable to stop the fight in Eagleton resort. We hope Anand Singh is being treated & we pray for his speedy recovery. Unfortunately @dineshgrao can't even blame BJP now, MLA's were locked up under his watch at Eagleton. Whats ur excuse now?" Yeddyurappa said Siddaramaiah was answerable for the incident and demanded that police record Singh's statement. "The brawl between Congress MLAs in a resort and resultant hospitalisation of Anand Singh, has made all 224 legislators hang their heads in shame. Both the Governor and Speaker must intervene and seek a report on the incident for taking suitable action," he told reporters here. Senior BJP leader and former Deputy chief minister R Ashok asked the Congress to produce Singh before the media and said police should initiate legal action in the case. Senior minister D K Shivakumar, however, brushed aside reports that Singh had been assaulted and claimed all the Congress MLAs were united. "Someone has misled. There was no fracas. There was no incident of smashing of bottle (on Singh's head). It is all fake news. Everyone is together. The entire Congress is united," he said. As it struggled to keep its MLAs on leash, the Congress Sunday issued notices to Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be miffed over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli, Congress sources said. Exposing fissures in the party, the four lawmakers had skipped the CLP meet, held amid the political turmoil that broke out on Monday last with BJP MLAs ensconced in a luxury hotel in Gurugram. The BJP MLAs flew back home last night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return and said the party would not destabilise the Kumaraswamy government. The absence of four at the CLP meet posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government in the numbers game but suggested the crisis for it was far from over. In the notice to Jarkiholi, CLP leader Siddaramaiah besides seeking response from him for not attending the MLAs' meeting also asked him to provide an explanation about media reports that he was joining BJP and about his visit to Delhi and Mumbai to meet saffron party leaders. Asking as to why he has not issued any statement so far rejecting the media reports, Siddaramaiah said "your conduct suggests that you will voluntarily quit from the membership of the Indian National Congress. You have got elected as a legislator on Congress symbol and cannot quit as party member under the Constitution." Seventy-six of the 80 Congress MLAs had attended the CLP meet. Ahead of the meet, Siddaramaiah had issued notices to all the party MLAs warning that their absence would be viewed "seriously" and action initiated uner the anti-defection law. Top Congress sources had said Friday that at least eight party MLAs have "committed" themselves to BJP, an apprehension that caused jitters in the party and made it to shift the legislators to the resort. As for the BJP camp, party MLC Lehar Singh said all 104 MLAs flew back to the state late Saturday night after Yeddyurappa asked them to return. Former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa said the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state would fall due to internal bickering and his party would form the government.

Karnataka turmoil: MLA hurt in alleged brawl with fellow Congress lawmaker

Shivakumara Swami of Karnataka's Siddaganga Mutt passes away

The former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah has called for another Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at 11 am on Monday.

All MLAs have been directed to attend the meeting, which comes in the wake of an alleged rift in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government.

The meeting has been called for a day after two Congress MLAs-Anand Singh and JN Ganesh- had a "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-turmoil-congress-mla-injured-in-brawl-notices-sent-to-4-lawmakers-for-skipping-clp-meet-191682">minor fight</a>".

However, Congress leader Zameer Ahmed said the two leaders had minor differences after a discussion between the "two friends".

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had said on Saturday that the party would issue a show-cause notice to MLAs who did not attend the CLP meeting held in Bengaluru on Friday, asking for an explanation from them.

"First, we will issue a show-cause notice asking for an explanation. Then we will take some action after discussion with the party members," he told ANI.

Also, Kharge said out of the four MLAs who were absent at the meeting, two MLAs clarified their absence. "We will issue notices to the two who did not respond," he had said.

Four Congress MLAs skipped Friday`s meeting, following which the Congress moved rest of the 76 legislators to a resort.

The meeting was convened by the party to assess whether its flock was intact amid speculation that some of the party MLAs had switched over to the BJP.

The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.&nbsp;

The former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah has called for another Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at 11 am on Monday. All MLAs have been directed to attend the meeting, which comes in the wake of an alleged rift in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government.

The former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Siddaramaiah has called for another Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at 11 am on Monday. All MLAs have been directed to attend the meeting, which comes in the wake of an alleged rift in the Congress-JD(S) coalition government. The meeting has been called for a day after two Congress MLAs-Anand Singh and JN Ganesh- had a "minor fight". However, Congress leader Zameer Ahmed said the two leaders had minor differences after a discussion between the "two friends". Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge had said on Saturday that the party would issue a show-cause notice to MLAs who did not attend the CLP meeting held in Bengaluru on Friday, asking for an explanation from them. "First, we will issue a show-cause notice asking for an explanation. Then we will take some action after discussion with the party members," he told ANI. Also, Kharge said out of the four MLAs who were absent at the meeting, two MLAs clarified their absence. "We will issue notices to the two who did not respond," he had said. Four Congress MLAs skipped Friday`s meeting, following which the Congress moved rest of the 76 legislators to a resort. The meeting was convened by the party to assess whether its flock was intact amid speculation that some of the party MLAs had switched over to the BJP. The Congress, which shares power with JD-S, has 80 MLAs in the 224-member Assembly, including the Speaker. Accordingly, 79 MLAs were expected to attend the CLP meeting held under the supervision of central leaders K C Venugopal and Mallikarjun Kharge.

Siddaramaiah to hold Congress Legislature Party meeting today

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka State president and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday called back all BJP MLAs camping in Gurugram.

The BJP MLAs from Karnataka said they were in Gurugram since Monday evening to devise strategies for the coming Lok Sabha polls, and not to avoid being "poached" by the ruling Congress-JDS alliance.

Earlier in the week, Yeddyurappa had alleged that Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy was indulging in horse-trading by offering money and ministerial posts to BJP MLAs.

"We are not indulging in any poaching. It is Chief Minister Kumaraswamy who is indulging in horse-trading. He himself is offering money and ministerial posts to our MLAs," he had said.

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Former Karnataka CM and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa, in Bengaluru: Our MLAs are returning to Bengaluru from Delhi. We will tour the state and analyse the situation of drought. We will not destabilize this govt at any cost. Congress and JDS need not worry. <a href="https://t.co/gQyH4OaIoR">pic.twitter.com/gQyH4OaIoR</a>
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The charges of horse-trading were triggered after three Karnataka Congress MLAs visited Mumbai on Monday, reportedly along with some BJP MLAs.

This was followed by the Congress` allegation that the BJP was trying to poach the ruling party's MLAs to destabilise the ruling coalition government in Karnataka.

Political turmoil intensified after two independent MLAs in the Karnataka Assembly - R Shankar and H Nagesh - withdrew their support from the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state on Tuesday.

The two MLAs had gone incommunicado two days ago before announcing their decision at a press conference in Mumbai.In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and the Congress 80.

The Congress-JD(S) alliance has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113 stay in power.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka State president and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday called back all BJP MLAs camping in Gurugram. The BJP MLAs from Karnataka said they were in Gurugram since Monday evening to devise strategies for the coming Lok Sabha polls, and not to avoid being "poached" by the ruling Congress-JDS alliance.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka State president and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa on Saturday called back all BJP MLAs camping in Gurugram. The BJP MLAs from Karnataka said they were in Gurugram since Monday evening to devise strategies for the coming Lok Sabha polls, and not to avoid being "poached" by the ruling Congress-JDS alliance. Earlier in the week, Yeddyurappa had alleged that Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy was indulging in horse-trading by offering money and ministerial posts to BJP MLAs. "We are not indulging in any poaching. It is Chief Minister Kumaraswamy who is indulging in horse-trading. He himself is offering money and ministerial posts to our MLAs," he had said. Former Karnataka CM and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa, in Bengaluru: Our MLAs are returning to Bengaluru from Delhi. We will tour the state and analyse the situation of drought. We will not destabilize this govt at any cost. Congress and JDS need not worry. pic.twitter.com/gQyH4OaIoR — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019 × The charges of horse-trading were triggered after three Karnataka Congress MLAs visited Mumbai on Monday, reportedly along with some BJP MLAs. This was followed by the Congress` allegation that the BJP was trying to poach the ruling party's MLAs to destabilise the ruling coalition government in Karnataka. Political turmoil intensified after two independent MLAs in the Karnataka Assembly - R Shankar and H Nagesh - withdrew their support from the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in the state on Tuesday. The two MLAs had gone incommunicado two days ago before announcing their decision at a press conference in Mumbai.In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and the Congress 80. The Congress-JD(S) alliance has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113 stay in power.

Yeddyurappa calls back all BJP MLAs camping in Gurugram

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet&nbsp;which was skipped by four 'dissidents'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The CLP meeting was&nbsp;called as a show of strength in a counter to an alleged bid by the BJP to topple the coalition government in Karnataka.

The absence of four lawmakers posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government headed by H D Kumaraswamy but suggested that all was not well within the Congress which has been hit by dissidence.

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In a notice issued to Congress MLAs ahead of the meeting, CLP leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah had warned that absence of MLAs would be viewed "seriously" and action taken against them under the Anti-Defection Law.

As the meeting got underway, Congress sources said the absentee MLAs were: Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be extremely unhappy over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli.

Jadhav has written to Siddaramaiah noting that a letter about the meeting has been affixed outside his room at the Legislators Home and that since he is unwell and not able to travel, he would not attend the meet.

He requested that his absence may be "excused."&nbsp;

Nagendra had said Thursday he may not be able to be present in the CLP meet because of a court case.

Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and state leaders were present at the meet.

Earlier, as the CLP was underway, Yeddyurappa said several legislators appeared to be attending the meet out of compulsion.

"Let them indulge in squabbles... We have nothing to do with it."&nbsp;

He said the ruling coalition was claiming the support of some BJP MLAs and it was because of this that the party had decided they should stay together in a hotel in Gurugram.

In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. BSP is supporting the government.

Two Independents have announced the withdrawal of their support to the government. Yeddyurappa claimed they are backing the BJP.

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet which was skipped by four 'dissidents'.

