Karnataka

Answering a question on in case of fractured mandate in Karnataka, will the Congress party join hands with the regional party JD-S, he maintained that these are questions that are better answered by CLP leader and Congress party in Karnataka. "But, this question you can ask to both of them (BJP and JD-S)," Rahul Gandhi said.

Talking to reporters here after chairing a meeting of leaders of both the Houses to discuss Justice Nagamohan Das Committee report over the hike for quota for the SCs/ STs, he said this has been long-pending demand to hike reservation on the basis of the population.

The agency will be probing him on a few facts related to the financial transactions of AJL and Young Indian (YI). The ED had summoned Shivakumar and his brother, D.K. Suresh to record their statements. Earlier, Congress leaders J. Geeta Reddy, Shabbir Ali and P. Sudarshan had reportedly joined the probe. They were questioned about Young India and Dotex Merchandiseconnection.

"You (D.K. Shivakumar) are once again directed to yourself before me at my office for recording your statement on Oct 7, as per summons dated Sept 23," read the notice issued by Kuldeep Singh, Assistant Director of ED. The notice says summons have been issued under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Shivakumar had earlier stated that he would not hesitate to attend any inquiry by the central agency.

Launching a scathing attack on the ruling BJP in the convention before the launch of Padayatra, Gandhi stated that tricolour has no value without the Constitution. To counter the BJP and RSS's ideology and end the hatred and violence in the country, the Congress has taken up this padyatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, he said.

"The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in coordination with various state police departments had carried out raids on PFI workers and gathered evidence," he said. Araga Jnanendra further stated that PFI was one of the religious fundamental forces which indulged in pitting the youth of the country against the nation

"If at all there is any candidate who has become the chief minister after paying for it is Siddaramaiah. When he took over as the chief minister, Rajya Sabha Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge, former DCM and senior Dalit leader G Parameshwar were senior to him," BJP Karnataka President Kateel said.

According to sources, the raids began at 4 a.m at various locations in Belagavi, Gadag, Bijapur in north Karnataka, neighbouring district of Bengaluru Kolar and Bengaluru Rural, coastal district of Udupi. The PFI leaders have reportedly collected funds from foreign countries to foment violence in society and attack RSS leaders and offices in retaliation to recent NIA raids, the sources said.

Congress state President D.K. Shivakumar said that from Friday all MLAs will post the PayCM posters at the government offices. "Where they will be posted, we will update you," Shivakumar maintained. "The BJP party leaders have put up QR code posters with our photos. When I went to inquire, the media had made posters of me to be behind bars, can I book a case on that? It is common for people to question and criticize those in power," he said.

The bill, which has been effective in the state through promulgation, has been passed in the Legislative Council during the ongoing Monsoon session. It was passed in the Legislative Assembly on December 21, 2021. Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Wednesday tabled the Act in the assembly to be sent for the Governor's consent. Once the consent is given, which is just a formality now, it will be implemented across the state.