VT, Jan 24, 2006
B D Narayankar chats with DCM Yediyurappa
Bangalore: ’’History says it all. They are the most dangerous and shameless party members in the country . They are adept at horse trading and breaking other political parties and they belong to the Congress,’’ said Opposition party leader in the Assembly and senior BJP leader B S Y ediyurappa. In a tete-e-tete with Vijay T imes, Y ediyurappa reveals his thoughts on the possibilities of forming a government with JDS. Excerpts: Congress is making all-out efforts to restrain BJP and JDS to form an alternative government in the State. Y our comments. It is ’Lajjeketta da N aduvalike’ (a shameless act) on the part of the Congress and it has been in its blood. F or sake of power it is ready to go to any extent. In fact, the people had rejected the party in the last assembly election, but to gain po wer the party cleverly manipulated JDS to keep our party at bay . F ormer Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and I gel well together . Don’t you feel that the current political drama enacted by Gowda was to finish off BJP in the State? In fact, he is disappointed with the Congress for backstabbing his party . Gowda is deeply hurt by its malicious plans to break the JDS by wooing rebel leader Siddaramaiah to its side. It is easy to prove this point when a Congress leader himself has openly admitted of doing it. Congress is the most dangerous party and had least respect for coalition politics. Gowda has realised this and will not rejoin hands with Congress to save the present government. T o what extent do you trust H D K umaraswamy? I trust him 101 per cent. W e are sure to form a government with JDS. At any cost he will not betray his 45 MLAs. He is upset by Congress for ditching his father (Gowda) thrice after forming a coalition go vernment. The talks of Gowda convincing K umaraswamy to fall in his line of thought has flopped. Gowda himself has patched up with K umaraswamy and extended his support to him. In such a scenario, should Chief Minister N Dharam Singh resign? He should make a graceful exit. H e should have quit the post when more than 120 legislators belonging to both JDS and BJP were paraded before Governor T N Chaturvedi. Dharam Singh government’s fall is imminent. H o w stable will be the new set up with so many difference in your party and without much experience on both sides? W e are inexperienced in matters of administration, but we are going to draft a common minimum programme, keeping it as a base we will work towards Karnataka’s progress and give good administration. Interestingly we are adept in running coalition government. Our leader Atal Behari V ajpayee has done it successfully during NDA rule at the Centre. W e want to continue this legacy in Karnataka. The party is serious on addressing the problems of terrorism and naxalism. Do you think the much-hyped Gowda-Sonia meeting will happen? Even if Gowda met AICC president Sonia Gandhi, the outcome of it will not change Kumaraswamy’s decision to form government with BJP On the flipside, Gowda will complain about Congressmen who tried to break his party . He also has made it clear that he will meet Sonia only if she invites him for talks. Kodaikanal: Even as the BJP legislators are havi and frolick here at the hill country K od serious business for the core group of leaders who in constant touch with senior leader B S Y and rebel JDS supremo H D K umaraswamy . If all g according to plan Y ediyurappa is set to re dream of presenting the State budget. Speaking to Vijay T imes, a group of BJP l said, the Deputy Chief Minister in-waiting. Y ediyurappa will get Finance portfolio and powerful Home Ministry will be with JDS. Though the Speaker’s post is likely to go still there are chances of BJP clinching it. In t event Araga Jnanendra is the front-runner to the honour . BJP which would get 18 berths in the 34 member ministry would have at least 8 cabinet rank minist Along with B S Y ediyurappa, the names of Eshwarappa, J agadish Shettar , Go vind Karjol, R Katta Subramanya Naidu, C M U dasi, Shakunta Shetty (women’s quota), Shankarlinge Go wda, P attnashetty and S Shivanna are almost cert make it. H o wever , it is the share of Legislative Counci causing some problems in po wer sharing for BJP as H Shankaramurthy , Ramachandre Go wda, V S Achary and Aravinda Limbavali are competing for 2 allotted. The party is mulling to keep the names of Shankaramurthy and Ramachandre Go wda, as the duo has just 5 more months of their term. The ministerial aspirants are already busy g coached on the nuances of administration from U da and G Basavennappa for two hours every afternoon.. Datta Peetha row will be solved Interaction with the MLAs also veered to war P eetha ro w and the chances of it spoiling the pa JDS. But emphatic ’no’ came the reply fro MLA C T Ravi. "The leaders have already identified it and on to see that it does not harm the coali ment. W e will initiate talks with Hindu community leaders and workout an amicable solution It can be solved if political leadership is policy of appeasement," he said. VTN I I t tr ru us st t K Ku um ma ar ra as sw wa am my y 1 10 01 1 p pe er r c ce en nt t INTERVIEWWe are inexperienced in matters of administration, but we are going to draft a common minimum programme, keeping it as a base we will work towards Karnataka’s progress and give good administration. Interestingly we are adept in running coalition government. Our leader V ajpayee has done it successfully during NDA rule at the Centre. We want to continue this legacy
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Lack of facilities, govt neglect forcing garment units away
VT, Jan 13, 2006
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: Even as Karnataka government is dreaming of converting the State into India’s garment export hub, many big garment exporters are planning to shift their base from Bangalore to either Chennai or Kochi. Reason? Inadequate infrastructure facilities and government’s signal apathy towards the problems being faced by this high-growth apparel sector . According to sources, the four decade old garment industry in the State at present employed over three lakh persons and fetched foreign exchange earnings to the tune of one billion dollars last fiscal alone. K Mohan and Company , a unit which has seven manufaturing locations around Bangalore with an installed capacity of eight million pieces, has plans to invest in the special economic zone (SEZ) in Kochi. The Kochi unit would have an installed capacity of 600 machines with production capacity of two million pieces anually . Investment in the new unit will be Rs 20 to 25 crore. Industries sources revealed that Kochi and Visakapatnam were vying among themselves to woo big garment exporters from Bangalore, offering them good sops. ’’Andhra authorities have been sending feelers to some export companies’’ they said. AP hopes that the apparel sector could provide employment to about 15 lakh people by 2010. Kochi SEZ has already been attracting foreign apparel companies like Leela Scottish and Ireland’s Baird Macmett. Italian fashion house Liberty is keen on investing in Kochi in a big way . Kochi, hence, can grow into leading garment export hub since fabric could be sourced from centres like Karur and Coimbatore and labour could be easily trained.