Faced with internal rebellion, Karnataka Congress on Friday shifted all its MLAs to to Eagleton resort following crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meet which was skipped by four 'dissidents'. The CLP meeting was called as a show of strength in a counter to an alleged bid by the BJP to topple the coalition government in Karnataka. The absence of four lawmakers posed no imminent threat to the seven-month-old Congress-JDS government headed by H D Kumaraswamy but suggested that all was not well within the Congress which has been hit by dissidence. Bengaluru: Congress MLAs move to Eagleton resort after CLP meeting pic.twitter.com/Y2W9t0ZGEK — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × In a notice issued to Congress MLAs ahead of the meeting, CLP leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah had warned that absence of MLAs would be viewed "seriously" and action taken against them under the Anti-Defection Law. As the meeting got underway, Congress sources said the absentee MLAs were: Ramesh Jarkiholi, who was dropped as minister in the recent cabinet rejig and is said to be extremely unhappy over it, B Nagendra, Umesh Jadhav and Mahesh Kumatahalli. Jadhav has written to Siddaramaiah noting that a letter about the meeting has been affixed outside his room at the Legislators Home and that since he is unwell and not able to travel, he would not attend the meet. He requested that his absence may be "excused." Nagendra had said Thursday he may not be able to be present in the CLP meet because of a court case. Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and state leaders were present at the meet. Earlier, as the CLP was underway, Yeddyurappa said several legislators appeared to be attending the meet out of compulsion. "Let them indulge in squabbles... We have nothing to do with it." He said the ruling coalition was claiming the support of some BJP MLAs and it was because of this that the party had decided they should stay together in a hotel in Gurugram. In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. BSP is supporting the government. Two Independents have announced the withdrawal of their support to the government. Yeddyurappa claimed they are backing the BJP.

Karnataka Congress moves MLAs to resort after 4 dissidents give party meet a miss

Karnataka BJP MLAs who are cooped up in a resort in Haryana will take a call on returning to the state after the Congress legislature party (CLP) meeting on Friday, according to sources.

State BJP President BS Yeddyurappa and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar are among a dozen legislators who have gone back to Bengaluru to see a prominent Lingayat seer, Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt in Tumkur, who has taken ill, they said.

The sources said that at present, about 75 BJP MLAs including Shobha Karandlaje are in the Gurgaon resort and will stay put till top party leaders give their nod to return to Karnataka.

Also read: 2 MLAs withdraw support to Congress-JDS govt in Karnataka

The BJP will "wait and watch" for the outcome of the Congress legislature party meeting scheduled Friday to demonstrate unity among the party MLAs, they added.

"Congress Legislature Party meeting presided by CLP leader Siddaramaiah is scheduled for 3:30 pm on January 18 at the Conference Hall of Vidhana Soudha (state secretariat)," Siddaramaiah's office had said in a statement on Wednesday.

The meeting assumes significance following attempts by the Congress to reach out to its disgruntled MLAs, who are allegedly ready to jump ship to the BJP side.

According to Congress sources, few ministers from the party have even offered to step down in the larger interest and to keep the coalition intact. The party leadership is also looking into the option, they added.

There are reports that a few of the MLAs have gone incommunicado, with at least three to five of them camped in Mumbai along with a couple of BJP leaders

A political crisis is brewing in Karnataka, where two Independent MLAs Tuesday withdrew support to the seven-month-old ministry amid trading of poaching charges by the ruling coalition and BJP.

Union minister DV Sadananda Gowda had said on Tuesday that the BJP would stake claim to power in Karnataka if the Congress-JDS coalition government falls.

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, however, reiterated he enjoyed the support of 120 MLAs and alleged that Yeddyurappa was making "futile attempts" to destabilise his government.

In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker.&nbsp;

Karnataka BJP MLAs who are cooped up in a resort in Haryana will take a call on returning to the state after the Congress legislature party (CLP) meeting on Friday, according to sources.

Karnataka BJP MLAs who are cooped up in a resort in Haryana will take a call on returning to the state after the Congress legislature party (CLP) meeting on Friday, according to sources. State BJP President BS Yeddyurappa and former chief minister Jagadish Shettar are among a dozen legislators who have gone back to Bengaluru to see a prominent Lingayat seer, Sri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt in Tumkur, who has taken ill, they said. The sources said that at present, about 75 BJP MLAs including Shobha Karandlaje are in the Gurgaon resort and will stay put till top party leaders give their nod to return to Karnataka. Also read: 2 MLAs withdraw support to Congress-JDS govt in Karnataka The BJP will "wait and watch" for the outcome of the Congress legislature party meeting scheduled Friday to demonstrate unity among the party MLAs, they added. "Congress Legislature Party meeting presided by CLP leader Siddaramaiah is scheduled for 3:30 pm on January 18 at the Conference Hall of Vidhana Soudha (state secretariat)," Siddaramaiah's office had said in a statement on Wednesday. The meeting assumes significance following attempts by the Congress to reach out to its disgruntled MLAs, who are allegedly ready to jump ship to the BJP side. According to Congress sources, few ministers from the party have even offered to step down in the larger interest and to keep the coalition intact. The party leadership is also looking into the option, they added. There are reports that a few of the MLAs have gone incommunicado, with at least three to five of them camped in Mumbai along with a couple of BJP leaders A political crisis is brewing in Karnataka, where two Independent MLAs Tuesday withdrew support to the seven-month-old ministry amid trading of poaching charges by the ruling coalition and BJP. Union minister DV Sadananda Gowda had said on Tuesday that the BJP would stake claim to power in Karnataka if the Congress-JDS coalition government falls. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, however, reiterated he enjoyed the support of 120 MLAs and alleged that Yeddyurappa was making "futile attempts" to destabilise his government. In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker.

Karnataka BJP MLAs to take call on returning to state after Congress legislature party meeting

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back.

Speaking to media in Bangaluru, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed that the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition is going on smoothly in Karnataka.

"MLAs (Congress MLAs in Mumbai hotel) are unreachable to the media, not to me. I am in touch with everybody and I am speaking to everybody, they will come back. Our coalition is going on smoothly. I was relaxed and I am relaxed. Don`t worry, be happy," the Chief Minister said.

The Congress had alleged that its three MLAs were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in an attempt to lure them into their fold.

The BJP, while dismissing these claims, alleged poaching attempts by the Congress.&nbsp;

The BJP, in fact, has housed all its 104 MLAs in a hotel in Gurugram, fearing poaching by the Congress.

The situation in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-2-mlas-withdraw-support-to-congress-jds-govt-190470">two independent MLAs, H Nagesh and R Shankar, pulled out</a> of the JD(S)-Congress government.

Nagesh and Shankar wrote separate letters to the Governor conveying their decision to withdraw support to the government.

In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and its coalition partner has 80.&nbsp;

It has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113.

The withdrawal of support by the two Independent MLAs will not affect the stability of the government but it comes against the backdrop of a political drama wherein the Congress and Opposition BJP are levelling charges of horse-trading. Meanwhile, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Dinesh Gundu Rao are having a closed-door meeting at Kumara Krupa Guest House in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back. Speaking to media in Bangaluru, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed that the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition is going on smoothly in Karnataka. "MLAs (Congress MLAs in Mumbai hotel) are unreachable to the media, not to me. I am in touch with everybody and I am speaking to everybody, they will come back. Our coalition is going on smoothly. I was relaxed and I am relaxed. Don`t worry, be happy," the Chief Minister said. The Congress had alleged that its three MLAs were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in an attempt to lure them into their fold. The BJP, while dismissing these claims, alleged poaching attempts by the Congress. The BJP, in fact, has housed all its 104 MLAs in a hotel in Gurugram, fearing poaching by the Congress. The situation in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday after two independent MLAs, H Nagesh and R Shankar, pulled out of the JD(S)-Congress government. Nagesh and Shankar wrote separate letters to the Governor conveying their decision to withdraw support to the government. In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and its coalition partner has 80. It has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113. The withdrawal of support by the two Independent MLAs will not affect the stability of the government but it comes against the backdrop of a political drama wherein the Congress and Opposition BJP are levelling charges of horse-trading. Meanwhile, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Dinesh Gundu Rao are having a closed-door meeting at Kumara Krupa Guest House in Bengaluru.

Congress MLAs in Mumbai unreachable to media, not to me: Kumaraswamy

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-obstructing-justice-in-ayodhya-case-pm-modi-189898&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiKuqTr1-_fAhVMro8KHY5CBvcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3pTRffKL1LYNhw0EIJG6Lj"> prime minister</a> and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy.

"It is not in anybody's hands, including the media. However much you cry hoarse, nothing will happen because it is in the hands of God. When a party (JDS) of 38 MLAs gets the blessings of a national party (Congress), it is all the wish of God," Gowda said.

His comments came just before two MLAs - H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar of the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party - withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) coalition.

Both the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jds-congress-trying-to-lure-bjp-mlas-will-camp-in-delhi-yeddyurappa-190284&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiHisCv1-_fAhVYWX0KHY65B-MQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw20VwXgZAaJzv-j99QZZecv">Congress</a> and the BJP have been accusing each other of trying to lure away each other's legislators.

The BJP has shifted its MLAs to a resort in Haryana's Nuh district near the national capital, a source said on Tuesday.

On Sunday, state Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar had alleged that three Congress MLAs were camping in a hotel in Mumbai.

Gowda said it was an "illusion" to think that the Congress-JD(S) government was in trouble.

He said the media, as well as state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa, were in "confusion".

"You are under some confusion (about the stability of the government) as also is Yeddyurappa, but I have no such confusion. Nobody can destabilise the government because it is the wish of God," the JD(S) supremo said.

Gowda also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over allegations that Rs 60 crore and ministerial positions were offered to the MLAs of the ruling coalition by the BJP.

"Does it look good that a national party (BJP) is hoarding its 104 MLAs? I am not talking about Amit Shah but Modi, who talks a lot throughout the day," he said.

"All our MLAs are together at home. We are not worried about them," he added.

Gowda said the Congress was unnecessarily worried.

