logo
Vishwanath criticises CM for ‘neglecting' backward communities

Vishwanath criticises CM for ‘neglecting' backward communities

Time of India7 days ago
Mysuru: Former minister and BJP MLC AH Vishwanath criticised chief minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of sycophancy and neglecting the interests of backward communities in the state on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, Vishwanath condemned the proposed move to confer a "Nyay Yodha" (Justice Warrior) award on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. "Siddaramaiah, who claims to champion the cause of backward classes, is now indulging in disgraceful appeasement by proposing an award for Rahul Gandhi in a desperate attempt to retain power," he charged.
Vishwanath questioned Siddaramaiah's legacy and commitment to backward communities.
Accusing Siddaramaiah of appropriating the legacy of former CM D Devaraj Urs, he said, "Devaraj Urs was the real leader of the poor and backward. Siddaramaiah keeps taking credit for his work while doing little himself." He further challenged the CM to name marginalised castes outside of Kuruba, Kumbara, and Uppara. "You claim to represent the backward classes, but who did you give legislative council seats to? Loyalists and political heirs—not the truly backward," he said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
Vishwanath said there was a lack of development in Mysuru under the current govt. "In the previous term, we suggested initiatives like rice for Rs 1, Bhagyajyoti, loan waivers, and tourism development. None of these were implemented. Public funds are instead being spent on schemes with little transparency," he alleged.
Vishwanath accused the govt of misgovernance and deflecting criticism through events like Sadhana Sammelanas. He highlighted the closure of over 2,500 govt schools, the lack of doctors in rural hospitals, the crumbling infrastructure, and the failure to conduct local body elections.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

GST notices in Karnataka was bid to recover revenue lost to guarantee schemes: Mysuru MP
GST notices in Karnataka was bid to recover revenue lost to guarantee schemes: Mysuru MP

The Hindu

time14 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

GST notices in Karnataka was bid to recover revenue lost to guarantee schemes: Mysuru MP

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MP from Mysuru, said that the GST notices served to small traders was a desperate attempt by the government of Karnataka to recover revenue lost due to 'unscientific guarantee schemes that are a drain on the exchequer'. Though Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered withdrawal of the notices, the controversy is yet to die down. Mr. Yaduveer took to social media to urge the government of Karnataka to prioritise public awareness over abrupt enforcement. The controversial tax notices, which targeted micro enterprises, including bakeries and condiment vendors, demanded lakhs of rupees in dues — some dating back four to five years — sparking widespread panic among small traders. Though the Congress leaders in Mysuru blamed the Centre for the GST notices, Mr. Yaduveer insisted that they were not issued by the Central Government, but by the Commercial Tax Department of the government of Karnataka. 'This move is deeply concerning,' he said, adding that small businesses have been targeted without any prior guidance or awareness campaign. The enforcement drive was not just ill-timed, but also poorly thought out, and motivated by the need to make up for fiscal mismanagement, he alleged. The MP further criticised the manner in which the notices were served, highlighting the setback to digital payment adoption. 'Such actions are discouraging UPI usage in local businesses, undermining the nation's digital payment ecosystem and creating fear among merchants,' he said in his social media post. The MP also criticised the attempts being made by the Congress to blame the Centre. 'Efforts to portray this as a Central Government decision are misleading. Current GST rules apply only to businesses with turnover above ₹40 lakh. This sudden enforcement seems like a veiled attempt to gradually push even the smallest traders into the GST ambit,' said Mr. Yaduveer. Calling for a more responsible approach from the State Government, he said the focus should be on creating awareness, transparency and supporting digital transactions rather than weakening them.

Tejashwi Yadav running away from polls in desperation: BJP leader Amit Malviya
Tejashwi Yadav running away from polls in desperation: BJP leader Amit Malviya