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: Even as Karnataka government is dreaming of converting the State into India’s garment export hub, many big garment exporters are planning to shift their base from Bangalore to either Chennai or Kochi. Reason? Inadequate infrastructure facilities and government’s signal apathy towards the problems being faced by this high-growth apparel sector . According to sources, the four decade old garment industry in the State at present employed over three lakh persons and fetched foreign exchange earnings to the tune of one billion dollars last fiscal alone. K Mohan and Company , a unit which has seven manufaturing locations around Bangalore with an installed capacity of eight million pieces, has plans to invest in the special economic zone (SEZ) in Kochi. The Kochi unit would have an installed capacity of 600 machines with production capacity of two million pieces anually . Investment in the new unit will be Rs 20 to 25 crore. Industries sources revealed that Kochi and Visakapatnam were vying among themselves to woo big garment exporters from Bangalore, offering them good sops. ’’Andhra authorities have been sending feelers to some export companies’’ they said. AP hopes that the apparel sector could provide employment to about 15 lakh people by 2010. Kochi SEZ has already been attracting foreign apparel companies like Leela Scottish and Ireland’s Baird Macmett. Italian fashion house Liberty is keen on investing in Kochi in a big way . Kochi, hence, can grow into leading garment export hub since fabric could be sourced from centres like Karur and Coimbatore and labour could be easily trained.
MES loyalists likely to pose challenge to Cong, JDS
VT, Dec 9, 2005
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: In the aftermath of manhandling of Belgaum Mayor Vijay P andurang M ore by Kannada Rakshana V edike (KR V ) activists in Bangalore, independents lo yal to Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) are likely to pose a stiff challenge to al major parties, including Congress, JDS and BJP in the ensuing panchayat elections in Belgaum district. There are 62 and 238 independents contesting for zilla and taluk panchayat seats respectively and many of them are lo yal to MES whose candidates have won from Khanapur and U chgaon Assembly constituencies. In all, there are 86 and 336 seats in zilla and 10 taluk panchayats in the district. The Congress that won five of the 18 Assembly seats in 2004 elections is contesting in all the 86 zilla panchayat seats. The BJP , which won eight Assembly seats in 2004 elections, is contesting only in 64 seats. The JDS, which won only one Assembly seat, has fielded 77 candidates. The JDU, which won the Raibag Assembly seat, is contesting only in three constituencies. The State unit of the Samajwadi P arty , headed by the former Chief Minister S Bangarappa, is contesting from 36 seats. The All-India Progressive J anata Dal (AIPJD) of former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has fielded 35 candidates. The Bahujan Samaj P arty and the Raitha Sangha have also put up candidates. Even for the taluk panchayat polls, the Congress has fielded the maximum number of candidates 322, follo wed by the J anata Dal (S) 256, BJP 216 and AIPJD 115. The N ationalist Congress P arty of Sharad P awar has fielded five candidates, the J anata Dal (U) seven, the Raitha Sangha 2 and Samajwadi P arty 55. The M ore incident has galvanised MES to sink their differences and brought them under one roof. In the last Assembly election, MES had tasted defeat in all the Assembly seats due to infighting. The resignation of late Ashok P atil from MES on the eve of the election and aloofness of senior party leader Deepak Dalvi caused immense damage to the apolitical party . The infighting caused further damage when the MES lost its hold in the Belgaum City Corporation (BCC) due to the formation of a new forum -- Sarva Bhashike Samavichar V edike -- comprising of Kannada, Marathi and U rdu speaking corporators, who succeeded in keeping MES from po wer . MES also weakened further when most of its leaders deserted and joined BJP and Bajarang Dal after they were disheartened with the failure of resolving Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute.
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: In the aftermath of manhandling of Belgaum Mayor Vijay P andurang M ore by Kannada Rakshana V edike (KR V ) activists in Bangalore, independents lo yal to Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) are likely to pose a stiff challenge to al major parties, including Congress, JDS and BJP in the ensuing panchayat elections in Belgaum district. There are 62 and 238 independents contesting for zilla and taluk panchayat seats respectively and many of them are lo yal to MES whose candidates have won from Khanapur and U chgaon Assembly constituencies. In all, there are 86 and 336 seats in zilla and 10 taluk panchayats in the district. The Congress that won five of the 18 Assembly seats in 2004 elections is contesting in all the 86 zilla panchayat seats. The BJP , which won eight Assembly seats in 2004 elections, is contesting only in 64 seats. The JDS, which won only one Assembly seat, has fielded 77 candidates. The JDU, which won the Raibag Assembly seat, is contesting only in three constituencies. The State unit of the Samajwadi P arty , headed by the former Chief Minister S Bangarappa, is contesting from 36 seats. The All-India Progressive J anata Dal (AIPJD) of former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has fielded 35 candidates. The Bahujan Samaj P arty and the Raitha Sangha have also put up candidates. Even for the taluk panchayat polls, the Congress has fielded the maximum number of candidates 322, follo wed by the J anata Dal (S) 256, BJP 216 and AIPJD 115. The N ationalist Congress P arty of Sharad P awar has fielded five candidates, the J anata Dal (U) seven, the Raitha Sangha 2 and Samajwadi P arty 55. The M ore incident has galvanised MES to sink their differences and brought them under one roof. In the last Assembly election, MES had tasted defeat in all the Assembly seats due to infighting. The resignation of late Ashok P atil from MES on the eve of the election and aloofness of senior party leader Deepak Dalvi caused immense damage to the apolitical party . The infighting caused further damage when the MES lost its hold in the Belgaum City Corporation (BCC) due to the formation of a new forum -- Sarva Bhashike Samavichar V edike -- comprising of Kannada, Marathi and U rdu speaking corporators, who succeeded in keeping MES from po wer . MES also weakened further when most of its leaders deserted and joined BJP and Bajarang Dal after they were disheartened with the failure of resolving Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute.
DGCA pitches for rooftop helipads in City
VT, Dec 12, 2005
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: India’s first international institute for aer space technologies and management will be se the City in 2007. Speaking to reporters at India - 2005 on Thursday , C G Krishnadas Society of Indian Aerospace T echnologies and Ind (SIA TI), said the institute will be set up cost of Rs 15 to 30 crore. "With the Indi industry making rapid strides and a number airlines making foray into the aviation sector , i institute similar to an air university is needed i An Airport Security Programme will be formul soon and will integrate various systems, inc video and biometric security systems, accordi S Sharma, director (security) Airports Author India. He said the programme will be implem across all airports in the country .
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VTN VIJAY TIMES NEWS
Bangalore: The Directorate General of Civil A viation (DGCA) is seriously looking at est lishing a regulatory mechanism allowing building-mounted helipads for helicopters, said Wg Cdr (Retd) C D U padhyay , HAL Chie T est Pilot. The trend, which is more commo in the W est, has ensured decreased traffic congestion and quick transportation of patients in emergencies. Establishing such helipads can also help in fast evacuation of people in event of natural disasters and quicker VVIP/VIP movement. In a presentation, Design and construction of helipads at Aerodrome India 2005, U padhyay , however , said the City planners should also think on these lines to facilit easy formulation of regulatory norms. The issues involved are serious considering the building-mounted helipads can be in thickly populated localities and need coordination from the City planners. He said that terrace helipads need clear space for landing and take-off and neighbouring structures should not hinder the approach path of helicopters and identifying such buildings will also need a thorough look. He said communication, lighting, fire-fighting systems and crash teams have to be in place in keeping with the set DGCA norms. Besides, ensuring that such operations are cost-effective will also pose a challenge, h said, adding that other factors like proximity to transport from the helipad and noise pollution in the locality will also need to be looked into.