"(KC) Venugopal (AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs) has arrived here because he must have been shaken after listening to some news, but there is no need for any confusion," he said.&nbsp;

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy.

Amid allegations of the BJP trying to poach the MLAs of the ruling coalition in Karnataka, former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday asserted that there was no threat to the government headed by his son H D Kumaraswamy. "It is not in anybody's hands, including the media. However much you cry hoarse, nothing will happen because it is in the hands of God. When a party (JDS) of 38 MLAs gets the blessings of a national party (Congress), it is all the wish of God," Gowda said. His comments came just before two MLAs - H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar of the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party - withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) coalition. Both the Congress and the BJP have been accusing each other of trying to lure away each other's legislators. The BJP has shifted its MLAs to a resort in Haryana's Nuh district near the national capital, a source said on Tuesday. On Sunday, state Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar had alleged that three Congress MLAs were camping in a hotel in Mumbai. Gowda said it was an "illusion" to think that the Congress-JD(S) government was in trouble. He said the media, as well as state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa, were in "confusion". "You are under some confusion (about the stability of the government) as also is Yeddyurappa, but I have no such confusion. Nobody can destabilise the government because it is the wish of God," the JD(S) supremo said. Gowda also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over allegations that Rs 60 crore and ministerial positions were offered to the MLAs of the ruling coalition by the BJP. "Does it look good that a national party (BJP) is hoarding its 104 MLAs? I am not talking about Amit Shah but Modi, who talks a lot throughout the day," he said. "All our MLAs are together at home. We are not worried about them," he added. Gowda said the Congress was unnecessarily worried. "(KC) Venugopal (AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka affairs) has arrived here because he must have been shaken after listening to some news, but there is no need for any confusion," he said.

No threat to Congress-JD(S) government: Deve Gowda

As Karnataka's ruling coalition constituents Congress and JD(S) get down to brass tacks for the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said his party should not be treated as "third-grade citizen" and the partners should adopt a "give and take policy" to put up a united fight against the BJP.&nbsp;

With the coalition partners expected to hold talks on the tricky seat-sharing issue amid pressure within the Congress not to cede much to Janata Dal (Secular), Kumaraswamy stressed there should not be any "pettiness" on both sides.

In an interview to PTI, the chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma was "fading" with growing anti-incumbency, and pitched for Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the top job while also admitting that there was a lack of consensus among anti-BJP parties on choosing Gandhi.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

As his government completed seven months in office, the JD(S) leader downplayed reports of contradictions within the coalition and said he would overcome all the "bitterness" smoothly.&nbsp;

"Both of us (Congress-JD(S)) should go together (in Lok Sabha polls) is our opinion. Because the reason behind forming this government (in Karnataka) is to stop the BJP from coming to power and improve the atmosphere in the country..." Kumaraswamy said when asked whether the JD(S) would go it alone if seat-sharing talks fail.

He said after the formation of the coalition government in the southern state, a lot of changes had taken place in the country's political landscape, including BJP's downslide and Congress victory in some bypolls and assembly elections in three states.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"...In my opinion, if Congress loses its way and tries to move with overconfidence, what will happen they will understand, with their past political experience, I do not think they will forget them.&nbsp;

"They should treat us respectfully. They should not treat us as a third-grade citizen. There should be given and take policy," Kumaraswamy said.&nbsp;

The JD(S) has demanded 12 out of 28 seats for the Lok Sabha polls, to which the Congress has expressed its reservations.

In the 2014 polls, BJP had won 17 seats in the state, Congress 9 and JD(S) 2 seats.

Seat-sharing is expected to be a litmus test for the Congress-JD(S) combine, mostly in the old Mysuru region constituencies, where the JD(S) is a dominant force in the Vokkaliga heartland and the Congress has its sitting MPs.

Reiterating that the coalition intends to face the Lok Sabha polls together, the Karnataka chief minister said leaders of both the parties are expected to discuss and come to a final decision later this month.

"Our national president (H D Deve Gowda) feels that after the government formation, for everything two-third (for Congress) and one-third (for JD(S)) concept was adopted like in the ministry or board corporation appointments. There are 28 seats...They (Congress) should take two- thirds and give us one-third, this is what his feeling is, and mostly, I feel they will also agree," he said.&nbsp;

Asked whether his party's demand for 12 seats was negotiable, Kumaraswamy did not give a direct response. He, however, said the two-third and one-third was the Congress' formula for the coalition.

Congress and JD(S) had bitterly fought the May 2018 assembly polls but joined hands as the polls threw up a hung verdict.

"Some may say that it (coalition) may survive only till parliament elections. I want to say that after the parliamentary election also the government that will be formed in Delhi and the environment that will be created will lead to a situation where the Karnataka government continues to work safely," the chief minister said.

Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government by trying to poach coalition MLAs.&nbsp;

"I know who they (BJP) are approaching, what they are offered to MLAs. I am collecting all the news and doing whatever (possible) from my side to see to that BJP does not disturb the government..." he said.

Kumaraswamy said the coming together of BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav was a "strong combination" and it may scuttle and slow the BJP's speed in Uttar Pradesh.

He also claimed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's image has "diminished", while Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD was getting sympathy, and in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP did not perform well as it did the last time.&nbsp;

Asked about possible cracks in the anti-Modi front, the chief minister said, "I feel a strong combination may emerge against the BJP. I also feel that the 'mahagatbandhan' may emerge as an alternative to national parties".&nbsp;

Regarding projecting Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial face of the anti-BJP combine, Kumaraswamy said Deve Gowda had announced JD(S) support to the Gandhi scion and that "others will also come on board".&nbsp;

"I feel after the results, everyone will agree on a common leadership despite differences," he said.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy also termed the Centre's latest move of providing reservation to economically backward among the general category as a "desperate" step ahead of polls.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Karnataka's ruling coalition constituents Congress and JD(S) get down to brass tacks for the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said his party should not be treated as "third-grade citizen" and the partners should adopt a "give and take policy" to put up a united fight against the BJP.

As Karnataka's ruling coalition constituents Congress and JD(S) get down to brass tacks for the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said his party should not be treated as "third-grade citizen" and the partners should adopt a "give and take policy" to put up a united fight against the BJP. With the coalition partners expected to hold talks on the tricky seat-sharing issue amid pressure within the Congress not to cede much to Janata Dal (Secular), Kumaraswamy stressed there should not be any "pettiness" on both sides. In an interview to PTI, the chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma was "fading" with growing anti-incumbency, and pitched for Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the top job while also admitting that there was a lack of consensus among anti-BJP parties on choosing Gandhi. As his government completed seven months in office, the JD(S) leader downplayed reports of contradictions within the coalition and said he would overcome all the "bitterness" smoothly. "Both of us (Congress-JD(S)) should go together (in Lok Sabha polls) is our opinion. Because the reason behind forming this government (in Karnataka) is to stop the BJP from coming to power and improve the atmosphere in the country..." Kumaraswamy said when asked whether the JD(S) would go it alone if seat-sharing talks fail. He said after the formation of the coalition government in the southern state, a lot of changes had taken place in the country's political landscape, including BJP's downslide and Congress victory in some bypolls and assembly elections in three states. "...In my opinion, if Congress loses its way and tries to move with overconfidence, what will happen they will understand, with their past political experience, I do not think they will forget them. "They should treat us respectfully. They should not treat us as a third-grade citizen. There should be given and take policy," Kumaraswamy said. The JD(S) has demanded 12 out of 28 seats for the Lok Sabha polls, to which the Congress has expressed its reservations. In the 2014 polls, BJP had won 17 seats in the state, Congress 9 and JD(S) 2 seats. Seat-sharing is expected to be a litmus test for the Congress-JD(S) combine, mostly in the old Mysuru region constituencies, where the JD(S) is a dominant force in the Vokkaliga heartland and the Congress has its sitting MPs. Reiterating that the coalition intends to face the Lok Sabha polls together, the Karnataka chief minister said leaders of both the parties are expected to discuss and come to a final decision later this month. "Our national president (H D Deve Gowda) feels that after the government formation, for everything two-third (for Congress) and one-third (for JD(S)) concept was adopted like in the ministry or board corporation appointments. There are 28 seats...They (Congress) should take two- thirds and give us one-third, this is what his feeling is, and mostly, I feel they will also agree," he said. Asked whether his party's demand for 12 seats was negotiable, Kumaraswamy did not give a direct response. He, however, said the two-third and one-third was the Congress' formula for the coalition. Congress and JD(S) had bitterly fought the May 2018 assembly polls but joined hands as the polls threw up a hung verdict. "Some may say that it (coalition) may survive only till parliament elections. I want to say that after the parliamentary election also the government that will be formed in Delhi and the environment that will be created will lead to a situation where the Karnataka government continues to work safely," the chief minister said. Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government by trying to poach coalition MLAs. "I know who they (BJP) are approaching, what they are offered to MLAs. I am collecting all the news and doing whatever (possible) from my side to see to that BJP does not disturb the government..." he said. Kumaraswamy said the coming together of BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav was a "strong combination" and it may scuttle and slow the BJP's speed in Uttar Pradesh. He also claimed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's image has "diminished", while Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD was getting sympathy, and in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP did not perform well as it did the last time. Asked about possible cracks in the anti-Modi front, the chief minister said, "I feel a strong combination may emerge against the BJP. I also feel that the 'mahagatbandhan' may emerge as an alternative to national parties". Regarding projecting Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial face of the anti-BJP combine, Kumaraswamy said Deve Gowda had announced JD(S) support to the Gandhi scion and that "others will also come on board". "I feel after the results, everyone will agree on a common leadership despite differences," he said. Kumaraswamy also termed the Centre's latest move of providing reservation to economically backward among the general category as a "desperate" step ahead of polls.

Congress shouldn't treat JD(S) as 'third-grade citizen' in seat sharing: Kumaraswamy 

In pictures: Schools shut, banks closed for Bharat Bandh; everyday life affected

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the Congress of misleading farmers on loan waiver promises, calling them lollipops.