Hans India

time14 minutes ago

  • Hans India

Tejashwi Yadav running away from polls in desperation: BJP leader Amit Malviya

New Delhi: BJP leader Amit Malviya lashed out at Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday for doubting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll in Bihar, claiming the RJD leader's hints at possible boycott of the Assembly elections amount to conceding defeat and 'running away in desperation'. Malviya, who is the BJP's IT cell chief, wrote on X, 'Now with four days left, more than 98 per cent of the voter revision work has been completed. 'This is a big blow to Tejashwi and Rahul Gandhi.' 'Tejashwi Yadav's idea of boycotting the elections proves that he has accepted that the voters of Bihar have completely rejected his campaign against SIR (Special Intensive Revision),' said Malviya. 'There is a saying, 'As soon as the head is shaved, hail falls.' There are still two-three months left for the elections, but Tejashwi, sensing his slipping ground, has already started running away in desperation,' said Malviya. The BJP leader went on to hit out at the former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, saying, 'Earlier, Tejashwi boycotted the voter revision, thinking that the people of Bihar would stand with him. But the exact opposite happened - the people are enthusiastically participating in this SIR festival of democracy.' Now with four days left, more than 98 per cent of the voter revision work has been completed. This is a big blow to Tejashwi and Rahul Gandhi, he said. 'All their hard work has gone to waste. Not a single voter from Bihar joined them in their campaign against SIR. This is a clear indication that Tejashwi and Rahul are hyping a baseless issue,' he said. Earlier, Tejashwi Yadav hinted on Wednesday at the possibility of boycotting the upcoming Assembly elections to protest a 'deliberate' disenfranchisement of voters. 'When elections are not being conducted honestly, then why are we conducting elections? The elections have been compromised,' Yadav said in Patna. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader alleged that under the guise of voter list revision, the BJP and the Election Commission of India (ECI) are working together to clean opposition voters rather than cleansing the democratic process. On Thursday afternoon, the student wing of the Congress -- National Students' Union of India -- clashed with law enforcers in Patna while protesting alleged irregularities in SIR. In Delhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi accused the ECI of not doing its job and called it a 'serious issue'. Gandhi warned that poll panel officials cannot get away with lapses as 'we are going to come for you'. Refraining from answering media queries on the possibility of boycotting Bihar Assembly elections, Gandhi hit out at the ECI while addressing reporters outside Parliament and said, 'Today they have made a statement, and this is complete nonsense. The fact of the matter is that the ECI is not doing its job.'

Columbia University to pay over $220 million to restore federal funding in historic US education settlement
Columbia University to pay over $220 million to restore federal funding in historic US education settlement

Time of India

time19 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Columbia University to pay over $220 million to restore federal funding in historic US education settlement

Columbia University to pay $220 million in settlement restoring US federal research funding. (AP Photo) Columbia University has agreed to pay more than $220 million in a settlement with the Trump administration to restore federal research funding that was previously cancelled. The deal comes after the university faced scrutiny for alleged failures to address antisemitism on campus during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Ivy League institution will pay $200 million over three years and an additional $21 million to resolve claims of civil rights violations against Jewish employees. The White House confirmed the details of the agreement, which aims to reinstate federal support for Columbia's research programmes. Details of the settlement and reforms agreed Under the agreement, Columbia University will implement significant changes, including revising its student disciplinary procedures and applying a federally endorsed definition of antisemitism not only in teaching but also in disciplinary reviews. The administration accused the university of not adequately curbing antisemitic behaviour during the 2024 protests linked to the Israel-Hamas war. As reported by the Associated Press , acting University President Claire Shipman said, "This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty." The university has promised to preserve its autonomy while codifying reforms demanded by the federal government. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Aussies Are Raving About This Device That Cuts Heating Bills Fast BlumeHeat Learn More Undo The administration had previously threatened to cut billions of dollars in government funding, including over $400 million in grants that were withdrawn earlier this year. The funding was halted due to concerns that Columbia had allowed antisemitic incidents to occur on campus without sufficient action. Federal oversight extends to curriculum and diversity policies As part of the settlement, Columbia agreed to review its Middle East curriculum to ensure it is "comprehensive and balanced." It also committed to appointing new faculty to its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies. The university agreed to end programmes that promote "unlawful efforts to achieve race-based outcomes, quotes, diversity targets or similar efforts," according to the White House. Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the deal as "a seismic shift in our nation's fight to hold institutions that accept American taxpayer dollars accountable for antisemitic discrimination and harassment," as quoted by the Associated Press . McMahon added that Columbia's reforms could serve as a "roadmap for elite universities" seeking to regain public trust. Columbia will also submit reports to federal monitors confirming that its programmes do not promote unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, as required under the settlement. International students and campus discipline under scrutiny The agreement includes provisions to question prospective international students about their reasons for studying in the US, to ensure they are committed to "civil discourse." Columbia has also agreed to provide information on disciplinary actions involving student visa holders when requested by the government. This could facilitate deportation proceedings against students involved in protests, according to the Associated Press . Following the settlement, Columbia announced it would suspend, expel, or revoke degrees from over 70 students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus, including protests in the main library and an encampment during alumni weekend. Background of funding cuts and federal investigations The Trump administration launched its investigation into Columbia following pro-Palestinian campus protests in 2024. Jewish students reported verbal abuse and harassment during demonstrations, according to Columbia's antisemitism task force. The university's leadership has acknowledged the need for change amid pressure from federal authorities. This case was one of several targeted by the Trump administration, which froze over $2 billion in federal research funding at institutions including Cornell, Northwestern, Brown, and Princeton universities. The administration also temporarily withheld $175 million from the University of Pennsylvania over disputes concerning women's sports policies. Federal scrutiny has extended beyond private universities, with investigations into public institutions such as the University of Virginia and George Mason University regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. President Donald Trump, on his Truth Social platform, stated that Columbia "committed to ending their ridiculous DEI policies, admitting students based only on merit, and protecting the Civil Liberties of their students on campus," as reported by the Associated Press . He also warned that "numerous other higher education institutions" would face similar scrutiny. The settlement between Columbia University and the Trump administration represents a significant moment in US federal oversight of higher education funding and campus policies. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store