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NIRAD MUDUR & B D NARAYANKAR
Bangalore: With the civil aviation sector set for a phenomenal boom, the industry is looking at several products and technologies that can cut costs to ensure profits. The Aerodrome India 2005 has attracted several firms which have come with their cost-cutting products/technologies, which are seriously being considered by the Indian civil aviation industry . A Al lt te er rn na at ti iv ve e t to o g gr ro ou un nd d t tr ra an ns s- p po or rt t: : Cavotec Fladung, a German firm, is in touch with the Civil A viation Ministry to install a path-breaking technology using a pop-up system near the parked aircraft for underground pipes and tunnels to supply across-the-board in-flight items. These items include 400 Hz power , pre-conditioned air , potable water , food, and a system to drain night soil and urine from used toilets after each flight. Cavotec export sales director Kai Fladung told V Vi ij ja ay y T Ti im me es s that the underground pipes and tunnels will replace a huge amount of ground support transport, ground transport emissions as well as manpower . This will eliminate huge costs, drastically cutting down fuel consumption through use of lorries, tankers and trucks that are generally used for this purpose. W Wa ak ke e t tu ur rb bu ul le en nc ce e d de et te ec ct to or r: : Bangalorebased National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has come up with a software, NAL W ake, to allo w the air traffic control (A TC) to detect turbulence caused by aeroplanes. NAL scientists said the software relays data on ho w much turbulence a plane causes in its wake while landing and ho w long it lasts. This allo ws the A TC personnel to immediately inform the pilot of the follo wing aircraft whether he can land or wait till the turbulence clears. This leads to significant fuel savings as the aircraft does not have to take off again on experiencing wake turbulence. M Mu ul lt ti i- -a ai ir rc cr ra af ft t d do oc ck ki in ng g s sy ys st te em m: : An U AE firm, Excel Industrial Co Ltd, has offered a multi-aircraft docking system which has attracted many a airline from India. The system is an extendable/collapsible rig specially used for stripping the aircraft for a major overhaul. Presently , such a process, termed ’dechecking’, is carried out by foreign companies and the aircraft has to be sent abroad. B Ba an ng ga al lo or re e: : U dyan Banerjee, Senior Commandant, CISF , Bangalore Airport, on Thursday said that co petition among airlines to provide better service led to inter-airline rivalry , which in turn become a security concern. Banerjee, in his presentation at Aerodrome I 2005, said that inter-airline rivalry had be security threat as some airlines, in order more passengers, try to sabotage the boardin equipment of the rival aircraft.
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: India’s first international institute for aer space technologies and management will be se the City in 2007. Speaking to reporters at India - 2005 on Thursday , C G Krishnadas Society of Indian Aerospace T echnologies and Ind (SIA TI), said the institute will be set up cost of Rs 15 to 30 crore. "With the Indi industry making rapid strides and a number airlines making foray into the aviation sector , i institute similar to an air university is needed i An Airport Security Programme will be formul soon and will integrate various systems, inc video and biometric security systems, accordi S Sharma, director (security) Airports Author India. He said the programme will be implem across all airports in the country .
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VTN VIJAY TIMES NEWS
Bangalore: The Directorate General of Civil A viation (DGCA) is seriously looking at est lishing a regulatory mechanism allowing building-mounted helipads for helicopters, said Wg Cdr (Retd) C D U padhyay , HAL Chie T est Pilot. The trend, which is more commo in the W est, has ensured decreased traffic congestion and quick transportation of patients in emergencies. Establishing such helipads can also help in fast evacuation of people in event of natural disasters and quicker VVIP/VIP movement. In a presentation, Design and construction of helipads at Aerodrome India 2005, U padhyay , however , said the City planners should also think on these lines to facilit easy formulation of regulatory norms. The issues involved are serious considering the building-mounted helipads can be in thickly populated localities and need coordination from the City planners. He said that terrace helipads need clear space for landing and take-off and neighbouring structures should not hinder the approach path of helicopters and identifying such buildings will also need a thorough look. He said communication, lighting, fire-fighting systems and crash teams have to be in place in keeping with the set DGCA norms. Besides, ensuring that such operations are cost-effective will also pose a challenge, h said, adding that other factors like proximity to transport from the helipad and noise pollution in the locality will also need to be looked into.
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NIRAD MUDUR & B D NARAYANKAR
Bangalore: With the civil aviation sector set for a phenomenal boom, the industry is looking at several products and technologies that can cut costs to ensure profits. The Aerodrome India 2005 has attracted several firms which have come with their cost-cutting products/technologies, which are seriously being considered by the Indian civil aviation industry . A Al lt te er rn na at ti iv ve e t to o g gr ro ou un nd d t tr ra an ns s- p po or rt t: : Cavotec Fladung, a German firm, is in touch with the Civil A viation Ministry to install a path-breaking technology using a pop-up system near the parked aircraft for underground pipes and tunnels to supply across-the-board in-flight items. These items include 400 Hz power , pre-conditioned air , potable water , food, and a system to drain night soil and urine from used toilets after each flight. Cavotec export sales director Kai Fladung told V Vi ij ja ay y T Ti im me es s that the underground pipes and tunnels will replace a huge amount of ground support transport, ground transport emissions as well as manpower . This will eliminate huge costs, drastically cutting down fuel consumption through use of lorries, tankers and trucks that are generally used for this purpose. W Wa ak ke e t tu ur rb bu ul le en nc ce e d de et te ec ct to or r: : Bangalorebased National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has come up with a software, NAL W ake, to allo w the air traffic control (A TC) to detect turbulence caused by aeroplanes. NAL scientists said the software relays data on ho w much turbulence a plane causes in its wake while landing and ho w long it lasts. This allo ws the A TC personnel to immediately inform the pilot of the follo wing aircraft whether he can land or wait till the turbulence clears. This leads to significant fuel savings as the aircraft does not have to take off again on experiencing wake turbulence. M Mu ul lt ti i- -a ai ir rc cr ra af ft t d do oc ck ki in ng g s sy ys st te em m: : An U AE firm, Excel Industrial Co Ltd, has offered a multi-aircraft docking system which has attracted many a airline from India. The system is an extendable/collapsible rig specially used for stripping the aircraft for a major overhaul. Presently , such a process, termed ’dechecking’, is carried out by foreign companies and the aircraft has to be sent abroad. B Ba an ng ga al lo or re e: : U dyan Banerjee, Senior Commandant, CISF , Bangalore Airport, on Thursday said that co petition among airlines to provide better service led to inter-airline rivalry , which in turn become a security concern. Banerjee, in his presentation at Aerodrome I 2005, said that inter-airline rivalry had be security threat as some airlines, in order more passengers, try to sabotage the boardin equipment of the rival aircraft.