On a day's visit to the Purvanchal region, his second trip to Uttar Pradesh this month, Modi claimed the JD(S)-Congress coalition government which came to power in Karnataka recently had waived only 800 farm loans.

"Be wary of the Congress and its lies,"&nbsp;he said at a public meeting here after laying the foundation stone for a medical college and releasing a postal stamp on legendary king Suheldev.

"Will you trust the lollypop company"&nbsp;he said.

Modi's remarks on farm loans&nbsp;"made at other recent meetings as well"&nbsp;follow the waivers announced by the Congress governments in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh after the recent assembly polls.

Modi has been saying that the Congress had promised much more than its governments have delivered on loan waivers, a charge denied in the past by that party.

The prime minister described himself again as a "chowkidar' (watchman) of the people, a term ridiculed by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

"This chowkidar of yours is toiling very hard day and night, and with honesty, to brighten your future and that of your children,"&nbsp;he said.

"Because of this chowkidar, some thieves are having sleepless nights. It is your faith and blessings on me that will take the thieves to their rightful place one day," he said. 
He described Maharaja Suheldev as a brave warrior.

"Maharaja Suheldev is among those bravehearts who had struggled for the honour of 'Maa Bharti',"&nbsp;he said.

"All people hailing from the deprived and the exploited sections of society seek inspiration from him. Remembering him strengthens the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas (inclusive development)," he said.

The PM's rally here is also being seen as an effort by the Bharatiya Janata Party to woo the Rajbhar community, which reveres Maharaja Suheldev.

However, BJP ally Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party has distanced itself from the event. SBSP chief and Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has claimed he was not invited in time.

Modi said his government will not let the memory of those who defended the country and worked for society to fade away.

"There are bravehearts of the country who have not been given the due respect by the previous governments. Our government is paying tribute to them,"&nbsp;he said.

"Several important steps have being taken to transform Purvanchal into a big medical hub and to strengthen small industries in UP," Modi said.

He said when a government works with transparency and public interest is put above self-interest, big tasks are accomplished effectively.

"Today even the poorest of the poor are heard. The government has been able to lay the foundation of a strong monument," he said.

Modi mentioned Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana and said for the first time healthcare had been given so much emphasis.

The prime minister listed several agriculture-related projects for the region.

These include the International Rice Research Institute in Varanasi, cargo centres in Varanasi and Ghazipur, a fertilizer plant in Gorakhpur and the Bansagar irrigation project.

He said the Union government has fixed the minimum support price of 22 crops at one and a half times the cost of production.

Mentioning connectivity projects, Modi said work is in full swing for the Purvanchal Expressway.

The recently opened waterway between Varanasi and Kolkata would also benefit Ghazipur, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the Congress of misleading farmers on loan waiver promises, calling them lollipops. On a day's visit to the Purvanchal region, his second trip to Uttar Pradesh this month, Modi claimed the JD(S)-Congress coalition government which came to power in Karnataka recently had waived only 800 farm loans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the Congress of misleading farmers on loan waiver promises, calling them lollipops. On a day's visit to the Purvanchal region, his second trip to Uttar Pradesh this month, Modi claimed the JD(S)-Congress coalition government which came to power in Karnataka recently had waived only 800 farm loans. "Be wary of the Congress and its lies," he said at a public meeting here after laying the foundation stone for a medical college and releasing a postal stamp on legendary king Suheldev. "Will you trust the lollypop company" he said. Modi's remarks on farm loans "made at other recent meetings as well" follow the waivers announced by the Congress governments in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh after the recent assembly polls. Modi has been saying that the Congress had promised much more than its governments have delivered on loan waivers, a charge denied in the past by that party. The prime minister described himself again as a "chowkidar' (watchman) of the people, a term ridiculed by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. "This chowkidar of yours is toiling very hard day and night, and with honesty, to brighten your future and that of your children," he said. "Because of this chowkidar, some thieves are having sleepless nights. It is your faith and blessings on me that will take the thieves to their rightful place one day," he said. He described Maharaja Suheldev as a brave warrior. "Maharaja Suheldev is among those bravehearts who had struggled for the honour of 'Maa Bharti'," he said. "All people hailing from the deprived and the exploited sections of society seek inspiration from him. Remembering him strengthens the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas (inclusive development)," he said. The PM's rally here is also being seen as an effort by the Bharatiya Janata Party to woo the Rajbhar community, which reveres Maharaja Suheldev. However, BJP ally Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party has distanced itself from the event. SBSP chief and Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has claimed he was not invited in time. Modi said his government will not let the memory of those who defended the country and worked for society to fade away. "There are bravehearts of the country who have not been given the due respect by the previous governments. Our government is paying tribute to them," he said. "Several important steps have being taken to transform Purvanchal into a big medical hub and to strengthen small industries in UP," Modi said. He said when a government works with transparency and public interest is put above self-interest, big tasks are accomplished effectively. "Today even the poorest of the poor are heard. The government has been able to lay the foundation of a strong monument," he said. Modi mentioned Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana and said for the first time healthcare had been given so much emphasis. The prime minister listed several agriculture-related projects for the region. These include the International Rice Research Institute in Varanasi, cargo centres in Varanasi and Ghazipur, a fertilizer plant in Gorakhpur and the Bansagar irrigation project. He said the Union government has fixed the minimum support price of 22 crops at one and a half times the cost of production. Mentioning connectivity projects, Modi said work is in full swing for the Purvanchal Expressway. The recently opened waterway between Varanasi and Kolkata would also benefit Ghazipur, he added.

PM Modi attacks Congress on loan waiver promises

In a video, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is seen directing someone to "mercilessly" kill the assailants who murdered JDS leader Prakash.&nbsp;

"He (murdered JDS leader Prakash) was a good man, I don't know why did they murder him. Kill them (assailants) mercilessly in a shootout, no problem," the video shows Kumaraswamy directing someone over the phone.

The chief minister was quick to respond over the controversy and clarified&nbsp;that he did not direct someone to kill the assailants, adding that he was being emotional during the moment.&nbsp;

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Karnataka CM: It(kill assailants mercilessly) was not my order, I was emotional at that moment. they (killers )are the reason for two murders and they were in jail. they came out on bail 2 days ago and killed another person(JDS leader Prakash), this is how they are misusing bail <a href="https://t.co/fNgFuNbllf">pic.twitter.com/fNgFuNbllf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077400685107445760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"It (kill assailants mercilessly) was not my order, I was emotional at that moment. They (killers) are the reason for two murders and they were in jail," Kumaraswamy clarified.&nbsp;

"They came out on bail 2 days ago and killed another person (JDS leader Prakash), this is how they are misusing bail," the chief minister added.&nbsp;

The JDS local leader Prakash was killed on Monday in Mandya, Karnataka.&nbsp;

Reports suggest the killers were motorcycle-borne assailants who forcefully stopped Prakash's vehicle and attacked him. Prakash was rushed to the local hospital where he succumbed to injuries.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

In a video, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is seen directing someone to "mercilessly" kill the assailants who murdered JDS leader Prakash. "He (murdered JDS leader Prakash) was a good man, I don't know why did they murder him.

In a video, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is seen directing someone to "mercilessly" kill the assailants who murdered JDS leader Prakash. "He (murdered JDS leader Prakash) was a good man, I don't know why did they murder him. Kill them (assailants) mercilessly in a shootout, no problem," the video shows Kumaraswamy directing someone over the phone. The chief minister was quick to respond over the controversy and clarified that he did not direct someone to kill the assailants, adding that he was being emotional during the moment. Karnataka CM: It(kill assailants mercilessly) was not my order, I was emotional at that moment. they (killers )are the reason for two murders and they were in jail. they came out on bail 2 days ago and killed another person(JDS leader Prakash), this is how they are misusing bail pic.twitter.com/fNgFuNbllf — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2018 × "It (kill assailants mercilessly) was not my order, I was emotional at that moment. They (killers) are the reason for two murders and they were in jail," Kumaraswamy clarified. "They came out on bail 2 days ago and killed another person (JDS leader Prakash), this is how they are misusing bail," the chief minister added. The JDS local leader Prakash was killed on Monday in Mandya, Karnataka. Reports suggest the killers were motorcycle-borne assailants who forcefully stopped Prakash's vehicle and attacked him. Prakash was rushed to the local hospital where he succumbed to injuries.

Didn't say 'kill assailants mercilessly': Karnataka CM clarifies on viral video

'Kill them mercilessly': Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy's order caught on Camera

Karnataka Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jds-congress-karnataka-ministry-expanded-8-congress-ministers-inducted-185884">HD Kumaraswamy</a> on Saturday wrote a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu requesting him to rename Belagavi Airport as Kittur Rani Chennamma Airport and Hubballi Airport as Sangolli Rayanna Airport.

The Chief Minister has said that the renaming would be a befitting tribute to the well-known freedom fighters.

Kittur Rani Chennamma led an armed rebellion against the British East India Company in 1824 in defiance of the Doctrine of Lapse in an attempt to maintain Indian control over the region.

While Sangolli Rayanna was the army chief of the Kingdom of Kittur which was then ruled by Rani Chennamma.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday wrote a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu requesting him to rename Belagavi Airport as Kittur Rani Chennamma Airport and Hubballi Airport as Sangolli Rayanna Airport.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday wrote a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu requesting him to rename Belagavi Airport as Kittur Rani Chennamma Airport and Hubballi Airport as Sangolli Rayanna Airport. The Chief Minister has said that the renaming would be a befitting tribute to the well-known freedom fighters. Kittur Rani Chennamma led an armed rebellion against the British East India Company in 1824 in defiance of the Doctrine of Lapse in an attempt to maintain Indian control over the region. While Sangolli Rayanna was the army chief of the Kingdom of Kittur which was then ruled by Rani Chennamma.

Karnataka CM asks Centre to rename Belagavi, Hubballi airports

The death toll in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-15-bottles-of-pesticides-were-added-to-the-prasad-that-killed-15-says-police-185397">Karnataka temple</a> where devotees were admitted to hospital after consuming "prasad" in Chamarajanagar district escalated to 17 on Saturday.

