&w=3840&q=100)
Karnataka HC stays BJP's defamation case over ads against CM Siddaramaiah
Siddaramaiah is one of several Congress leaders accused in the case, which centres on claims made in political advertisements during the 2023 Assembly election campaign.
The High Court had earlier awarded interim relief to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and DK Shivakumar, as well as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
Justice SR Krishna Kumar stayed the trial court's proceedings against Siddaramaiah and combined his petition to quash the case with those filed by the other accused. The court also issued a notice to the BJP, seeking its response to Siddaramaiah's plea, Bar and Bench reported.
Case alleges derogatory remarks in Congress ads
The defamation complaint was filed against the Indian National Congress (INC), KPCC, and several party leaders. The BJP has alleged that the Congress was responsible for publishing advertisements containing defamatory remarks about its governance during 2019–2023.
According to the complaint, the ads accused the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government of widespread corruption, referring to it as a '40 per cent commission sarkar'. The term suggested that commissions were demanded in return for awarding public works contracts, procurement deals, and even for Covid-19 related supplies.
The controversial advertisements further alleged that the BJP-led government looted around ₹1,500 crore through corrupt means. They also claimed a system of 'score cards' and 'rate cards' was in place — allegedly referring to bribes for government jobs and postings.
Similar '40 per cent' allegation was also reportedly made by Rahul Gandhi during a public speech. The High Court is now examining all related petitions, and a final decision on whether to quash the case is awaited.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
'It is difficult to find ... ': DK Shivakumar's 'chair' remark sparks fresh buzz; day after Siddaramaiah's leadership change denial
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar (Image credits: PTI) NEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday triggered fresh political speculation with a cryptic comment involving "chairs" just a day after chief minister Siddaramaiah dismissed any possibility of a leadership change and reaffirmed that he would serve a full term. Shivakumar made a metaphor-laced statement that drew attention while speaking at the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations organised by the Bangalore Bar Association. "There are so many chairs, come and sit. It is difficult to find a chair. When you find a chair, you have to come and sit on the raft," he said, addressing a gathering of lawyers. "If you look at yourself, you all look like tyagis (those who renounce)," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The remark, delivered with a touch of humour, is being widely interpreted as a veiled reference to the ongoing buzz around a potential power shift in Karnataka, an issue that has resurfaced despite repeated denials from the Congress high command. "It seems many of you are very sacrificial by nature. Such a good building has been made with great chairs, make use of the opportunities when you get them," he added. The light-hearted remarks were seen by many as a veiled reference to the long-rumoured power-sharing arrangement within the ruling Congress, under which Shivakumar was expected to succeed Siddaramaiah halfway through the five-year term. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Prijenosni laserski pištolji za zavarivanje, 50% popusta Saznajte više Undo Reports of such an informal agreement have persisted since the Congress formed the government in May 2023, with speculation that Siddaramaiah would lead for the first two-and-a-half years before Shivakumar took over. However, both leaders have publicly denied any such deal. During the event, Shivakumar also announced several initiatives to support the Bar Association, including the allocation of 10 acres of land, financial assistance, and annual awards in the name of Kempegowda. He said that the Greater Bangalore Authority (GBA) would provide Rs 5 crore for the association's development, and Rs 5 lakh annually would be allocated for Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations. Additionally, two lawyers will be honored each year with the Kempegowda Award. Speaking about infrastructure, Shivakumar mentioned that the solar grid system for the association's building would be inspected within a week. On the issue of land, he promised 10 acres of revenue land, depending on availability, and encouraged the association to identify suitable land within 20 km of the city for the government to allocate. Reaffirming the state's commitment to Kempegowda's legacy, Shivakumar highlighted the role of the Greater Bangalore Authority in preserving the founder's vision. He also announced plans for a Rs 1 lakh crore investment in upcoming urban development projects in Bengaluru, with cooperation from the governor and opposition leaders. He emphasised Kempegowda's planning and contribution to Bengaluru's early growth, saying, "Bangalore is not a planned city. But Kempegowda was the one who built the city in a planned manner. He implemented Krishnadevaraya's ideas here. He built and lit up this town to promote trade and commerce.' Shivakumar also reflected on his personal journey, stating, ' I have my own dreams for this city. Speaking at a media conference after coming out of Tihar Jail, I said that I was born a farmer, then a businessman, accidentally an education lover, and a politician by choice. I dreamed of becoming a politician in my school days. From there, I organised and raised it.'