Show a toilet at home to get a driving licence!
VT, Nov 16, 2005
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: Possessing valid driving licence and other documents relating to road-use alone may not prevent you from being hauled up by the traffic police. T o get off their hook, you may have to produce a certificate of having a toilet at home. Funny? Why a ’certificate of having toilet at home’ for a vehicleuser , you may wonder . But yes, that may become part of road rules, if what the State government is contemplating materialises. In its bid to spread sanitation awareness among people and propagate the need for toilet facility in each house, the government has deemed it fit to make possession of toilet certificate obligatory . And what better way to begin this campaign than with the o wners of vehicles? In the case of new vehicles, the owners could be asked to produce the toilet-certificate along with other documents for registration at the R T offices. RDPR Minister Basavaraj Horatti told Vijay T imes that he had already discussed the proposal with Law Minister H K P atil and Advocate-General and explored whether a legislation to the effect could be enacted in the next session itself. The idea was mooted keeping in view particularly villages where even the rich, lavishing money on luxuries, did not feel it necessary to have toilet at home. A piece of legislation of this kind would go a long way in improving sanitary conditions in rural areas, he said and cited how most of the villagers, especially in north Karnataka, shamelessly defecated in the open. "The affluent have scooters, tractors, refrigerators, VCRs, TV sets and what not. But no toilet," he said. The government had, hence, thought of making toilet-certificate compulsory , to be issued by the respective gram panchayats, before registering their vehicles. "The move has legal implications. But there is no alternative to taking such a bold step ," Horatti said. He said the government had been providing an incentive of Rs 500 to the families belo w poverty line for construction of toilets. It had also planned to revive an earlier proposal to make toilet facility at home mandatory for those contesting panchayat elections, he said. The idea was mooted keeping in view particularly villages where even the rich, lavishing money on luxuries, did not feel it necessary to have toilet at home. A piece of legislation of this kind would go a long way in improving sanitary conditions in rural areas
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: Possessing valid driving licence and other documents relating to road-use alone may not prevent you from being hauled up by the traffic police. T o get off their hook, you may have to produce a certificate of having a toilet at home. Funny? Why a ’certificate of having toilet at home’ for a vehicleuser , you may wonder . But yes, that may become part of road rules, if what the State government is contemplating materialises. In its bid to spread sanitation awareness among people and propagate the need for toilet facility in each house, the government has deemed it fit to make possession of toilet certificate obligatory . And what better way to begin this campaign than with the o wners of vehicles? In the case of new vehicles, the owners could be asked to produce the toilet-certificate along with other documents for registration at the R T offices. RDPR Minister Basavaraj Horatti told Vijay T imes that he had already discussed the proposal with Law Minister H K P atil and Advocate-General and explored whether a legislation to the effect could be enacted in the next session itself. The idea was mooted keeping in view particularly villages where even the rich, lavishing money on luxuries, did not feel it necessary to have toilet at home. A piece of legislation of this kind would go a long way in improving sanitary conditions in rural areas, he said and cited how most of the villagers, especially in north Karnataka, shamelessly defecated in the open. "The affluent have scooters, tractors, refrigerators, VCRs, TV sets and what not. But no toilet," he said. The government had, hence, thought of making toilet-certificate compulsory , to be issued by the respective gram panchayats, before registering their vehicles. "The move has legal implications. But there is no alternative to taking such a bold step ," Horatti said. He said the government had been providing an incentive of Rs 500 to the families belo w poverty line for construction of toilets. It had also planned to revive an earlier proposal to make toilet facility at home mandatory for those contesting panchayat elections, he said. The idea was mooted keeping in view particularly villages where even the rich, lavishing money on luxuries, did not feel it necessary to have toilet at home. A piece of legislation of this kind would go a long way in improving sanitary conditions in rural areas
Metro rail project likely to be sidetracked Sindhia toes Deve Gowda's line, prefers mono rail
Vijay Times, Nov 12, 2005
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: Finance Minister P G R Sindhia s going on record claiming his rights to review the pros and cons of metro rail project including expenditure involved has created a storm in political circles as they suspect that Karnataka would deliberately play up the feasibility factor and communicate the project’s negative aspects to the Central government’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). Sindhia had said yesterday at a function that after reviewing the feasibility of metro project, the State government would submit its views on the issue to the Centre soon. According to secretariat sources, Sindhia would go all out to toe former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda’s line. In the recent past, Gowda had appealed in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that mono rail was a better option than metro rail. Sources said that the letter had made a considerable dent in the CCEA circles as it was in all likelihood considering Gowda’s option for mono rail. They also feared that the Centre’s plan to constitute a special committee to ascertain the best available technology would further delay the project. In fact, the construction work for the project was scheduled to start in March this year . Even if construction work begins at this point of time, the first stretch of the project could be completed only by the year 2010, sources contended. Cost overruns in the project were already to the tune of Rs 1,200 crore with increase from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 6,200 crore. These hurdles apart, there is a tussle between Railways and Karnataka. While Railways preferred to lay broad gauge for the proposed project, the metro authorities were craving for standard gauge, sources revealed. Similarly , sources said, the legal framework for metro project was not clear . Railways wanted to retain control over the project, while Karnataka wants it to be governed by its law . Experts say metro rail had a capacity to carry 45,000-50,000 passengers per hour , against mono rail s 10,000-12,000 passengers per hour . The project had been discussed by the Public Investment Board.
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: Finance Minister P G R Sindhia s going on record claiming his rights to review the pros and cons of metro rail project including expenditure involved has created a storm in political circles as they suspect that Karnataka would deliberately play up the feasibility factor and communicate the project’s negative aspects to the Central government’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). Sindhia had said yesterday at a function that after reviewing the feasibility of metro project, the State government would submit its views on the issue to the Centre soon. According to secretariat sources, Sindhia would go all out to toe former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda’s line. In the recent past, Gowda had appealed in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that mono rail was a better option than metro rail. Sources said that the letter had made a considerable dent in the CCEA circles as it was in all likelihood considering Gowda’s option for mono rail. They also feared that the Centre’s plan to constitute a special committee to ascertain the best available technology would further delay the project. In fact, the construction work for the project was scheduled to start in March this year . Even if construction work begins at this point of time, the first stretch of the project could be completed only by the year 2010, sources contended. Cost overruns in the project were already to the tune of Rs 1,200 crore with increase from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 6,200 crore. These hurdles apart, there is a tussle between Railways and Karnataka. While Railways preferred to lay broad gauge for the proposed project, the metro authorities were craving for standard gauge, sources revealed. Similarly , sources said, the legal framework for metro project was not clear . Railways wanted to retain control over the project, while Karnataka wants it to be governed by its law . Experts say metro rail had a capacity to carry 45,000-50,000 passengers per hour , against mono rail s 10,000-12,000 passengers per hour . The project had been discussed by the Public Investment Board.