The number of deceased in the incident have gone upto seventeen after the death of a 45-year-old man who undergoing treatment in hospital.

On December 14, 15 people had died and more than 100 others were hospitalised after consuming 'prasad' distributed at Maramma temple in Sulavadi village.

The police investigation revealed that a 52 year old seer who was in charge of the temple generating huge money for himself till 2017 directed a woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management.

The seer took the step after he was sidelined from the temple.

Police have arrested four people, including Salur Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeva Swami and his three accomplices, including a woman, on charges of murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy.

On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, the police said.

The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

The death toll in Karnataka temple where devotees were admitted to hospital after consuming "prasad" in Chamarajanagar district escalated to 17 on Saturday. The number of deceased in the incident have gone upto seventeen after the death of a 45-year-old man who undergoing treatment in hospital.

The death toll in Karnataka temple where devotees were admitted to hospital after consuming "prasad" in Chamarajanagar district escalated to 17 on Saturday. The number of deceased in the incident have gone upto seventeen after the death of a 45-year-old man who undergoing treatment in hospital. On December 14, 15 people had died and more than 100 others were hospitalised after consuming 'prasad' distributed at Maramma temple in Sulavadi village. The police investigation revealed that a 52 year old seer who was in charge of the temple generating huge money for himself till 2017 directed a woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management. The seer took the step after he was sidelined from the temple. Police have arrested four people, including Salur Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeva Swami and his three accomplices, including a woman, on charges of murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy. On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, the police said. The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

Death toll after consuming prasad at temple in Karnataka escalates to 17

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday expanded his six-month-old cabinet, inducting eight members from its coalition partner Congress.

Two ministers -- Ramesh Jarkiholi (Municipal Administration) and R Shankar (Forest and Environment) -- were dropped. The new ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy at the Glass House at Raj Bhavan by Governor Vajubhai Vala amid tight security.

The new inductees are Satish Jarkiholi, M B Patil, C S Shivalli, M T B Nagaraj, E Tukaram, P T Parameshwar Naik, Rahim Khan and R B Thimmapur, with seven of them hailing from north Karnataka.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi had given the go-ahead for the rejig Friday night after the state party leaders and AICC in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal met him and discussed the issue.

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Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala administers oath to new State cabinet ministers at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> <a href="https://t.co/zlFhh9cE36">pic.twitter.com/zlFhh9cE36</a>
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Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has allegedly been hobnobbing with BJP leaders and not attending cabinet and party meetings, has been replaced by his brother Satish Jarkiholi.

Shankar is an Independent lawmaker who faced the axe over his reported reluctance to be an associate member of the Congress.&nbsp;

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday expanded his six-month-old cabinet, inducting eight members from its coalition partner Congress. Two ministers -- Ramesh Jarkiholi (Municipal Administration) and R Shankar (Forest and Environment) -- were dropped.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Saturday expanded his six-month-old cabinet, inducting eight members from its coalition partner Congress. Two ministers -- Ramesh Jarkiholi (Municipal Administration) and R Shankar (Forest and Environment) -- were dropped. The new ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy at the Glass House at Raj Bhavan by Governor Vajubhai Vala amid tight security. The new inductees are Satish Jarkiholi, M B Patil, C S Shivalli, M T B Nagaraj, E Tukaram, P T Parameshwar Naik, Rahim Khan and R B Thimmapur, with seven of them hailing from north Karnataka. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had given the go-ahead for the rejig Friday night after the state party leaders and AICC in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal met him and discussed the issue. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala administers oath to new State cabinet ministers at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/zlFhh9cE36 — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × Ramesh Jarkiholi, who has allegedly been hobnobbing with BJP leaders and not attending cabinet and party meetings, has been replaced by his brother Satish Jarkiholi. Shankar is an Independent lawmaker who faced the axe over his reported reluctance to be an associate member of the Congress.

JD(S)-Congress Karnataka ministry expanded; 8 Congress ministers inducted

Citing a media report, BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday expressed shock over 52 people from Dalit and tribal communities being allegedly "enslaved" in Karnataka and said the Congress-JD(S) government in the state was "busy with cabinet expansion". 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
He called on his party workers to help those in distress. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Shocking that members from Dalit &amp; Tribal communities were enslaved and made to suffer in the most inhuman conditions, but the Congress-JDS govt is busy with cabinet expansion! People are watching. I urge our karyakartas to help the people in distress," Shah said in a tweet. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
According to the media report, 52 people from the two communities, including 16 women and four children, were enslaved and forced to work for 19 hours a day without wages. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Protests by these people were met with beatings and women being sexually harassed, it said.

Citing a media report, BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday expressed shock over 52 people from Dalit and tribal communities being allegedly "enslaved" in Karnataka and said the Congress-JD(S) government in the state was "busy with cabinet expansion".

Citing a media report, BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday expressed shock over 52 people from Dalit and tribal communities being allegedly "enslaved" in Karnataka and said the Congress-JD(S) government in the state was "busy with cabinet expansion". He called on his party workers to help those in distress. "Shocking that members from Dalit & Tribal communities were enslaved and made to suffer in the most inhuman conditions, but the Congress-JDS govt is busy with cabinet expansion! People are watching. I urge our karyakartas to help the people in distress," Shah said in a tweet. According to the media report, 52 people from the two communities, including 16 women and four children, were enslaved and forced to work for 19 hours a day without wages. Protests by these people were met with beatings and women being sexually harassed, it said.

52 Dalits, tribals 'enslaved' in Karnataka, govt busy with cabinet expansion: Amit Shah

Days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-over-10-dead-dozens-hospitalised-after-consuming-prasad-govt-announces-5-lakh-to-families-of-deceased-184107">15 people died</a> of poisoning and over 120 ended up in hospitals after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-11-dead-over-50-hospitalised-after-consuming-prasad-at-a-temple-in-karnataka-184133">eating prasad at a temple in Karnataka</a>, a local seer and three others were arrested on Wednesday on charges of conspiring to kill devotees to defame the management and take control of the shrine. Police say 15 bottles of pesticides were mixed with the prasad&nbsp;(temple offerings) while it was being prepared.

The 52-year old seer and his three accomplices -- a woman, her husband and his friend -- have been charged with murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, senior police officer KV Sharath Chandra said.

"Mahadeshwara Hill Saluru Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeshwara Swamy or Devanna Buddhi connived not only to take over the temple trust but also to defame the existing trust members," he told reporters in Chamarajanagar.

The seer was in control of the temple trust till 2017, but was sidelined later, which infuriated him, the officer said.

On orders of the seer, the 35-year old woman allegedly arranged for pesticide and her husband and his friend mixed it in the prasad while it was being prepared, he said.

15 died and more than 100 people are still in hospitals after consuming the poisonous prasad on December 14 at Sulvadi at an event to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the tower of the Kichchugutti Maramma Devi temple.

He said the temple was under the total control of the seer till April 2017 generating huge money for him. However, at the insistence of local villagers and devotees, a trust was formed for expansion of the temple.

"The seer was upset with the formation of the trust without his wish as his source of income almost dried up. Since then, shadow boxing between the temple management and the seer began," he said.

In October this year, the trust decided to build the 'gopuram' (tower) and revealed its plan to the seer, who readily volunteered and got an action plan for Rs. 1.5 crore from a temple architect in Tamil Nadu, he said.

The seer allegedly planned to mint money but the trust discarded his plan, saying that it was a sheer wastage of money and prepared another for Rs. 75 lakh and decided to hold the groundbreaking ceremony on December 14, which irked him, the officer said.

The seer directed the woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management and avenge his insult, the officer claimed.

On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, he said.

The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

Days after 15 people died of poisoning and over 120 ended up in hospitals after eating prasad at a temple in Karnataka, a local seer and three others were arrested on Wednesday on charges of conspiring to kill devotees to defame the management and take control of the shrine.

Days after 15 people died of poisoning and over 120 ended up in hospitals after eating prasad at a temple in Karnataka, a local seer and three others were arrested on Wednesday on charges of conspiring to kill devotees to defame the management and take control of the shrine. Police say 15 bottles of pesticides were mixed with the prasad (temple offerings) while it was being prepared. The 52-year old seer and his three accomplices -- a woman, her husband and his friend -- have been charged with murder, attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, senior police officer KV Sharath Chandra said. "Mahadeshwara Hill Saluru Math seer Pattada Immadi Mahadeshwara Swamy or Devanna Buddhi connived not only to take over the temple trust but also to defame the existing trust members," he told reporters in Chamarajanagar. The seer was in control of the temple trust till 2017, but was sidelined later, which infuriated him, the officer said. On orders of the seer, the 35-year old woman allegedly arranged for pesticide and her husband and his friend mixed it in the prasad while it was being prepared, he said. 15 died and more than 100 people are still in hospitals after consuming the poisonous prasad on December 14 at Sulvadi at an event to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the tower of the Kichchugutti Maramma Devi temple. He said the temple was under the total control of the seer till April 2017 generating huge money for him. However, at the insistence of local villagers and devotees, a trust was formed for expansion of the temple. "The seer was upset with the formation of the trust without his wish as his source of income almost dried up. Since then, shadow boxing between the temple management and the seer began," he said. In October this year, the trust decided to build the 'gopuram' (tower) and revealed its plan to the seer, who readily volunteered and got an action plan for Rs. 1.5 crore from a temple architect in Tamil Nadu, he said. The seer allegedly planned to mint money but the trust discarded his plan, saying that it was a sheer wastage of money and prepared another for Rs. 75 lakh and decided to hold the groundbreaking ceremony on December 14, which irked him, the officer said. The seer directed the woman to mix poison in the prasad to defame the temple management and avenge his insult, the officer claimed. On December 14, the two men had poured 15 bottles of pesticide in the prasad after sending away the cooks, he said. The cooks returned and noticed a bad smell. They misled the cooks by saying that it was smell of edible camphor added to the prasad.

