Latest news with #KarnatakaLegislativeCouncil
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Horatti emphasises need for developing reading habit among youths
Chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti has emphasised the need for developing book reading habit among the public particularly the students and the youths. He was speaking after releasing the autobiography of senior journalist Arunkumar Habbu 'Bogase Neeru' in Hubballi on Sunday. Sangamesh Handigi Sahitya Pratishtana, Samyuta Pratishthana, Kannada Dhwani Trust and Hubballi Dharwad Hayvaka Educational and Cultural Association had jointly organised the book release programme. Mr. Horatti said that while the number of people writing books had increased, what was a matter of concern was the dwindling number of readers. Reading habit should be developed particularly among the students and youths, which would invariably help them in shaping their lives, he said. 'Reading books means gaining knowledge. Every book is born out of one's experience and the tone and tenor of each book reveals something new,' he said. Elaborating on his association with Mr. Habbu and several senior journalists, Mr. Horatti emphasised the role of journalists in shaping the thinking of the society and the nation. Emphasising the importance of reading and giving feedback on a book, he termed feedback as the biggest honour to an author. Senior journalist R. Poornima said that while mentioning about his life and the challenges he faced, the author had also touched upon various social issues. General Secretary of Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha termed the book as a good guide to the young journalists. Introducing the book, journalist Ganapathi Gangolli said that the writings of the author on a social media platform during COVID-19 pandemic, had subsequently taken the form of a book, where the author had subtly explained how difficulties and challenges made one's life complete. Briefing about the reasons for documenting his life experience, Author Arunkumar Habbu said that everyone's life was a story, which would become a message for others. President of the Havyaka Association V.M. Bhat presided over the function. Journalists Sangamesh Handigi and Sushendracharya Kundaragi coordinated the event.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Cong govt trying to grab land valued at Rs 7,000 cr by evicting Dalits: K'taka BJP
Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP has charged that a conspiracy is underway to dispossess Dalits of Rs 7,000 crore worth of valuable land located close to the tech park in Mahadevapura in Bengaluru and turn it into capital for profit. Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Council, made the allegation while speaking at a press conference at his office in Vidhana Soudha on Thursday. He said: 'The land in question may once have been forest land, but after being reclassified as revenue land, it was distributed by the Revenue Department to Dalits. Portions have even been allotted to the Railways and Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB). "Now, I demand that the Chief Minister, in the presence of the Revenue Minister, Industries Minister, and Forest Minister, immediately convene a meeting of title deed holders and stop the forest department's operation. The government must clarify whether it stands with the mafia or with Dalits. How can Dalit land be snatched away like this?' Narayanaswamy questioned. 'If there is genuine intent, the land must be acquired by paying compensation. This is a country governed by laws. Dr B.R. Ambedkar's great Constitution has guaranteed rights to all. Snatching away the rights of legal heirs is unjust. This is nothing but a betrayal of Dalits by the government,' he said, warning of a statewide protest against the move. Narayanaswamy claimed that government-backed mafias have set their sights on land where a majority of residents are Dalits. 'The land is valued between Rs 40 to Rs 70 crore per acre. Mafias are eyeing nearly Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 crore worth of land. The government is backing this mafia and using the police to suppress people,' he alleged. The land in question lies in front of a Tech Park, and Narayanaswamy pointed out that a court has issued orders not to demolish any structures there. 'The government cannot tolerate Dalits becoming millionaires,' he remarked. The BJP leader further alleged that when Dalits protested, police took them to the station. 'Why is this government so apathetic towards Dalits?' he asked. He said there are about 2,000 houses with over 5,000 residents – all poor Dalit farmers. 'It seems they're doing this because it would be easy to reclaim the land. This, despite ongoing court cases and stay orders,' he said. Narayanaswamy also alleged that when former MP S. Muniswamy tried to intervene, he was arrested. Giving the background of the issue, he said, "In the early 1950s, the government had allotted around 711 acres of land in the Kadugodi region of Bidarahalli Hobli in the Mahadevapura constituency of Bengaluru Urban district to local farmers. The BJP MLC stated, 'Since then, they have been cultivating the land. Some lands were also leased. According to available records, 677.3 acres are currently documented, and according to Column 9 of the Pahani records, 719 acres exist. While it is claimed the land was once forest under royal rule, the Revenue Department had distributed the land through the Kadugodi Cooperative Society in 2, 3, and 4-acre plots to farmers." Now, due to skyrocketing land prices, the government is attempting to declare the area as forest land again. 'They are suddenly claiming it is encroached land,' Narayanaswamy said. He displayed Pahani documents dating back to the 1950s, showing title deeds had been granted and taxes paid. Despite all legal records, the government is suddenly acting otherwise. Currently, 60 acres and 30 guntas are under the Forest Department, he said. The government has also allotted 153.28 acres to KIADB, 228.31 acres to the Railways, about 3 acres to a temple (which houses an Indira Canteen), 20 acres for housing, 13.03 acres for roads, 2.5 acres for a crematorium, and 32 acres for residential layouts (where a police station is also built). Additionally, 125 acres are under agricultural use, and 44.36 acres (about 45 acres) were allotted to Metro. 'If it truly belonged to the Forest Department, how were all these allocations made?' he questioned. Narayanaswamy alleged that many residents approached the court, which directed the maintenance of the status quo. 