No sign yet of Circuit Benches in N Karnataka
Vijay Times, Nov 6, 2005
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: People of north Karnataka have once again been taken for a ride by the State government. They were promised that the Circuit Benches of the High Court at Dharwad and Gulbarga would start functioning from Nov 1. But no work has started as yet at the locations chosen for the purpose. It was after prolonged battles spread over three decades that the people of both the regions had forced the government to decide on sanctioning the Circuit Benches a year ago and a promise that they would start functioning by Rajyotsava day . But there is no sign of the Benches making a beginning. PWD sources told Vijay Times that the land earmarked at W almi complex in Dharwad had not yet been handed over to it (PWD) to take up construction work. The Dharwad Bench is estimated to cost Rs 66 crore. Unless the land is transferred no work could be cleared and it was only after the department cleared the works that the Finance department would release Rs 20 crore for work, the sources said. Dharwad Bar Association is bracing up for yet another battle, with its president B D Hiremath having threatened to launch an agitation if government failed to make a beginning by at least renovating the present building, pending construction of permanent structure. North Karnataka people had lost faith in the government’s good intentions, he said. At Gulbarga, former legislator Hanumanthrao Desai blasted the government for failing to keep its words. He lamented that after the foundation was laid for the Rs 67 crore Bench complex on a 50 acre land no work had been started. Chief Minister Dharam Singh and Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash had promised that the Bench would start functioning temporarily at the district court complex and housing facilities would be provided to the judges at the Aiwan-eShahi guest house. ’’But now we find that Singh and Prakash have only hoodwinked the people. They should desist from such tendency and address themselves to creating the infrastructure for the Circuit Bench,’’ Desai said. Desai also threatened that the people would launch an agitation if the government delayed its commitment any more.
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: People of north Karnataka have once again been taken for a ride by the State government. They were promised that the Circuit Benches of the High Court at Dharwad and Gulbarga would start functioning from Nov 1. But no work has started as yet at the locations chosen for the purpose. It was after prolonged battles spread over three decades that the people of both the regions had forced the government to decide on sanctioning the Circuit Benches a year ago and a promise that they would start functioning by Rajyotsava day . But there is no sign of the Benches making a beginning. PWD sources told Vijay Times that the land earmarked at W almi complex in Dharwad had not yet been handed over to it (PWD) to take up construction work. The Dharwad Bench is estimated to cost Rs 66 crore. Unless the land is transferred no work could be cleared and it was only after the department cleared the works that the Finance department would release Rs 20 crore for work, the sources said. Dharwad Bar Association is bracing up for yet another battle, with its president B D Hiremath having threatened to launch an agitation if government failed to make a beginning by at least renovating the present building, pending construction of permanent structure. North Karnataka people had lost faith in the government’s good intentions, he said. At Gulbarga, former legislator Hanumanthrao Desai blasted the government for failing to keep its words. He lamented that after the foundation was laid for the Rs 67 crore Bench complex on a 50 acre land no work had been started. Chief Minister Dharam Singh and Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash had promised that the Bench would start functioning temporarily at the district court complex and housing facilities would be provided to the judges at the Aiwan-eShahi guest house. ’’But now we find that Singh and Prakash have only hoodwinked the people. They should desist from such tendency and address themselves to creating the infrastructure for the Circuit Bench,’’ Desai said. Desai also threatened that the people would launch an agitation if the government delayed its commitment any more.
Move to destroy seized liquor now raises a storm
Vijay Times, Nov 1, 2005
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: The circular issued by the excise department prior to zilla and taluk panchayat elections directing its officials to destroy confiscated Indian Made F oreign Liquor (IMFL) has raised a storm in political circles. They suspect that in the name of destroying liquor , the authorities concerned will divert and supply it to voters during the elections. The modus operandi to divert seized liquor is simple -- replace the bottles of seized liquor with new ones by filling them a peg each from the seized bottle and adding water into them before destroying. Many political leaders, cutting across party lines, are wary of the timing of the circular when election code had already been announced. ’’Usually , the excise department destroys seized liquor during MayJ une. Why does it want to do it no w? There is something fishy about it,’’ a Congress leader complained. Since the liquor was seized from distillers for not paying go vernment duties, it was not mandatory for the department to conduct chemical analysis for human consumption. ’’It therefore, becomes easy to divert liquor during elections. Government should take immediate steps to issue a new circular asking excise officials not to destroy it as elections are fast nearing,’’ another Congress leader said. Moreover , leaders contend that the excise department had not thought of auctioning the confiscated liquor that was seized two years ago . ’’Why government has not auctioned the liquor all this time, but doing it now . Authorities concerned should clarify ,’’ he said. He alleged that more than Rs 50 crore worth confiscated liquor would come into play during panchayat elections. Excise Commissioner D M N ayak told Vijay T imes that he was aware of the dangerous portents of destroying liquor during elections. ’’There is a necessity of issuing a new directive asking officials not to destroy seized liquor on the eve of elections,’’ he felt. Nayak dismissed the option of auctioning the seized liquor as the government had decided against doing it in the aftermath of Nelamangala hooch tragedy . It had decided to destroy seized liquor and auction emptied bottles, he informed.
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: The circular issued by the excise department prior to zilla and taluk panchayat elections directing its officials to destroy confiscated Indian Made F oreign Liquor (IMFL) has raised a storm in political circles. They suspect that in the name of destroying liquor , the authorities concerned will divert and supply it to voters during the elections. The modus operandi to divert seized liquor is simple -- replace the bottles of seized liquor with new ones by filling them a peg each from the seized bottle and adding water into them before destroying. Many political leaders, cutting across party lines, are wary of the timing of the circular when election code had already been announced. ’’Usually , the excise department destroys seized liquor during MayJ une. Why does it want to do it no w? There is something fishy about it,’’ a Congress leader complained. Since the liquor was seized from distillers for not paying go vernment duties, it was not mandatory for the department to conduct chemical analysis for human consumption. ’’It therefore, becomes easy to divert liquor during elections. Government should take immediate steps to issue a new circular asking excise officials not to destroy it as elections are fast nearing,’’ another Congress leader said. Moreover , leaders contend that the excise department had not thought of auctioning the confiscated liquor that was seized two years ago . ’’Why government has not auctioned the liquor all this time, but doing it now . Authorities concerned should clarify ,’’ he said. He alleged that more than Rs 50 crore worth confiscated liquor would come into play during panchayat elections. Excise Commissioner D M N ayak told Vijay T imes that he was aware of the dangerous portents of destroying liquor during elections. ’’There is a necessity of issuing a new directive asking officials not to destroy seized liquor on the eve of elections,’’ he felt. Nayak dismissed the option of auctioning the seized liquor as the government had decided against doing it in the aftermath of Nelamangala hooch tragedy . It had decided to destroy seized liquor and auction emptied bottles, he informed.