Karnataka: Bottles of pesticides were mixed in temple offerings, says Police

At least 11 people have died and over 50 were hospitalised on Friday after consuming 'prasad' at a temple in Karnataka, the Chamarajanagar Superintendent of Police, Dharmendra Kumar Meena said.

The ill-stricken people were admitted to various hospitals in multiple locations in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru district.

The district health officer said that poison might have gotten mixed with the 'prasad', which eventually lead to this tragedy.

“It is suspected that the prasad was laced with poison. A team would be constituted to conduct a probe. The samples of the Prasad have already been sent to the lab. The exact reason would be ascertained only after receiving the reports," Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner B B Kaveri said.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced an initial compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the deceased, also&nbsp;the government will pay for treatment charges and ordered the Director General of Police to investigate further and report the matter immediately.

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Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has announced Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased in the Chamrajanagar food poisoning incident. 
The CM held a meeting to discuss the accident that took place at Sulvadi village.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMofKarnataka/status/1073622660926636032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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CM has announced that the Govt will bear the medical expenses of all those affected in the food poisoning incident. He also ordered the Director General of Police to investigate further &amp; report the matter immediately.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMofKarnataka/status/1073622664558841862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy visited the K.R. Hospital, Mysuru, where the injured from the Chamarajanagar food poisoning incident is being treated. He consoled the victims of the tragedy, in which 8 people were dead and several others were taken ill. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chamarajanagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chamarajanagar</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZsYyhLckJr">pic.twitter.com/ZsYyhLckJr</a>
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMofKarnataka/status/1073626238915395585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kumaraswamy described the incident as unfortunate stating that, "there is an unfortunate food poisoning incident in Kamgere village. Principal Secretary and the commissioner has instructed DHOs Mandya and Mysore to provide help to Chamrajnagar health administration."

"The concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre and coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances. 2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate and supervise activities," Kumaraswamy added.&nbsp;

At least 11 people have died and over 50 were hospitalised on Friday after consuming 'prasad' at a temple in Karnataka, the Chamarajanagar Superintendent of Police, Dharmendra Kumar Meena said.

At least 11 people have died and over 50 were hospitalised on Friday after consuming 'prasad' at a temple in Karnataka, the Chamarajanagar Superintendent of Police, Dharmendra Kumar Meena said. The ill-stricken people were admitted to various hospitals in multiple locations in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru district. The district health officer said that poison might have gotten mixed with the 'prasad', which eventually lead to this tragedy. “It is suspected that the prasad was laced with poison. A team would be constituted to conduct a probe. The samples of the Prasad have already been sent to the lab. The exact reason would be ascertained only after receiving the reports," Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner B B Kaveri said. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy announced an initial compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the deceased, also the government will pay for treatment charges and ordered the Director General of Police to investigate further and report the matter immediately. Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has announced Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased in the Chamrajanagar food poisoning incident. The CM held a meeting to discuss the accident that took place at Sulvadi village. — CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) December 14, 2018 × CM has announced that the Govt will bear the medical expenses of all those affected in the food poisoning incident. He also ordered the Director General of Police to investigate further & report the matter immediately. — CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) December 14, 2018 × Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy visited the K.R. Hospital, Mysuru, where the injured from the Chamarajanagar food poisoning incident is being treated. He consoled the victims of the tragedy, in which 8 people were dead and several others were taken ill. #Chamarajanagar pic.twitter.com/ZsYyhLckJr — CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) December 14, 2018 × Kumaraswamy described the incident as unfortunate stating that, "there is an unfortunate food poisoning incident in Kamgere village. Principal Secretary and the commissioner has instructed DHOs Mandya and Mysore to provide help to Chamrajnagar health administration." "The concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre and coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances. 2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate and supervise activities," Kumaraswamy added.

At least 11 dead, over 50 hospitalised after consuming prasad at a temple in Karnataka

Over 10 people lost their lives after consuming prasad in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on Friday. According to reports, as many as 72 people were hospitalised with nearly 12 critically ill, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The government of Karnataka has announced Rs 5 Lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of the deceased. Medical treatment of others will be taken care of by the state, the government announced.&nbsp;

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Karnataka CM: Concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre &amp; coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances.2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate&amp;supervise activities <a href="https://t.co/RtHJomtT29">https://t.co/RtHJomtT29</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073580531735031808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy described the incident as unfortunate stating that, "there is an unfortunate food poisoning incident in Kamgere village. Principal Secretary and the commissioner has instructed DHOs Mandya and Mysore to provide help to Chamrajnagar health administration."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Chief Minister's Office (CMO): Death toll rises to 11. <a href="https://t.co/aYV4Ze9Roq">https://t.co/aYV4Ze9Roq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073600404972281857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre and coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances. 2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate and supervise activities," Kumaraswamy added.&nbsp;

Over 10 people lost their lives after consuming prasad in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on Friday. According to reports, as many as 72 people were hospitalised with nearly 12 critically ill, news agency ANI reported.

Over 10 people lost their lives after consuming prasad in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on Friday. According to reports, as many as 72 people were hospitalised with nearly 12 critically ill, news agency ANI reported. The government of Karnataka has announced Rs 5 Lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of the deceased. Medical treatment of others will be taken care of by the state, the government announced. Karnataka CM: Concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre & coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances.2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate&supervise activities https://t.co/RtHJomtT29 — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy described the incident as unfortunate stating that, "there is an unfortunate food poisoning incident in Kamgere village. Principal Secretary and the commissioner has instructed DHOs Mandya and Mysore to provide help to Chamrajnagar health administration." #UPDATE Chief Minister's Office (CMO): Death toll rises to 11. https://t.co/aYV4Ze9Roq — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2018 × "The concerned program officer is monitoring calls at 108 call centre and coordinating services of ambulances. Commissioner has instructed ADC Mysore to provide services of private ALP ambulances. 2 senior officers are on way from state HQ to coordinate and supervise activities," Kumaraswamy added.

Karnataka: Over 10 dead, dozens hospitalised after consuming prasad

Karnataka lake drained after HIV+ woman's body found floating

Kannada actor and politician Ambareesh passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru due to cardiac arrest, sources have said. He was 66.

A former Union minister, Ambareesh was rushed to the hospital after he complained of breathing trouble and passed away on Saturday night, officials at the hospital said.

"Ambareesh was brought to the hospital around 9 pm and he passed away because of cardiac arrest," Vikram Hospital officials told PTI.

According to the hospital spokesman, Ambareesh was found unresponsive at his residence and the resuscitation efforts were initiated there and continued en route while he was shifted to the hospital.

"Despite all aggressive resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived and was declared deceased at 22:15 hrs," the spokesman added.

Ambareesh, a three-time Lok Sabha member and also a former State minister, is survived by actress Sumalatha and son Abishek.

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Express my condolences on the passing away of veteran actor, former minister and popular icon Shri. Ambareesh. May the Almighty give strength to his family, friends, fans and followers to bear with this loss. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ambareesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ambareesh</a>
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1066577534333198336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Born as Malavalli Huchche Gowda Amarnath on May 29, 1952, Ambareesh was popularly known as a "rebel star" has acted in over 200 films in a more than four-decade-long movie career with a fan following of his own at the peak of his popularity.

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A wonderful human being ... my best friend ... I have lost you today and will miss you ... Rest In Peace <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ambrish?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ambrish</a>
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth/status/1066389120740519936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ambareesh had not been keeping well in recent years and was hospitalised frequently. In 2014, he was shifted to the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.

Entering the movie world through film "Nagarahavu" (king cobra), directed by veteran late Puttanna Kannagal in 1972, Ambareesh had carved a niche for himself in the Kannada film industry, particularly as an "angry" man, earning the title "rebel star".

Beginning his film career in antagonistic roles, he later emerged on his own to become a hero.

Ambareesh also had a successful career in politics having been an MLA, a Lok Sabha member and a former minister at the state and central levels.

He was in the Janata Dal, the JDS and the Congress in his political career that took a hit when he was asked to resign as minister for housing during the previous Siddaramaiah government.

Ambareesh had served as the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting from 2006-2007 under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh but had quit the post over the issue of formation of the Cauvery water dispute tribunal.

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He was not just a great actor, not just a proven politician but also great human being. Ambareesh, u ll be missed. 
 
I am deeply pained by his death. My condolences to all his family members, friends &amp; well-wishers. <a href="https://t.co/UitCU7MHss">pic.twitter.com/UitCU7MHss</a>
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/1066391291662032896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He has won several state government film awards and was bestowed with the honorary doctorate by the Dharwad University.

As the news of his death spread, several political leaders including Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and a host of film personalities visited Vikram Hospital.

A large number of emotional fans and followers also descended at the hospital with some saying that they became "orphans" without their "Ambareesh Anna".

Expressing shock over the demise, Kumaraswamy said Ambaresh's death "an era of love and affection in Kannada film industry has ended".

"He was a rebel who was loved by all. He has carved a unique place in both politics and films," said Kumaraswamy, who himself is a film producer.

Ambreesh had spoken to a couple of Kannada news channels earlier on Saturday, expressing shock and grief over a bus mishap in Mandya, his home district, in which 30 people were killed.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the hospital, Kumaraswamy said, the state government has decided to observe a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect for Ambareesh whose funeral would be held with full state honour.

Calling Ambareesh "Ajatashatru", the Chief Minister appealed to his fans to maintain calm and extend cooperation so that no hindrance is caused to the public at large and the funeral related formalities happen peacefully.

"I can understand your pain, tomorrow morning around 7:30 or 8 his body will be kept at Kanteerava Stadium for paying last respects," he said.

Recalling Ambreesh's bonding with Mandya and Mysuru region, Kumaraswamy said special buses will be arranged from there for his fans and friends to pay their last respects here in Bengaluru.

"We have to build a memorial for him here. Keeping this in view the family has decided to perform his last rites in Bengaluru," Kumaraswamy said while noting his contribution to state, films and politics.

