Regional

Hyderabad, May 7 (IANS) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati on Sunday announced that party's Telangana unit President and former IPS officer R.S. Praveen Kumar will be the chief ministerial candidate of the party.

Addressing a public meeting here, she declared that if the BSP is voted to power in Telangana, Praveen Kumar will be the Chief Minister.

She said after taking voluntary retirement from the Indian Police Service (IPS), he had been working with missionary zeal to strengthen the party in Telangana. She hoped that he would take very good care of people like the BSP did in Uttar Pradesh when it was in power.

Mayawati appealed to people to bring her party to power in Telangana in the elections scheduled in next few months and also give the most number of Lok Sabha seats from the state to the BSP in the elections to be held next year.

She said if SCs, STs, OBCs, Muslims and other minorities and other weaker sections want a life of dignity and want to liberate themselves from oppression, they should bring the BSP to power.

Taking a dig at Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao for his call for amending the Constitution, the BSP leader urged people to throw Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) out of power. She said the government which is talking of changing the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, should be thrown out of power.

Mayawati did not agree that BSP is weakening in Uttar Pradesh. "You may be wondering why the BSP is weakening in Uttar Pradesh but it is not weakening. As long as elections were held with ballot paper, our party grew in popularity but when EVMs were introduced, we lost our votes due to manipulation in EVMs," she claimed.

The BSP leader also alleged that in states where the BJP is growing strong, conspiracies are being hatched to split the votes of Dalits and weaker sections by floating smaller parties.

Mayawati also took potshots at Chief Minister KCR for trying to copy BSP to promise land for Dalits. "He promised 3 acres of free land but did not implement it," she said.

She also alleged that for the sake of votes, KCR named the State Secretariat after Babasaheb Ambedkar government building and installed his tallest statue.

She recalled that when Telangana people were fighting for their own state, the BSP was the first party to raise its voice in Parliament in their support and it also supported the Bill brought in Parliament for creation of the state.

Mayawati said that the weaker sections, Dalits, tribals, backward, youth and unemployed in Telangana were hit by irregularities in recruitment. She alleged that the state government is trying to suppress the voice raised against these irregularities.

The BSP leader also questioned the silence of Chief Minister over the release of a convict in the murder of slain Dalit IAS officer G. Krishnaiah.

She was referring to the release ofAformer MP Anand Mohan Singh by the Bihar government.

The gangster-turned-politician, who had instigated the bureaucrat's lynching in 1994 and was sentenced life imprisonment, was recently released from jail after Bihar government tweaked the rules.

Mayawati said BSP raised its voice against the release of the convict and demanded justice for the family of the slain officer.

--IANS
ms/vd

Thiruvananthapuram, May 7 (IANS) Kerala Police will be deploying 'shadow police' at film shooting sites, following several complaints by producers and technicians that drug abuse was rampant among young actors in the Malayalam film industry.

The producers association of Kerala has recently said that two young actors were reportedly using drugs on a regular basis and many other stars were also involved in this.

Association leaders told press persons a few days ago that these two young actors were highly irregular on sets and do not honour their contracts.

Producer association's former President G. Suresh Kumar told media persons that they would not point out the actors but police were free to take action on this issue "which was killing the Malayalam film industry".

It remains to be seen whether the state police would conduct a massive inspection in all the shooting sites across the state.

--IANS
aal/vd

New Delhi, May 7 (IANS) Of the 384 candidates contesting for 28 assembly seats in Karnataka's Bengaluru region, 92 have declared criminal cases against themselves with 57 of them (cases) with serious charges, according to a new report.

As per the Karnataka Election Watch, Bengaluru Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), which analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 384 out of 389 candidates, who are contesting in the 28 constituencies of Bengaluru region in the Karnataka Assembly elections, 92 candidates, which is 24 per cent of the total candidates analysed have declared criminal cases against themselves.

The report also stated that there are 57 candidates, which is 15 per cent of the 384 candidates, with serious criminal cases against themselves.

