Karnataka

While the CM Siddaramaiah-led state cabinet retracted consent for a CBI inquiry against Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar in a DA case, signs of internal strife emerged within the grand old party.

This decision has sparked concerns of potential conflict, with the opposition BJP hinting at unrest in the coming days. Academic experts anticipate that numerous Muslim girls, previously restricted from attending schools and colleges, will now have the opportunity to pursue their studies.

Highlighting his commitment to social justice for all communities, Shivakumar endorsed the Congress's initiative and reaffirmed his role as a leader representing OBC communities.

During the meeting, the proposal to nominate Ashoka as the Leader of Opposition was put forth by former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, receiving resounding support from former minister and MLA V. Sunil Kumar.

The Congress after registering a thumping victory by winning 136 seats in the 224-Karnataka state legislature, implementing five guarantee schemes and consolidating its position, wants to leave no stone unturned to wrestle more than 20 Lok Sabha seats. Presently BJP holds 25 Parliamentary seats out of 28 in the state.

The Friday night's meeting was organised following the statement of Shivakumar loyalist Congress MLA Ganiga Ravi that their leader will become the chief minister after 2.5 years. Shaken by the statement, Siddaramaiah held a meeting with Home Minister Parameshwara, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Minister for Social Welfare Dr H.C. Mahadevappa, the sources stated.

Shivakumar, who is also the president of the Congress' Karnataka unit, said "many have joined the Congress party after rejecting the BJP and the JD-S".  He was speaking after welcoming former JD-S legislator Shafi Ahmad, and JD-S leaders from Shivamogga district at Bharat Jodo Bhavan in Bengaluru. 

Speaking to reporters at his residence here on Tuesday, Kumaraswamy stated, “For you (media) the development seems to be a big one. Whatever is to be done to fix this development will be done.”

The Bihar government has released the caste census report few days back.

Karnataka Police Chief Alok Mohan and Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayanand accompanied Home Minister Parameshwara and held a discussion with the CM. Siddaramaiah got district-wise updates from the Home Ministry and the future course of action was discussed in the meeting, sources said.