Will babus share official secrets with public?
Vijay Times, Sept 25, 2005
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: With bureaucrats being appointed to key posts for the implementation of the Right to Information (R TI) Act, social activists and NGOs have raised doubts about the Act serving its real purpose. Will these bureaucrats shed their typical colonial mindset and implement the R TI Act in right earnest, they ask. ’’V ery few will disagree that the bureaucracy has never been people-friendly . With their sole obsession being serving the interests of their political masters, their appointment to key posts for R TI Act implementation will be dangerous," said Rajashekhar Naikal, programme executive of Human and Institutional Development F orum. Recently , Ella Kannada V edike International (E-KA VI) had urged Governor T N Chaturvedi to remove K K Mishra as Information Commissioner , the topmost post in the State created under the Act. Mishra had been reprimanded by Karnataka High Court for deliberately withholding important facts and documents relating to Rs 2,250 crore BangaloreMysore Infrastructure Corridor project and making false statements in the affidavits. E-KA VI has held that an officer who had lied to the court could not be trusted with the top post. ’’If the government is serious about bringing transparency in administration, why should it appoint an officer who is not people-friendly? Why not a person committed to upholding the right of the people to access official information?" a social activist asked. It is in the backdrop of this generall prevalent feeling -- that the bureaucrats can never change their hearts -- that many do not expect the kind of revolutionary change in the governance as enunciated in the Act preamble. "F orget the common people, the bureaucrats may not share the information among themselves," argued another social activist. A leading journalist said appointment of bureaucrats would affect go vernment’s credibility . ’’The government should have, instead, evolved a separate mechanism by installing eminent persons from public life in key posts. The Act itself specifies that men of eminence, with knowledge and experience in law , science and technology , social service, management, media, administration and governance be appointed to the posts," he said. The National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (CPRTI) has also raised serious doubts about the intention of the governments vis-a-vis RTI Act. Naikal feels that R TI will remain just an extended wing of the go vernment if is stuffed with bureaucrats.
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: With bureaucrats being appointed to key posts for the implementation of the Right to Information (R TI) Act, social activists and NGOs have raised doubts about the Act serving its real purpose. Will these bureaucrats shed their typical colonial mindset and implement the R TI Act in right earnest, they ask. ’’V ery few will disagree that the bureaucracy has never been people-friendly . With their sole obsession being serving the interests of their political masters, their appointment to key posts for R TI Act implementation will be dangerous," said Rajashekhar Naikal, programme executive of Human and Institutional Development F orum. Recently , Ella Kannada V edike International (E-KA VI) had urged Governor T N Chaturvedi to remove K K Mishra as Information Commissioner , the topmost post in the State created under the Act. Mishra had been reprimanded by Karnataka High Court for deliberately withholding important facts and documents relating to Rs 2,250 crore BangaloreMysore Infrastructure Corridor project and making false statements in the affidavits. E-KA VI has held that an officer who had lied to the court could not be trusted with the top post. ’’If the government is serious about bringing transparency in administration, why should it appoint an officer who is not people-friendly? Why not a person committed to upholding the right of the people to access official information?" a social activist asked. It is in the backdrop of this generall prevalent feeling -- that the bureaucrats can never change their hearts -- that many do not expect the kind of revolutionary change in the governance as enunciated in the Act preamble. "F orget the common people, the bureaucrats may not share the information among themselves," argued another social activist. A leading journalist said appointment of bureaucrats would affect go vernment’s credibility . ’’The government should have, instead, evolved a separate mechanism by installing eminent persons from public life in key posts. The Act itself specifies that men of eminence, with knowledge and experience in law , science and technology , social service, management, media, administration and governance be appointed to the posts," he said. The National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (CPRTI) has also raised serious doubts about the intention of the governments vis-a-vis RTI Act. Naikal feels that R TI will remain just an extended wing of the go vernment if is stuffed with bureaucrats.
Futile attempt to revive a dead concept?
Vijay Times, Sept 25, 2005
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: At a time when the filmmakers are relying on outdoor shooting, and using even foreign locales extensively , the State Go vernment is strangely enough, rooting for a Film City at H esarghatta. The go vernment has constituted a committee, headed by noted film critic V N Subba Rao to study the viability of Film City project. A decision would be taken based on its report, Information Minister B Shivaram told Vijay T imes. I have asked the committee to submit the report in a month. Shivaram said the Film City would be developed on a 202-acre land at H esarghatta which is in possession of Karnataka Film Development Corporation (KFDC). The land earlier belonged to Animal Husbandry department and was leased to KFDC for 99 years in 1972. H e expected another 100 acres to be acquired for setting up ’science city’. Though the proposal was yet to be cleared, he hoped the go vernment might appro ve the science city since it would be an added attraction for the people. The proposal for a Film City is, ho wever , being strongly opposed by a section of Kannada filmdom. The film city concept they say has lost its relevance in the present day context since almost all film-makers are no w shooting abroad -- not just in S witzerland as was the case earlier , but anywhere from Russia to N ew Zealand, Greece to South Africa, Italy to Australia, Thailand to Mauritius. Shooting abroad has almost become a status symbol for Kannada film-makers. F or instance, most of U pendra’s block busters like ’Raktakanneeru’ and ’Preetse’ were shot extensively in Australia, N ew Zealand and Europe. This being the case, it will be difficult for Film City to earn profit. There is much to learn from Ramoji Rao film city which, though Asia’s largest (spread o ver 2,000 acres), is losing its relevance. The condition of government-owned film cities in Chennai, M umbai and Bhubaneshwar is still worse,’’ the sources said. It is also a kno wn fact that, for want of response from film-makers, Ramoji Rao is seriously considering converting his film city into a tourist destination. H o wever , producer of famous Kannada film Bangarada Manushya Laxman differs. The Film City , he said, was not for earning profit but to promote Kannada films. H o w long will the film-makers shoot abroad? It is very costly proposition. The film city will survive If the go vernment extends all help . he said. P anel formed to study feasibility of Film City Planned in 202 acres in Hesarghatta Shooting abroad has become a status symbol