The Print
25 minutes ago
- The Print
Mann's remarks on PM's foreign visits an affront to dignity of constitutional positions: Haryana CM
The Punjab chief minister had on Thursday criticised Modi for celebrating an honour from a foreign country with just 10,000 population while neglecting the pressing issues of his own nation with 140 crore people. Terming them 'inappropriate' and an affront to democratic values and dignity of constitutional positions, Saini asked Mann to seek an apology from the nation. Mann has faced flak from several BJP leaders for the comment. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also expressed strong disapproval, calling the remarks 'irresponsible'. Without naming Mann, the MEA said that the Government of India 'disassociates' itself from the 'unwarranted' comments made by a 'high state authority' that undermined India's ties with friendly countries. However, Mann raked up the issue again on Friday, this time in the state assembly, and asked Modi to 'address the concerns' of 140 crore Indians. On MEA's reaction, he asked whether he did not have the right to question a foreign policy. Chiding Mann for his comments, Saini took to microblogging site X on Friday night. 'Bhagwant Mann ji seems to have forgotten that he is commenting not only on the Prime Minister but also on the trust and leadership of 140 crore Indians. Instead of interfering in global politics, he should focus on his state, which is drowning in drug addiction, corruption and debt,' he posted. Saini said it is the result of Modi's efficient leadership and strong global policy that today India is progressing shoulder to shoulder with developed nations in the world. 'During a global pandemic like Corona, he not only acted as a shield to protect India but also delivered vaccines to many countries, and brought back Indians from abroad safely under the 'Vande Bharat Mission',' Saini wrote. Referring to Mann's dig at Modi's foreign visits, Saini wrote that it is not only a violation of linguistic decorum but also an affront to democratic values and the dignity of constitutional positions. 'He should apologise to the nation for his inappropriate remarks,' Saini wrote. On Thursday, the Punjab chief minister had said, 'Pradhan Mantri ji has gone to Ghana? Has he come back from Ghana? Will he come back today? He will be welcomed upon his return in the country… 'He is visiting Magneshia, Galveshia, Tarveshia (sic), we don't know where these are. (But) he is not staying in the country where 140 crore people live. These countries he visit have a population of 10,000, and he has got the biggest award there. Over here, that many people gather just to watch the JCB machine (earth-mover),' he said. On Friday, participating in a debate in the Punjab assembly, Mann reiterated that the Prime Minister has no time to address the concerns of 140 crore Indians but has time to tour abroad. 'The MEA has reacted. Don't we have a right to ask the Prime Minister about his foreign policy? Do these countries that he visit support our nation afterwards? When our relation with Pakistan turned bad, did any of these countries stand by us?' an unfazed Mann asked. Speaking to media later in the day, Mann asked again, 'Don't I have a right to question a foreign policy? What are you going there for? What have you done there? Tell us. Don't we have a right (to ask)?' 'I asked about a foreign policy under which wherever you (Modi) go, Adani's business starts there. It means that he takes him out there. Why don't you accept that you go there to get someone business? Don't we have the right to ask? We will ask. I will ask him this in future also,' Mann had said. PTI CHS VSD RUK RUK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
25 minutes ago
- The Print
From Bengaluru traffic to Modi govt's diplomacy, Hotmail founder Sabeer Bhatia is ruffling feathers
Bhatia's latest was a dig at the Prime Minister's tours and civilian honours conferred on him by various heads of states over the past decade. What began as a series of acid-laced questions about India's GDP growth on record, soon escalated into an all-out punditry marathon: rants against Operation Sindoor, bemoaning lack of access to quality education, and even attacking the Narendra Modi-led central government's policy priorities. New Delhi: Indian-American entrepreneur Sabeer Bhatia, better known as the founder of Hotmail, isn't someone afraid to speak their mind. Having stayed out of the public eye these past few years, except for the occasional press interview and paid speaking tour, Bhatia made a