The report stated that among the major parties,14 (50 per cent) out of 28 candidates analysed from BJP, 19 (70 per cent) out of 27 candidates analysed from Congress, 9 (38 per cent) out of 24 candidates analysed from JD-S and 9 (32 per cent) out of 28 candidates analysed from AAP have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Meanwhile, BJP's nine candidates, which is 32 per cent of the 28 candidates analysed, have serious criminal cases.

Congress' 10 candidates, which is 37 per cent out of 27 candidates analysed, 8 (33 per cent) out of 24 candidates analysed from JD(S) and one (4 per cent) out of 28 candidates analysed from AAP have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

The report pointed out that five candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women, while four candidates have declared cases related to murder (IPC Section-302) against themselves.

In the Karnataka Assembly polls for 32 Bengaluru assembly seats, nine candidates have declared cases related to attempt to murder (IPC Section-307) against themselves.

Polling for the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will take place on May 10 and counting of votes will take place on May 13.

--IANS
aks/pgh

Chennai, May 7 (IANS) Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) general secretary TTV Dhinakaran on Sunday said the DMK government has failed to maintain law and order situation in the state in the last two years since it came to power,

The AMMK leader who is a former MLA and the nephew of expelled AIADMK interim general secretary, V.K. Sasikala, lashed out at the government for the delay in investigating the Kodanad murder cum heist case, Sterlite police firing case and Pollachi sexual assault case.

In a six-page letter, on the DMK government's second anniversary, he questioned the government over its failure to abolish NEET in Tamil Nadu, which was a poll promise.

Dhinakaran said: "They said that they will strike down NEET with a single signature and they know how to achieve it. Two years have been completed after they came to power and nothing happened."

He also expressed concern over the increase in honour killings in the state ever since the DMK government assumed office.

The AMMK leader also lashed out against senior ministers for their disrespectful attitude towards women who were using free bus pass services.

TTV Dhinakaran said that the DMK government has been betraying the fishermen community ever since the Katchatheevu island handing over incident. He added that fishermen from the state were facing physical assault and intimidation by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The former MLA also lashed out against the Rs 80 crore project of Pen Monument in the name of late Kalignar Karunanidhi at the Marina beach overlooking stringent opposition from environmentalists and fishermen community.

He wondered "how the Tamil Nadu government got such swift approval from the Central government for the project".

--IANS
aal/pgh

Bengaluru, May 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday criticised the Congress in his last public rally in Karnataka ahead of assembly polls scheduled to be held on May 10, saying the grand old party has insulted Lingayats, OBCs and also Bajrangbali (Lord Hanuman).

Addressing a massive crowd in Nanjangud of Mysuru district, PM Modi said: "Do not believe in the bundle of lies by Congress. This is going to be my last speech in Karnataka before the Assembly elections. I thank all Kannada people from my heart for supporting me. All should participate in the festival of elections. Your vote will give new direction to the state and nation."

PM Modi said that the BJP is striving for the welfare of all people.

"All people including those belonging to the Hakki-Pikki community have been brought back to India safely from Sudan. Congress has played politics in this crisis. Modi is there for you. We will take any required step to defend the country. We will not hesitate in taking any bold step," PM Modi said.

He said that the Congress was insulting those who took part in the freedom struggle of India.

"Crores of Kannada people are insulted. 'Rashtra Kavi' Kuvempu described Karnataka as the daughter of India. But the Congress has adopted a divide and rule policy. I never thought the Congress would indulge in such cheap tactics to come to power," he said.

He said that "India is in the second position in mobile production in the world".

"Many big companies have come to Karnataka. Branded mobiles are produced in Karnataka. This is a matter of pride for the state. But for JD-S and Congress, it is not a matter of pride," he said.

The Prime Minister further said that to create a history and to make the state (Karnataka) number one in the country, the state assembly elections are significant.

"People believe in double engine government. There is only one conviction in all corners of the state that this time, the majority BJP government will come to power," PM Modi said.

--IANS
mka/pgh

New Delhi, May 7 (IANS) With just few days left for the crucial Assembly polls in Karnataka, a new opinion poll predicted that the Congress may emerge as the single largest party in the southern state but may fall eight seats short of a clear majority.