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: At a time when the filmmakers are relying on outdoor shooting, and using even foreign locales extensively , the State Go vernment is strangely enough, rooting for a Film City at H esarghatta. The go vernment has constituted a committee, headed by noted film critic V N Subba Rao to study the viability of Film City project. A decision would be taken based on its report, Information Minister B Shivaram told Vijay T imes. I have asked the committee to submit the report in a month. Shivaram said the Film City would be developed on a 202-acre land at H esarghatta which is in possession of Karnataka Film Development Corporation (KFDC). The land earlier belonged to Animal Husbandry department and was leased to KFDC for 99 years in 1972. H e expected another 100 acres to be acquired for setting up ’science city’. Though the proposal was yet to be cleared, he hoped the go vernment might appro ve the science city since it would be an added attraction for the people. The proposal for a Film City is, ho wever , being strongly opposed by a section of Kannada filmdom. The film city concept they say has lost its relevance in the present day context since almost all film-makers are no w shooting abroad -- not just in S witzerland as was the case earlier , but anywhere from Russia to N ew Zealand, Greece to South Africa, Italy to Australia, Thailand to Mauritius. Shooting abroad has almost become a status symbol for Kannada film-makers. F or instance, most of U pendra’s block busters like ’Raktakanneeru’ and ’Preetse’ were shot extensively in Australia, N ew Zealand and Europe. This being the case, it will be difficult for Film City to earn profit. There is much to learn from Ramoji Rao film city which, though Asia’s largest (spread o ver 2,000 acres), is losing its relevance. The condition of government-owned film cities in Chennai, M umbai and Bhubaneshwar is still worse,’’ the sources said. It is also a kno wn fact that, for want of response from film-makers, Ramoji Rao is seriously considering converting his film city into a tourist destination. H o wever , producer of famous Kannada film Bangarada Manushya Laxman differs. The Film City , he said, was not for earning profit but to promote Kannada films. H o w long will the film-makers shoot abroad? It is very costly proposition. The film city will survive If the go vernment extends all help . he said. P anel formed to study feasibility of Film City Planned in 202 acres in Hesarghatta Shooting abroad has become a status symbol
TN now locks horns over Shivasamudram power
Vijay Times, Sept 24, 2005
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: T amil Nadu is back to its favourite game of demanding a ’ransom’ from Karnataka by claiming a share in the po wer to be generated at Shivasamudram hydel station as a price for giving its consent to the project taken up by National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC). Shivasamudram hydel station is one of a chain of four po wer generation units being taken up in two phases by the NHPC, the other three being at Hogenekal, Mekedatu and Rasaimanal. While Shivasamudram is in the Karnataka territory , Rasaimanal is in T amil Nadu and the other two are on the borders. Consent of both the states is mandatory for implementation of the projects. Karnataka had given its consent in good faith. But T amil Nadu has chosen to toe a billigerant line by staking claim for its ’pound iof flesh’ in Shivasamudram power to give its consent though it was made clear from the beginning that po wer generated here would be exclusively for Karnataka. Irked by T amil Nadu’s ’unjust’ claim, the Karnataka government has decided to bring it before the Cabinet where a tough stand is expected. In retaliation, Karnataka has already reversed its consent given earlier and opposed the H ogenekal project, as the po wer generated there is meant for only T amil Nadu, sources told Vijay T imes. State F orest officials alleged that T amil Nadu was deliberately insisting on NHPC to take up all four projects simultaneously , treating them as part of a comprehensive project, knowing it would cause great harm to Karnataka’s forest wealth and biodiversity . Karnataka had suggested to the Centre that the projects be taken up in two phases to save to the extent possible its forest wealth, which otherwise would be submerged in water if the projects are taken up simultaneously . Karnataka had consented to the Rasaminal project despite the huge loss it would cause to its forest wealth. Now , it would oppose the (Rasaimanal) project if T amil Nadu continued with its adamant claim for a share of Shivasamudram power , the official said.
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: T amil Nadu is back to its favourite game of demanding a ’ransom’ from Karnataka by claiming a share in the po wer to be generated at Shivasamudram hydel station as a price for giving its consent to the project taken up by National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC). Shivasamudram hydel station is one of a chain of four po wer generation units being taken up in two phases by the NHPC, the other three being at Hogenekal, Mekedatu and Rasaimanal. While Shivasamudram is in the Karnataka territory , Rasaimanal is in T amil Nadu and the other two are on the borders. Consent of both the states is mandatory for implementation of the projects. Karnataka had given its consent in good faith. But T amil Nadu has chosen to toe a billigerant line by staking claim for its ’pound iof flesh’ in Shivasamudram power to give its consent though it was made clear from the beginning that po wer generated here would be exclusively for Karnataka. Irked by T amil Nadu’s ’unjust’ claim, the Karnataka government has decided to bring it before the Cabinet where a tough stand is expected. In retaliation, Karnataka has already reversed its consent given earlier and opposed the H ogenekal project, as the po wer generated there is meant for only T amil Nadu, sources told Vijay T imes. State F orest officials alleged that T amil Nadu was deliberately insisting on NHPC to take up all four projects simultaneously , treating them as part of a comprehensive project, knowing it would cause great harm to Karnataka’s forest wealth and biodiversity . Karnataka had suggested to the Centre that the projects be taken up in two phases to save to the extent possible its forest wealth, which otherwise would be submerged in water if the projects are taken up simultaneously . Karnataka had consented to the Rasaminal project despite the huge loss it would cause to its forest wealth. Now , it would oppose the (Rasaimanal) project if T amil Nadu continued with its adamant claim for a share of Shivasamudram power , the official said.
Right to Information Act needs to be people-friend
Vijay Times, Sept 20
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: There have been representations galore urging the government to review the draft rules framed under the recentlypassed Right to Information Act. Letters to the effect have been flooding the office of Department for Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DP AR). The draft rules were published on Sept 2. Many social activists have their objections listed and would soon meet officials concerned. Several fora have also sought reconsideration of the rules, especially the one relating to payment of Rs 100 by way of fee with application for information. ’’The Act is good. But the rules discourage economically poor to get the benefits of Right to Information Act. The failure of the government to provide easy means of securing information has made the Act unfriendly ," according to a social activist. Though the official explanation is that levying of fee is to check bogus applications, many find no reason in government proposing Rs 5 per page of information on A4 size paper , Rs 25 per floppy along with a replacement floppy and Rs 25 per CD along with a replacement CD . According to DP AR under secretary (’Janaspandana’ cell) K R Badiger , persons belonging to below poverty line (BPL) could claim exemption from payment of fees. No fee had been proposed in the case of maps, plans, reports, partial records and technical data. The government had left it to the information officers to fix reasonable fees. Social activists have pointed out number of areas which the rules had not covered. For instance, rules do not provide details of form in which information is to be applied for nor do they elaborate procedure of payment, processing of application and disposal of appeals. However , a good thing the government had done was to appoint an experienced bureaucrat like K K Mishra as chief information commissioner in the State to implement the Act, said the activists. Badiger lauded the Act for arming the chief information commissioner with powers to impose fine of Rs 250 per day on officials delaying information sought beyond 30 days.