Kannada actor and politician Ambareesh passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru due to cardiac arrest, sources have said. He was 66. A former Union minister, Ambareesh was rushed to the hospital after he complained of breathing trouble and passed away on Saturday night, officials at the hospital said.

Kannada actor and politician Ambareesh passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru due to cardiac arrest, sources have said. He was 66. A former Union minister, Ambareesh was rushed to the hospital after he complained of breathing trouble and passed away on Saturday night, officials at the hospital said. "Ambareesh was brought to the hospital around 9 pm and he passed away because of cardiac arrest," Vikram Hospital officials told PTI. According to the hospital spokesman, Ambareesh was found unresponsive at his residence and the resuscitation efforts were initiated there and continued en route while he was shifted to the hospital. "Despite all aggressive resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived and was declared deceased at 22:15 hrs," the spokesman added. Ambareesh, a three-time Lok Sabha member and also a former State minister, is survived by actress Sumalatha and son Abishek. Express my condolences on the passing away of veteran actor, former minister and popular icon Shri. Ambareesh. May the Almighty give strength to his family, friends, fans and followers to bear with this loss. #Ambareesh — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 25, 2018 × Born as Malavalli Huchche Gowda Amarnath on May 29, 1952, Ambareesh was popularly known as a "rebel star" has acted in over 200 films in a more than four-decade-long movie career with a fan following of his own at the peak of his popularity. A wonderful human being ... my best friend ... I have lost you today and will miss you ... Rest In Peace #Ambrish — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) November 24, 2018 × Ambareesh had not been keeping well in recent years and was hospitalised frequently. In 2014, he was shifted to the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. Entering the movie world through film "Nagarahavu" (king cobra), directed by veteran late Puttanna Kannagal in 1972, Ambareesh had carved a niche for himself in the Kannada film industry, particularly as an "angry" man, earning the title "rebel star". Beginning his film career in antagonistic roles, he later emerged on his own to become a hero. Ambareesh also had a successful career in politics having been an MLA, a Lok Sabha member and a former minister at the state and central levels. He was in the Janata Dal, the JDS and the Congress in his political career that took a hit when he was asked to resign as minister for housing during the previous Siddaramaiah government. Ambareesh had served as the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting from 2006-2007 under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh but had quit the post over the issue of formation of the Cauvery water dispute tribunal. He was not just a great actor, not just a proven politician but also great human being. Ambareesh, u ll be missed. I am deeply pained by his death. My condolences to all his family members, friends & well-wishers. pic.twitter.com/UitCU7MHss — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) November 24, 2018 × He has won several state government film awards and was bestowed with the honorary doctorate by the Dharwad University. As the news of his death spread, several political leaders including Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and a host of film personalities visited Vikram Hospital. A large number of emotional fans and followers also descended at the hospital with some saying that they became "orphans" without their "Ambareesh Anna". Expressing shock over the demise, Kumaraswamy said Ambaresh's death "an era of love and affection in Kannada film industry has ended". "He was a rebel who was loved by all. He has carved a unique place in both politics and films," said Kumaraswamy, who himself is a film producer. Ambreesh had spoken to a couple of Kannada news channels earlier on Saturday, expressing shock and grief over a bus mishap in Mandya, his home district, in which 30 people were killed. Speaking to reporters after visiting the hospital, Kumaraswamy said, the state government has decided to observe a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect for Ambareesh whose funeral would be held with full state honour. Calling Ambareesh "Ajatashatru", the Chief Minister appealed to his fans to maintain calm and extend cooperation so that no hindrance is caused to the public at large and the funeral related formalities happen peacefully. "I can understand your pain, tomorrow morning around 7:30 or 8 his body will be kept at Kanteerava Stadium for paying last respects," he said. Recalling Ambreesh's bonding with Mandya and Mysuru region, Kumaraswamy said special buses will be arranged from there for his fans and friends to pay their last respects here in Bengaluru. "We have to build a memorial for him here. Keeping this in view the family has decided to perform his last rites in Bengaluru," Kumaraswamy said while noting his contribution to state, films and politics.

Former union minister Ambareesh passes away in Bengaluru

Karnataka Chief Minister H D KumaraswamyFriday said his government would not protect anyone involved in illegal activities, as he flayed the BJP for accusing him of "adjustment" by not acting on a legislature panel report on alleged irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project.

"I have seen that a BJP MLA while demanding action based on House Committee on NICE, has accused me of adjustment (in the case). They (BJP) are the ones who taught me adjustment politics," Kumaraswamy told reporters here.

Kumaraswamy said during the tenure of the BJP-JD(S) coalition government in 2006 headed by him, when he brought a subject before the cabinet to scrap the project, BJP ministers had boycotted it.

"Where was their commitment then?" he asked.

State BJP general secretary and MLA C T Ravi Thursday had demanded that the coalition government implement the House committee report on alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project (BMIC) by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises(NICE).

He had reportedly accused Kumaraswamy and his government of "adjustment" in the case.

Kumaraswamy said, his government will not protect anyone involved in illegal activity related cases.

"It has just been five-and-half months after this coalition government coming to power, give us some time. How we will work, how our programmes are...By implementing our programmes we will answer them. I need not do politics by adjustment," he said.

Asked if the government will act on the House committee report, the chief minister said, the report is yet to be accepted by the Assembly.

"There is time, we will take decision accordingly."

In its report tabled in the Assembly in December 2016, the 11-member committee, headed by the then Law ministerJayachandra to look into the alleged violations, concluded that 16 of 22 articles in the framework agreement had been violated by the private partner NICE.

It had also recommended an inquiry by CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), the vigilance commission or an investigative agency of equal standing.

NICE is the implementing agency of the BMIC project, which includes developing the 111-km four-lane expressway, five townships and supporting infrastructure.

Former MLA and businessman Ashok Kheny is the Managing Director of Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited. He joined the Congress ahead of assembly polls in May.

While in opposition, Kumaraswamy and his party were staunch critics of the BMIC project and had demanded action based on the House panel report.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D KumaraswamyFriday said his government would not protect anyone involved in illegal activities, as he flayed the BJP for accusing him of "adjustment" by not acting on a legislature panel report on alleged irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D KumaraswamyFriday said his government would not protect anyone involved in illegal activities, as he flayed the BJP for accusing him of "adjustment" by not acting on a legislature panel report on alleged irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor project. "I have seen that a BJP MLA while demanding action based on House Committee on NICE, has accused me of adjustment (in the case). They (BJP) are the ones who taught me adjustment politics," Kumaraswamy told reporters here. Kumaraswamy said during the tenure of the BJP-JD(S) coalition government in 2006 headed by him, when he brought a subject before the cabinet to scrap the project, BJP ministers had boycotted it. "Where was their commitment then?" he asked. State BJP general secretary and MLA C T Ravi Thursday had demanded that the coalition government implement the House committee report on alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor project (BMIC) by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises(NICE). He had reportedly accused Kumaraswamy and his government of "adjustment" in the case. Kumaraswamy said, his government will not protect anyone involved in illegal activity related cases. "It has just been five-and-half months after this coalition government coming to power, give us some time. How we will work, how our programmes are...By implementing our programmes we will answer them. I need not do politics by adjustment," he said. Asked if the government will act on the House committee report, the chief minister said, the report is yet to be accepted by the Assembly. "There is time, we will take decision accordingly." In its report tabled in the Assembly in December 2016, the 11-member committee, headed by the then Law ministerJayachandra to look into the alleged violations, concluded that 16 of 22 articles in the framework agreement had been violated by the private partner NICE. It had also recommended an inquiry by CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), the vigilance commission or an investigative agency of equal standing. NICE is the implementing agency of the BMIC project, which includes developing the 111-km four-lane expressway, five townships and supporting infrastructure. Former MLA and businessman Ashok Kheny is the Managing Director of Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited. He joined the Congress ahead of assembly polls in May. While in opposition, Kumaraswamy and his party were staunch critics of the BMIC project and had demanded action based on the House panel report.

None involved in illegal activities would be protected: Kumaraswamy

The Karnataka government has declared a three-day state mourning till November 14 as a mark of respect to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar, who died early in the morning today.

The Karnataka government has also declared a holiday today as a mark of respect to Kumar, who died at the age of 59. "His last rites would be performed with full government honour," an official release from the state government said.

Kumar died at a private hospital in Bengaluru at around 2 am this morning. He was being treated for lung cancer for several months.

The government notification said that there would be no official programs held during the state mourning. The national flag would fly at half mast on all government buildings, it said.

Condoling Ananth Kumar's death, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said he has "lost a great friend."

"Our families had a friendship beyond politics. He always valued and gave priority to friendship. I have lost a great friend in his death," Kumaraswamy said in a statement.

Describing him as a "value-based politician", who made a significant contribution to the country as an MP and Union Minister, the chief minister said, his pro-people attitude and activities had made him the "apple of the eye of Bengalurians".

Kumaraswamy will directly arrive at the National College Ground from Mysuru today, and will pay his last respects to the departed leader, the chief minister's office said.

The Karnataka government has declared a three-day state mourning till November 14 as a mark of respect to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar, who died early in the morning today.

The Karnataka government has declared a three-day state mourning till November 14 as a mark of respect to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar, who died early in the morning today. The Karnataka government has also declared a holiday today as a mark of respect to Kumar, who died at the age of 59. "His last rites would be performed with full government honour," an official release from the state government said. Kumar died at a private hospital in Bengaluru at around 2 am this morning. He was being treated for lung cancer for several months. The government notification said that there would be no official programs held during the state mourning. The national flag would fly at half mast on all government buildings, it said. Condoling Ananth Kumar's death, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said he has "lost a great friend." "Our families had a friendship beyond politics. He always valued and gave priority to friendship. I have lost a great friend in his death," Kumaraswamy said in a statement. Describing him as a "value-based politician", who made a significant contribution to the country as an MP and Union Minister, the chief minister said, his pro-people attitude and activities had made him the "apple of the eye of Bengalurians". Kumaraswamy will directly arrive at the National College Ground from Mysuru today, and will pay his last respects to the departed leader, the chief minister's office said.