According to the India TV-CNX opinion poll, telecast on the news channel on Sunday, the Congress may win 105 seats in the 224-seat Assembly, while the ruling BJP may win 85 seats, followed by Janata Dal-Secular which may win 32 seats.

The opinion poll predicted that 'others' may win two seats.

In the 2018 elections, the BJP had won 104, the Congress 80, the JD-S 37, and 'Others' had won three seats.

As per the vote share projections, Congress may get 40.32 per cent, the BJP may get 35.5 per cent, the JD-S 17.81 per cent, and 'others' may get 6.37 per cent.

In the 2018 elections, the Congress had got 38.04 per cent, the BJP had got 36.22 per cent, the JD-S 18.36 per cent and 'Others' had got 7.38 per cent votes.

The opinion poll also predicted that caste and community wise projections show, the Congress may get 75.3 per cent of Kuruba votes, 15.11 per cent Lingayat votes, 17.57 per cent Vokkaliga votes, 40.56 per cent of SC votes, 34.58 per cent of OBC votes, 42.35 per cent of ST votes, and a whopping 78 per cent of Muslim votes.

On the other hand, the BJP may get 15.14 per cent Kuruba votes, a whopping 75.8 per cent Lingayat votes, 17.39 per cent Vokkaliga votes, 39.6 per cent SC votes, 51.7 per cent OBC votes, 32.18 per cent ST votes and only 2.07 per cent Muslim votes.

The projection show the JD-S may get 56 per cent Vokkaliga votes.

The India TV-CNX poll projections region-wise show also predicted that the BJP and the Congress may share 15 seats each in Greater Bengaluru area (32 seats total), while the JD-S) may get two.

In Central Karnataka's 21 seats, the BJP may win 13 and Congress eight seats.

The Congress may sweep the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, winning 32 of the 40 seats, while the BJP may win six and the JD-S two.

In Old Mysore's 62 seats, the Congress may win 26 seats, the JD-S may win 28, and the BJP only seven seats. 'Others' may win the remaining one seat.

In coastal Karnataka having 19 seats, the BJP may win 15 and the Congress 4.

In the Bombay Karnataka region having 50 seats, the BJP may win 29, the Congress may win 20 and 'Others' may win one seat.A

The opinion poll survey findings also showed that Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah still remains the first choice for the top post, leading the list with 32.2 per cent votes, while 26.83 per cent favouring incumbent Basavaraj Bommai as Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, 16.37 per cent opted for JD-S leader and former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy, while 10.97 per cent favoured BJP leader and former CM B.S. Yeddyurappa and only seven per cent preferred Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar for the Chief Ministerial post.

The opinion poll survey was carried out by CNX among 11,200 respondents (5,620 males and 5,580 females) in 112 out of a total of 224 seats. The respondents were selected randomly keeping in view demographic, professional and migration dimensions.

Polling for the Karnataka Assembly is scheduled on May 10 and counting of votes will take place on May 13.

--IANS
aks/vd

Bengaluru, May 7 (IANS) Criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said the double engine government of the BJP -- in Centre and Karnataka, have indulged in "double loot".

Addressing a huge gathering, he said "the BJP government in Karnataka has broken the world record for corruption".

"In Manipur, people are dying due to violence. In spite of that, the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister are behaving as if they are not bothered and concerned about the development. This is the result of the politics of hatred. We conducted Bharat Jodo Yatra against this ideology," Rahul Gandhi said.

He claimed that "PM Modi has information on corruption in the state and even small children know about it".

"Mr. Prime Minister, what is the share in the bribe of 40 per cent commission taken by either of the engines in the double engine governments?" the former Congress president questioned.

"PM Modi who gives a list of criticisms against him should first tell you what action he has initiated to stop corruption in the state. How many have been sent to jail in this regard?

"I asked a question about business tycoon Gautam Adani about his relation with you (PM Modi). They disqualified and sent me out of Lok Sabha for questioning corruption," he said.

The Congress leader further said that PM Modi has given a 'gate pass' to former CM B.S. Yediyurappa and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai from his roadshows.

"PM Modi will only worry about himself and look down on others. He must be knowing that Yediyurappa and Bommai are corrupt and trying to hide them from people. No action has been taken in three years, he said.