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: There have been representations galore urging the government to review the draft rules framed under the recentlypassed Right to Information Act. Letters to the effect have been flooding the office of Department for Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DP AR). The draft rules were published on Sept 2. Many social activists have their objections listed and would soon meet officials concerned. Several fora have also sought reconsideration of the rules, especially the one relating to payment of Rs 100 by way of fee with application for information. ’’The Act is good. But the rules discourage economically poor to get the benefits of Right to Information Act. The failure of the government to provide easy means of securing information has made the Act unfriendly ," according to a social activist. Though the official explanation is that levying of fee is to check bogus applications, many find no reason in government proposing Rs 5 per page of information on A4 size paper , Rs 25 per floppy along with a replacement floppy and Rs 25 per CD along with a replacement CD . According to DP AR under secretary (’Janaspandana’ cell) K R Badiger , persons belonging to below poverty line (BPL) could claim exemption from payment of fees. No fee had been proposed in the case of maps, plans, reports, partial records and technical data. The government had left it to the information officers to fix reasonable fees. Social activists have pointed out number of areas which the rules had not covered. For instance, rules do not provide details of form in which information is to be applied for nor do they elaborate procedure of payment, processing of application and disposal of appeals. However , a good thing the government had done was to appoint an experienced bureaucrat like K K Mishra as chief information commissioner in the State to implement the Act, said the activists. Badiger lauded the Act for arming the chief information commissioner with powers to impose fine of Rs 250 per day on officials delaying information sought beyond 30 days.
Shiv Sena trying to woo BJP legislators
Vijay Times, Sept 11, 2005
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: Even as State BJP unit is recovering from the split-threat following party strongman B S Y ediyurappa’s efforts to join hands with JDS for an alternate government, the party appears to be heading for another crisis.
The Shiv Sena is making all out efforts to rope in BJP MLAs. T op Shiv Sena leaders in the State told Vijay T imes that they had been in constant touch with many BJP MLAs, all proHindutva fire-brands. They claimed that legislators like Appu P attanshetty (Bijapur), Abhay P atil (Bagewadi), Sunil K umar (Karkala), C T Ravi (Chikmagalur), Raju Kage (Kagwad), Suresh Marihal (Kittur) and Shashikant Naik (Hukkeri) whom they had approached "had shown interest and appreciated Shiv Sena’s Hindutva ideology .’’
The Shiv Sena leaders expressed confidence of BJP legislators joining their party "at an opportune moment". ’’There is no other option for them but to join our party . They have won because of our support. They know they cannot win election without Bajrang Dal and VHP support,’’ they said. The announcement of Bajrang Dal and VHP’s support to Shiv Sena’s ’Hindu rastra’ concept had sent shivers down the spine of some BJP leaders.
’’They are fully aware that they won the election because of Hindutva agenda. The party’s newfound love for ’secularism’ triggered by L K Advani’s pro-Jinnah pronouncements in P akistan would take it (BJP) no where, the Shiv Sena leaders claimed.
Shiv Sena was consolidating its strength in North Karnataka districts of Bagalkot, Bijapur , Haveri, Hubli-Dharwad and Belgaum. The party had established its base in the State by winning two seats in Belgaum City Corporation and the deputy mayor’s post, State Shiv Sena president Pramod M utalik said. ’’N ext mayor will be from our party ,’’ said Vilas P awar , a close associate of M utalik.
The State BJP leaders, however , pooh-pooh Shiva Sena’s claims. Abhay P atil, MLA denied that anyone had approached him for joining the party . ’’Why should I join it? I am what I am because of BJP . I cannot betray it. Even if Shiv Sena approaches me I will say no to it,’’ he said.
BJP sources asserted that though Shiv Sena had approached the legislators, none of them would desert the party . ’’If the MLAs join the Shiv Sena, they will have no future. Shiv Sena is yet to grow in Karnataka.’’
Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray plans to visit the State in November and address a public rally at Hubli. All-out effort to rope in BJP MLAs Pro-Hindutva legislators made target Consolidating in NK districts T wo seats in Belgaum city corpn & Dy Mayor s post BJP leaders confident no one will leave Bal Thackeray visiting State in Nov.
B D Narayankar
Bangalore: Even as State BJP unit is recovering from the split-threat following party strongman B S Y ediyurappa’s efforts to join hands with JDS for an alternate government, the party appears to be heading for another crisis.
The Shiv Sena is making all out efforts to rope in BJP MLAs. T op Shiv Sena leaders in the State told Vijay T imes that they had been in constant touch with many BJP MLAs, all proHindutva fire-brands. They claimed that legislators like Appu P attanshetty (Bijapur), Abhay P atil (Bagewadi), Sunil K umar (Karkala), C T Ravi (Chikmagalur), Raju Kage (Kagwad), Suresh Marihal (Kittur) and Shashikant Naik (Hukkeri) whom they had approached "had shown interest and appreciated Shiv Sena’s Hindutva ideology .’’
The Shiv Sena leaders expressed confidence of BJP legislators joining their party "at an opportune moment". ’’There is no other option for them but to join our party . They have won because of our support. They know they cannot win election without Bajrang Dal and VHP support,’’ they said. The announcement of Bajrang Dal and VHP’s support to Shiv Sena’s ’Hindu rastra’ concept had sent shivers down the spine of some BJP leaders.
’’They are fully aware that they won the election because of Hindutva agenda. The party’s newfound love for ’secularism’ triggered by L K Advani’s pro-Jinnah pronouncements in P akistan would take it (BJP) no where, the Shiv Sena leaders claimed.
Shiv Sena was consolidating its strength in North Karnataka districts of Bagalkot, Bijapur , Haveri, Hubli-Dharwad and Belgaum. The party had established its base in the State by winning two seats in Belgaum City Corporation and the deputy mayor’s post, State Shiv Sena president Pramod M utalik said. ’’N ext mayor will be from our party ,’’ said Vilas P awar , a close associate of M utalik.
The State BJP leaders, however , pooh-pooh Shiva Sena’s claims. Abhay P atil, MLA denied that anyone had approached him for joining the party . ’’Why should I join it? I am what I am because of BJP . I cannot betray it. Even if Shiv Sena approaches me I will say no to it,’’ he said.
BJP sources asserted that though Shiv Sena had approached the legislators, none of them would desert the party . ’’If the MLAs join the Shiv Sena, they will have no future. Shiv Sena is yet to grow in Karnataka.’’
Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray plans to visit the State in November and address a public rally at Hubli. All-out effort to rope in BJP MLAs Pro-Hindutva legislators made target Consolidating in NK districts T wo seats in Belgaum city corpn & Dy Mayor s post BJP leaders confident no one will leave Bal Thackeray visiting State in Nov.
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