Karnataka declares three-day mourning as mark of respect to Ananth Kumar

Just a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party lost out its Bellary bastion to the Congress in the parliamentary bypoll, there came more bad news. Mining baron and former minister Gali Janardhana Reddy's name has surfaced in a Ponzi scam in Karnataka, amounting to a whopping Rs 600 crores.

While there is no evidence of Reddy being directly involved in the scam, preliminary investigations have indicated that Janardhana Reddy might have been given Rs 18 crores in gold by the owner of the fraudulent company, to influence the Enforcement Directorate probe into the scam.&nbsp;

What is the ponzi scheme all about?&nbsp;

Ambidant Marketing Private Ltd was started by Fareed and his son in December 2016. The chain-link investment fraud scheme by Ambidant promised 30-40% returns to its investors.

In order to build faith, the company initially delivered the returns that it promised. However, things started unravelling by April 2017, when investors in large numbers approached the Bengaluru city police and also staged protests.

The Central Crime Branch team headed by Alok Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police that initiated investigations, found that nearly 15,000 investors were duped to the tune of Rs 600 crore.

In January this year, when the police team raided Ambidant, it found that Fareed had transferred as much as Rs 18 crore to one Ramesh Kothari, a jeweller from Bengaluru. This money was then converted to 57kgs of gold bullion and handed over to another jeweller by the name Ramesh in Ballari.

When Ramesh (Ballari) was questioned about the same, he told the police that the gold was handed over to Ali Khan, a close aide of Janardhana Reddy.&nbsp;

While Janardhana Reddy and Ali Khan remain inaccessible, CCB teams have raided the former minister's homes in Bengaluru and Ballari. At least four teams of the Central Crime Branch are on the lookout for Reddy and Khan, who have moved a Telangana court seeking anticipatory bail.

Reddy's troubled past&nbsp;

Gali Janardhana Reddy, once the invincible mining baron of iron-rich Bellary, was arrested in September 2011 for his involvement in the infamous mining scam of Karnataka. Reddy was then the Tourism, Youth and Infrastructure minister of Karnataka.

In an extensive report filed by the then Lokayukta Justice Santhosh Hegde, Reddy was accused of illegal mining, tampering with state borders and forest laws and also laundering money through international tax havens among other offences.

After three years in jail, Reddy was granted bail in January 2015 by the Supreme Court on the condition that he will not enter Ballari. Despite the restrictions, Reddy campaigned for several BJP candidates during the 2018 State Assembly elections.&nbsp;

In an exclusive conversation to WION, Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, said that the latest development shows that Reddy was still wielding considerable influence, despite being out on bail.

"Whether he has done it or not he has given information to the other side he can control the ED and close the case for Rs 20 crore. It indicates that he's still powerful, isn't it? Obviously he has a clout through the administration and his words are still believed in the market. Certainly, I think it is a very good ground&nbsp;for cancellation of bail because one of the basic conditions is that you should not indulge in unlawful activities when you're on bail. I'm sure whoever is the concerned should file an application for cancellation of bail."&nbsp;says Justice Hegde.&nbsp;

Political implications of Reddy's troubles

Soon after the mining scam erupted under the BS Yeddyurappa administration in 2011, the Bharatiya Janata Party had distanced itself from Gali Janardhana Reddy. The sacking of Reddy brothers soon after the arrest, even led to their close aide B Sriramulu forming a separate political outfit.

The disintegration of the state BJP (Yeddyurappa forming KJP, Sriramulu forming BSR Congress) led to the terrible electoral failure of the party in 2013 assembly elections.&nbsp;

Having learnt its lessons, we could see more of the Reddy factor to 2018 Assembly elections. Though Supreme Court did not permit the mining baron to campaign in Ballari, he was seen actively partaking in processions in Chitradurga and Bengaluru.

In April, Reddy also shared the&nbsp;stage with BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and B Sriramulu. So what will the BJP do now, especially since its position has further been weakened in Ballari by the bypoll defeat?&nbsp;

"Janardhana Reddy was never in the forefront of BJP politics. He was always doing things from the back. He has always been frowned upon by the central leadership of the party. This gives an opportunity to the central leadership of the BJP to sideline the state leadership, as they have been waiting for an opportunity to do that. This allows the central leadership to micromanage the state in the BJP. It is difficult for them to replace Yeddyurappa at this stage, but in the next few months he will be sidelined and all critical decisions will happen from the national level", says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst. &nbsp;

The importance of Ballari &nbsp;

Ballari is a crucial constituency for the Bharati Janata Party as it formed the backbone of the state funding for electoral campaigns. The Reddy's once again getting into legal mess will only further force the central leadership to distance themselves from the powerful mining baron. The recent failure on part of the Reddy brothers to muster majority during floor test and the assembly elections have broken the cash-rich backbone.&nbsp;

In the past, 1999 had seen the district get national attention when Sonia Gandhi was pitted against Sushma Swaraj. Gandhi had won the election by a slender margin of 53,000. However, BJP won every consecutive election thereafter (until 2018), sealing the region as a saffron party bastion.

Just a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party lost out its Bellary bastion to the Congress in the parliamentary bypoll, there came more bad news. Mining baron and former minister Gali Janardhana Reddy's name has surfaced in a Ponzi scam in Karnataka, amounting to a whopping Rs 600 crores.

Just a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party lost out its Bellary bastion to the Congress in the parliamentary bypoll, there came more bad news. Mining baron and former minister Gali Janardhana Reddy's name has surfaced in a Ponzi scam in Karnataka, amounting to a whopping Rs 600 crores. While there is no evidence of Reddy being directly involved in the scam, preliminary investigations have indicated that Janardhana Reddy might have been given Rs 18 crores in gold by the owner of the fraudulent company, to influence the Enforcement Directorate probe into the scam. What is the ponzi scheme all about? Ambidant Marketing Private Ltd was started by Fareed and his son in December 2016. The chain-link investment fraud scheme by Ambidant promised 30-40% returns to its investors. In order to build faith, the company initially delivered the returns that it promised. However, things started unravelling by April 2017, when investors in large numbers approached the Bengaluru city police and also staged protests. The Central Crime Branch team headed by Alok Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police that initiated investigations, found that nearly 15,000 investors were duped to the tune of Rs 600 crore. In January this year, when the police team raided Ambidant, it found that Fareed had transferred as much as Rs 18 crore to one Ramesh Kothari, a jeweller from Bengaluru. This money was then converted to 57kgs of gold bullion and handed over to another jeweller by the name Ramesh in Ballari. When Ramesh (Ballari) was questioned about the same, he told the police that the gold was handed over to Ali Khan, a close aide of Janardhana Reddy. While Janardhana Reddy and Ali Khan remain inaccessible, CCB teams have raided the former minister's homes in Bengaluru and Ballari. At least four teams of the Central Crime Branch are on the lookout for Reddy and Khan, who have moved a Telangana court seeking anticipatory bail. Reddy's troubled past Gali Janardhana Reddy, once the invincible mining baron of iron-rich Bellary, was arrested in September 2011 for his involvement in the infamous mining scam of Karnataka. Reddy was then the Tourism, Youth and Infrastructure minister of Karnataka. In an extensive report filed by the then Lokayukta Justice Santhosh Hegde, Reddy was accused of illegal mining, tampering with state borders and forest laws and also laundering money through international tax havens among other offences. After three years in jail, Reddy was granted bail in January 2015 by the Supreme Court on the condition that he will not enter Ballari. Despite the restrictions, Reddy campaigned for several BJP candidates during the 2018 State Assembly elections. In an exclusive conversation to WION, Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, said that the latest development shows that Reddy was still wielding considerable influence, despite being out on bail. "Whether he has done it or not he has given information to the other side he can control the ED and close the case for Rs 20 crore. It indicates that he's still powerful, isn't it? Obviously he has a clout through the administration and his words are still believed in the market. Certainly, I think it is a very good ground for cancellation of bail because one of the basic conditions is that you should not indulge in unlawful activities when you're on bail. I'm sure whoever is the concerned should file an application for cancellation of bail." says Justice Hegde. Political implications of Reddy's troubles Soon after the mining scam erupted under the BS Yeddyurappa administration in 2011, the Bharatiya Janata Party had distanced itself from Gali Janardhana Reddy. The sacking of Reddy brothers soon after the arrest, even led to their close aide B Sriramulu forming a separate political outfit. The disintegration of the state BJP (Yeddyurappa forming KJP, Sriramulu forming BSR Congress) led to the terrible electoral failure of the party in 2013 assembly elections. Having learnt its lessons, we could see more of the Reddy factor to 2018 Assembly elections. Though Supreme Court did not permit the mining baron to campaign in Ballari, he was seen actively partaking in processions in Chitradurga and Bengaluru. In April, Reddy also shared the stage with BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and B Sriramulu. So what will the BJP do now, especially since its position has further been weakened in Ballari by the bypoll defeat? "Janardhana Reddy was never in the forefront of BJP politics. He was always doing things from the back. He has always been frowned upon by the central leadership of the party. This gives an opportunity to the central leadership of the BJP to sideline the state leadership, as they have been waiting for an opportunity to do that. This allows the central leadership to micromanage the state in the BJP. It is difficult for them to replace Yeddyurappa at this stage, but in the next few months he will be sidelined and all critical decisions will happen from the national level", says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst. The importance of Ballari Ballari is a crucial constituency for the Bharati Janata Party as it formed the backbone of the state funding for electoral campaigns. The Reddy's once again getting into legal mess will only further force the central leadership to distance themselves from the powerful mining baron. The recent failure on part of the Reddy brothers to muster majority during floor test and the assembly elections have broken the cash-rich backbone. In the past, 1999 had seen the district get national attention when Sonia Gandhi was pitted against Sushma Swaraj. Gandhi had won the election by a slender margin of 53,000. However, BJP won every consecutive election thereafter (until 2018), sealing the region as a saffron party bastion.

Karnataka Ponzi scam: Central Crime Branch sees 'Red'dy

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