Measures underway to ensure uninterrupted power supply in Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah
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India.com
6 hours ago
- India.com
Karnataka Minister KJ George calls IT raids 'routine exercise', refuses link to smart meter contract, says there is no connection...
Karnataka's Minister for Energy KJ George New Delhi: In a major development, Karnataka's Minister for Energy KJ George refuted any connection between recent Income Tax department raids at a prominent tech park in Bengaluru and the state's smart meter initiative or the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) and said that they were 'a routine regulatory exercise' related to IT filings and had nothing to do with any government project. In a firm statement issued via his official social media handle, the minister termed the allegations circulating in a section of the media as 'completely baseless, misleading, and politically motivated.' 'There is no connection whatsoever between the smart meter project or BESCOM and the Income Tax department's raids,' George said. 'I strongly condemn this attempt to mislead the public and draw false links to the Energy Department.' This comes after the Income Tax Department conducted surveys from July 28 to 30 at multiple locations connected to George and real estate tycoon Jitu Virwani of the Embassy Group, including Golflinks Software Park Private Limited in Bengaluru. KJ George Issues Statement: In view of the misinformation being circulated regarding myself and the companies under my chairmanship, purportedly in connection with the #SmartMeterInitiative and the #EnergyDepartment of the Government of Karnataka, we wish to issue the following clarification: The recent interaction with the #IncomeTax Department was a routine regulatory exercise solely pertaining to the verification of our companies' income tax filings. There is no connection whatsoever to any government project or department, including the #SmartMeter program or the #EnergyDepartment. Our teams extended full cooperation to the authorities during this scheduled compliance review, consistent with our long-standing commitment to transparency and adherence to the law. We categorically reject and strongly refute any speculative or misleading claims suggesting otherwise. We urge all concerned to exercise discretion and refrain from spreading or endorsing baseless allegations. BJP's Allegation: To recall, in March this year, the Bharatiya Janata Party alleged a massive Rs 15,568 crore scam in Karnataka's smart meter procurement process. The saffron camp accused the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of favouritism and irregularities in the tendering process. Echoing this stance, Golflinks Software Park clarified in an official statement that the survey conducted under Section 133A of the Income Tax Act was routine in nature and 'has no connection to public officials, state government departments, BESCOM contracts, or smart meter-related matters.'
New Indian Express
14 hours ago
- New Indian Express
CM Siddaramaiah, Dy CM DK Shivakumar invite global investors to Karnataka
BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday invited global industry leaders to invest in Karnataka. They were speaking in New Delhi at the high- level diplomatic dialogue 'Bridge to Bengaluru', aimed at strengthening international collaboration in innovation, technology and investment ahead of Karnataka's flagship technology event, Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, scheduled to be held from November 18 and 20 at BIEC in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah said that Karnataka has sectoral policies across ESDM, AVGC, green hydrogen, tourism, electric mobility and renewables which are designed to create a robust ecosystem for responsible and resilient growth. 'Karnataka welcomes the world not just as investors but as partners. We believe global relationships are built on shared trust, common goals, and mutual benefit. Whether it is through technology, tourism, trade, or talent, we see global engagement not as an option, but as a pathway to shared progress,' he said. Shivakumar said, 'Bengaluru's strength lies not just in its infrastructure or policy incentives, it lies in its people. With the highest concentration of engineering, science, and design talent in India, the city is now ranked among the top 5 AI talent cities globally, second only to San Francisco in emerging AI hubs'. 'From Centres of Excellence in AI to a growing semiconductor ecosystem, we are building the deep tech capital of South Asia, powered by strategic partnerships and government-backed innovation,' he said. Minister for Information Technology & Biotechnology and RDPR Priyank Kharge emphasized that Karnataka is global by design. 'Our innovation ecosystem thrives on intent, inclusion and impact. Through platforms like the Global Innovation Alliance and Bengaluru Tech Summit, we are forging long-term partnerships that transcend borders. With BTS 2025, we invite the world to co-create solutions, scale ideas, and shape a shared future. 'Bridge to Bengaluru' is not just a dialogue, it's a doorway to collaboration, investment and collective progress,' he said. Ministers Laxmi Hebbalkar and Byrati Suresh, state's special representative in New Delhi TB Jayachandra, CM's legal adviser A C Ponnanna were also present. The event hosted by the Karnataka government was attended by ambassadors and high commissioners of various countries.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Karnataka is open, ready to partner with the world, CM tells diplomats
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that the Bengaluru Tech Summit, 2025, will be held from November 18 to 20 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, and told diplomats of different countries that Karnataka is 'open and ready to partner with the world.' Speaking at 'Bridge to Bengaluru', a dialogue with diplomats on global innovation alliance for technology as a prelude to India's flagship technology forum, in New Delhi, the Chief Minister said, 'Whether through technology, tourism or talent, we see global collaboration as the path to shared success.' He said the Bengaluru Tech Summit hosted Nobel Laureates, world leaders, and innovators in the past year. 'This year, we expect over 1,00,000 attendees, 1,200 exhibitors, and 600 speakers from 60 countries.' Inclusive growth Noting that Karnataka is committed to inclusive growth, Mr. Siddaramaiah said innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi would boost research and jobs. Initiatives like fintech in Mangaluru and drone development in Hubballi-Dharwad have shown balanced progress in the State. 'The Tech Summit is a chance to connect, collaborate, and shape a shared future,' he said. The Chief Minister said Karnataka is an economic powerhouse with a GSDP of $337 billion, India's fourth-largest economy, contributing nearly 9% to the national GDP. Bengaluru is a global tech leader, ranked among the top 15 start-up ecosystems worldwide. It hosts over 18,000 start-ups, including 50 plus unicorns, and 40% of India's Global Capability Centres, with R&D hubs from companies like Bosch, Intel, and SAP. Skilling youth 'Through programmes like NIPUNA Karnataka, we are training over 1,00,000 young people in skills like AI, cybersecurity, and biotechnology, partnering with global leaders like Microsoft and Accenture', Mr. Siddaramaiah said.