comeback with hot takes on everything from policy to economy, and how. His opening salvo was a direct X post questioning the significance of India becoming the world's fourth-largest economy when millions of citizens can barely afford to put food on the table. The post went viral, with thousands reposting the phrase, 'Can you feel it in your pocket?' Within days, Bhatia was also writing posts about a bottom-up initiative in BJP-governed states to encourage entrepreneurship among rural women, wondering if it was more performative politics than empowerment. Some social media users hailed him as the new 'people's megaphone' while others, particularly government-aligned pundits, brushed him aside as a 'self-appointed saviour'. But the momentum gained steam: By mid-May, Bhatia's follower count on X had risen from under 50,000 to more than 200,000. Returning to India in the early 2000s after selling Hotmail, he was eager to spearhead a technology revolution. He invested in Simpa Networks—a solar-energy company set to provide pay-as-you-go power to rural villages. Bhatia's next venture—a 200-acre 'Nano City' in Haryana's Panchkula—aimed to replicate Silicon Valley's knowledge hub. But critics flagged it for opaque land deals and unrealistic timelines. In 2019, the state government formally scrapped the project, citing unmet conditions. He launched two additional ventures: a mobile-first e-learning platform, EduSpark, and a blockchain-based supply chain company, Transcircle. ThePrint looks at some of his hot takes that have ruffled feathers on X. Also read: Viksit Bharat goal needs more than GDP growth. Shift policy from entitlement to empowerment Sabeer Bhatia's hot takes The first had to be Bhatia's breakthrough tweet questioning India's GDP data. Posted on 28 May, it followed chatter over how India is on track to surpass Japan to become the fourth largest economy in nominal terms. Bhatia shared a video showing quality of life in India, captioned: 'Growth without distribution is just inflation in disguise.' We overtook Japan in GDP……but can you feel it in your pocket? Growth without distribution is just inflation in disguise. — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) May 28, 2025 Just 2 days ago, on 9 July, Bhatia cited Pakistan assuming rotational presidency of the UNSC for the month of July to ask whether PM Modi's multi-nation tour had yielded any tangible outcome for India. 90 trips to 77 countries. Countless handshakes, speeches, and photo ops. End result: Pakistan assumes Presidency of the UN Security Council. Wow. — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) July 9, 2025 In a 29 June tweet, Bhatia launched a scathing attack on the central government's Viksit Bharat agenda, questioning how it planned to accomplish this target when hunger and poverty run deep in India. 34% kids under 5 malnourished. 20% never vaccinated. 8M children in bonded labour. 150M kids out of school. 25% teacher absenteeism… And we're dreaming of becoming 'developed' by 2047?Please explain how? — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) June 29, 2025 Soon after the Air India crash in Ahmedabad last month claimed more than 200 lives, Bhatia wrote: '63 percent said I should fly Air India in the next 2 weeks. But when asked if they would fly it, only 51 percent said yes.' 63% said I should fly Air India in the next 2 weeks. But when asked if they would fly it, only 51% said yes. Interesting, right? The advice you give others is different from what you'd follow yourself. Why is that? — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) June 21, 2025 He also questioned the legal definition of poverty in India, asking whether those who earn $5 each day instead of the earlier benchmark of $3 can now be considered 'not poor'. Some say 250M people in India aren't 'poor' anymore because they now make $5/day instead of $3. Really? Can you send your kids to school, buy books, shoes, food, pay rent and utilities on that? Which world are these people living in? — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) June 20, 2025 Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remark last month that Indians who speak English 'will soon feel ashamed', Bhatia said it illustrated how politicians wanted to take India back to the pre-British era. Amazing plan a leader has for our nation: stop speaking English or feel ashamed. Do we want to move forward or go back in time? Should our kids dream of space, robots, and large language models—or imagine life before the British came? I'm at a loss for words… — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) June 19, 2025 In another post on X in the aftermath of the AI-171 crash, Bhatia asked: 'Do you really think the 4th largest economy in the world should still be having plane crashes due to systemic failures?' Some news reports suggest that my asking a few logical questions about the plane crash is a political act. Since when did asking questions become political? What kind of democracy equates inquiry with partisanship? I'm struggling to understand this logic. — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) June 15, 2025 Do you really think the 4th largest economy in the world should still be having plane crashes due to systemic failures? Time to question what truly makes a nation great. — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) June 12, 2025 In one of his tweets in early June, Bhatia had said that Delhi tops the list of five most polluted cities in the world. He urged Indians to stop celebrating GDP growth and focus on the AQI index. Delhi tops the list of the 5 most polluted major cities in the world — followed by Dhaka, Ouagadougou, Karachi, and Lahore. Fellow Indians, it's time to stop celebrating GDP and start focusing on AQI, education, and human wellbeing. Economic growth means nothing if we can't… — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) June 3, 2025 Criticising the government's efforts to locate the terrorists who executed the Pahalgam attack, Bhatia shared a candid image of a man trying to kill a fly with a bazooka. Would you use a bazooka to kill a fly? Then why all this madness? Where are the 4 men who actually did it? — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) June 1, 2025 In another rather cryptic post on 31 May, Bhatia remarked in an apparent dig at the Indian government, 'The country that taught tolerance to the world over 1000s of years is ruining its global brand by promoting untruths and misinformation.' The country that taught tolerance to the world over 1000s of years is ruining its global brand by promoting untruths and misinformation. Can the outcome of all this be good? — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) May 31, 2025 In another post on X in June, the Hotmail founder wrote that Indians must think long and hard before celebrating predictions of the country being on track to become the fourth largest economy. Instead of hanging your head in shame that 415 million people in India survive on $3.10/day, you brag about being the world's 4th largest economy. Shame on you. — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) June 10, 2025 More recently, Bhatia trained his guns at traffic management in Bengaluru. I know Bengaluru folks may call this negative… but the traffic here is INSANE. I ride the same distance on my bicycle in 1/3 the time in the Bay Area. How do people tolerate this every day? — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) July 1, 2025 In another post on X, Bhatia gave his two cents on UP Energy Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma chanting 'Jai Shri Ram, Jai Shri Bajrang Bali' when constituents surrounded him to complain about power cuts in the state. Just when you think ministerial knowledge and concern for citizens can't get more bizarre, a power minister of a major state responds to complaints about power cuts by chanting Jai Shri Ram and Jai Shri Bajrang Bali. Electricity not included. Wow. — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) July 10, 2025 Taking a jibe at BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's remarks in Mandi during her visit to her flash floods-stricken parliamentary constituency, Bhatia said she has no intention to help the people and lacks leadership skills. A leader recently told her people she can't help them—no staff, no funds, no power to act. Add to that: no intention of helping them either. Why hold office then? Leadership isn't about what you lack, it's about what you do with what you have. — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) July 8, 2025 Bhatia also had some advice for the political class: as long as they 'want to 'rule' and people think they need to be 'ruled'—not 'served'—nothing will truly change'. Indian politics hasn't changed much since 1947. As long as parties want to 'rule' and people think they need to be 'ruled'—not 'served'—nothing will truly change. — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) June 30, 2025 (Edited by Amrtansh Arora) Also Read: #ByeByeAP to #LuluBackInAP: Naidu's moves to make Andhra 'business friendly' & woo back investors