"This BJP government likes the number 40. For four years, they used the number 40 at all levels (referring to 40 per cent commission allegation). People in Karnataka should give them only 40 seats, he said.

Addressing the gathering, he added: "You have to give Congress a minimum of 150 seats. If numbers are less, again they (BJP) will try to steal the government."

--IANS
mka/pgh

Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka), May 7 (IANS) Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday cautioned people that if they vote for the BJP in the Karnataka elections, its leaders will "loot them".

Addressing a massive crowd in Moodbidri town, Priyanka Gandhi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders who come to the state do not speak about local issues and the people.

"Instead, they talk about themselves. If you vote for them, they won't do your work. They will loot you.

"If they (BJP) had done good work, PM Modi would not have come here and given a list of abuses. He would have given the list of achievements. He would have given the list of how many schools were opened, how many jobs were created and how much development is achieved? They have done nothing to talk about," she said.

"That's why, they try to get your attention by raking up caste and religion and covering up their failures," she added.

"You (people) decide on whether to elect a corrupt leader or best leader. If you want a good government, you have to focus on the election and cast your vote carefully," she appealed.

"The Congress will develop secondary cities at par with Bengaluru and create jobs. There is going to be a rise in the production of electric vehicles in future. The manufacturing units will be established in Karnataka and we will prove to you how an honest government will deliver its promises."

Attacking the BJP, Priyanka Gandhi accused it of destroying, instead of creating job opportunities. The Congress after studying the problems of the people has decided to return the money of the people looted by BJP, and the party would fill up 2.90 lakh vacancies lying vacant, she assured.

"The BJP is trying to merge Nandini with Amul. If it happens, it will have a direct impact on 1 crore people of Karnataka. The BJP is not at all thinking about it. They are busy thinking of looting," she claimed.

--IANS
mka/vd

Hyderabad, May 7 (IANS) The stage is set for Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's maiden public rally and meeting in Telangana.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary will lead a rally and address a public meeting at Saroornagar stadium on Monday.

This is her maiden political visit to Telangana since the state's formation in 2014.

The Congress leader is scheduled to address the public meeting over the problems of unemployed youth and students in the state. She will announce youth declaration.

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka told reporters on Sunday that Congress Bharosa Sabha is aimed at giving an assurance to the youth.

He said the party would announce what it plans to do for the unemployed after coming to power in the state.

He said justice should be done to youth in Telangana which was achieved with their struggle and sacrifice.

Bhatti Vikramarka said if voted to power in Telangana, the Congress party would provide jobs to the unemployed and also provide houses for the poor.

The Congress leader alleged that the state government was playing with the careers and lives of 30 lakh unemployed youth and students.

Priyanka Gandhi will arrive in Hyderabad after completing the election campaign in Karnataka.

She will lead a rally from the statue of Srikanth Chari, who sacrificed his life for Telangana. It will cover about 2 km to reach Saroornagar stadium where the public meeting will take place.

The opposition party has made arrangements to mobilise large number of people for the meeting which is being held in the wake of Telangana Public Service Commission (TSPSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) paper leak cases.

Congress leaders alleged that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government headed by Chief Minister KCR was least bothered about the TSPSC paper leak case and the future of 30 lakh educated unemployed youth.

--IANS
ms/pgh

Bhubaneswar, May 7 (IANS) A man was arrested on the charges of extorting money from several government officials by impersonating as a vigilance officer in Odisha's Puri district.

The special task force (STF) of the state police arrested Manoj Kumar Majhi on Saturday.

Majhi has demanded Rs 1 crore from the complainant (an additional chief engineer) as well as other persons by impersonating as SP.

Based on the complaint, the STF conducted a raid in Majhi's village Phulbari and arrested him, a STF official said here on Sunday.

During interrogation, the accused admitted that he was trying to extort money from at least 15 government officials as well as some contractors impersonating himself as a senior vigilance officer.

The STF suspected that the accused had cheated some persons promising to arrange government jobs too, the official said.

Majhi has Ph.D degree from Sambalpur University.

--IANS
bbm/svn/