'These are residential areas, yet houses and buildings are being demolished despite multiple court orders. Women are being forcefully dragged by male police officers, with only 7-8 female officers present for thousands of women. What kind of hooliganism is this?' Narayanaswamy asked, also showing related videos. He said when told that the case is in court, the officials said, 'We have been given a task by the government, and we will complete it.' Narayanaswamy strongly objected to this statement. Narayanaswamy demanded an investigation and urged the government to release a white paper on the matter, dating from 1950 to the present. 'Explain what has happened in each period. On what grounds was land given to KIADB, Metro, Railways, and others? If the orders are from the government itself, then the fault lies with the government. First, return the land given to KIADB,' he insisted. He said there were more police than protestors at the site. 'They are intimidating the people. There's also a police station, Metro facility, KIADB site, and private factories here. Factory owners have purchased land. Two factories have even gone to the Supreme Court, which ruled that the land cannot be touched. So if the court gives an order, does forest land automatically become private land?' he asked. Former MP S. Muniswamy was also present at the press conference.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Century old ‘Vijaya Karadant' comes to Hubballi
People can now relish Aminagad's famous century old 'Vijaya Karadant' in Hubballi as the famous sweet makers have started their sweet shop in the city. On Friday, Chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti inaugurated the shop located at Dajibanpet-Moorusavir Mutt Road in the presence of Sri Shanthalinga Swami of Virakta Mutt, Bhairanatti. Proprietor of Vijaya Karadant Santosh Aiholli, Basavaraj Gangavati, Sulochana B. Kamatagi and others were present. 'Vijaya Karadant' was started by Savaligeppa Rachappa Aiholli at Aminagad (Bagalkot district) in 1907. Speaking to presspersons, proprietor of Vijaya Karadant Santosh Aiholli said that the Hubballi shop was the 27th shop set up on franchisee model. 'We have five different types of Karadant and along with there will be over 20 varieties of sweets at the shop along with other readymade snacks', he said.
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Cong seeks action against BJP MLCs for derogatory remarks
Bengaluru: A delegation of Congress members from the Karnataka Legislative Council has submitted a formal complaint to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, urging legal and constitutional action against two BJP MLCs—Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and N. Ravikumar—for making inflammatory and derogatory remarks. The Congress delegation, led by the Leader of the House in the Council, N.S. Boseraju, and Chief Whip Saleem Ahmed, accused the BJP legislators of breaching constitutional decorum and spreading communal hatred. The complaint follows two separate incidents: Ravikumar allegedly referred to Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum as a 'Pakistani,' while Narayanaswamy compared Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge to a dog. Addressing reporters after the meeting with the governor, Boseraju said, 'Such statements go against the very spirit of the Constitution. In a democracy, elected representatives must uphold civility and inclusiveness. Instead, these BJP members are habitual offenders, making divisive and casteist statements.' He added that Narayanaswamy's remarks against a Dalit minister were particularly reprehensible and called for his immediate removal from office. Chief Whip Saleem Ahmed said two separate complaints were submitted during the meeting with the Governor.
Hans India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
‘No action taken despite filing complaint': K'taka Legislative Council LoP on his ‘detention'
Bengaluru: Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, said on Thursday that no action has been taken despite filing complaints regarding his 'detention' and attempt to assault him in Chittapur. He alleged that he registered the complaint with the Chief Minister, the Home Minister, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General and Inspector General of Police. 'I was confined for five hours in Chittapur. Our party workers were blocked from reaching me. Ink was thrown on my car. Stones were stockpiled. Preparations were made for pelting eggs and stones. I called and spoke to the Home Minister and the ADGP directly from the location. I spoke to the SP nearly 10 times,' he added. He added that the Additional SP was with him for five hours, however, no action was taken against those who abused him. 'After five hours, I was forced out of Chittapur. I went to Yadgir and had to cancel all programmes and returned to Bengaluru by train that very night,' he alleged. He claimed that Ambaraiah Ashtagi, a BJP leader who came to see him in Chittapur, was also assaulted. 'His clothes were torn and thrown away. A complaint was filed against him, and he was detained at the Tehsildar's office. That is why we referred to this as the 'Republic of Kalaburagi',' he said. Narayanaswamy recalled that when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was the Leader of the Opposition, he had visited Kodagu, and a big fuss was made when eggs were thrown at him. 'We had provided him complete protection,' he added. Narayanaswamy alleged that Dattatreya Shantappa Ikkalagi, a social worker who recently received the Ambedkar Award from the Congress government, has now filed a complaint against BJP MLC and Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Council, N. Ravikumar, for his remarks against the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi district. 'He has filed the complaint just to repay the award debt,' he claimed. 'Did anyone abuse Dattatreya, the complainant? Why has a police notice been issued to Ravikumar? What is happening under this government? Ravikumar had slammed the Deputy Commissioner, Minister Kharge and other officers. In this backdrop, a complaint was filed under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act claiming that Ravikumar used the casteist slur,' Narayanaswamy stated. 'I myself belong to the SC community. Ravikumar did not call the DC a Pakistani. Can this really be considered an atrocity case? If one calls Mallikarjun Kharge, would that too be considered an atrocity?' he said. The Chittapur Assembly seat is represented by Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge. Narayanaswamy has alleged that supporters of Priyank Kharge detained him for hours and attempted to assault him for criticising Priyank Kharge. Narayanswamy has called Priyank Kharge a 'dog' and chided him for allegedly running a republic in Kalaburagi district.
