Latest news with #Kumaraswamy
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy demands white paper on Kalyana Karnataka funding, development
Janata Dal(S) Youth Wing State president Nikhil Kumaraswamy has called upon the Congress government to release a white paper detailing the funds allocated for the development of Kalyana Karnataka and the actual progress made on the ground. Speaking to media representatives after flagging off a membership drive in Sindhanur of Raichur district on June 26, he raised pointed questions about the effectiveness of the ₹5,000 crore said to be earmarked for the development of Kalyana Karnataka. 'Where exactly has the money gone? What roads have been built? What schools or bus stands have come up? Let the government make it clear through a white paper,' Nikhil demanded, accusing the government of making vague claims, such as disbursing ₹3,000 crore or ₹2,000 crore, without transparency or visible outcomes. He criticised the administration for corruption and dysfunction, noting that even senior ruling party MLAs had voiced dissatisfaction in recent days. 'This government is being run through middlemen and commissions,' he alleged, citing growing internal dissent in the Congress. Responding to Minister Rajanna's recent comments about a political 'revolution' in December, Nikhil said there was nothing surprising about the remark. 'Given the current political developments, something is certainly brewing,' he said, expressing confidence in significant political shifts in the coming months. Nikhil targeted the Congress-led State Government for 'anti-farmer' policies highlighting the plight of farmers in Sindhanur where paddy and jowar are primary crops. 'The government has failed to ensure fair prices or market support, leaving farmers in distress,' he said. He responded to the criticism by Congress leaders, who questioned the contributions of H.D. Kumaraswamy during his tenure as Union Minister, by stating that it was Mr. Kumaraswamy who wrote to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan regarding the crisis faced by mango farmers following which the Centre approved the procurement of 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes. 'The Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Union Cabinet all responded warmly to Mr. Kumaraswamy's efforts. Such leadership is a gift from the people, and I thank our party workers and the people of Karnataka for giving him that strength,' he added. Nikhil called Karnataka's Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy 'helpless and incompetent', and questioned whether such leadership could truly drive agricultural development in Karnataka. 'When a delegation led by former minister Nadagouda met the Agriculture Minister regarding the difficulties faced by farmers in Sindhanur, the Minister claimed that he had no knowledge of the issue. This shows the sorry state of our administration,' Nikhil said. Tractor rally and temple visit Before addressing the rally, Nikhil visited the Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka temple and sought the deity's blessings. He then led a tractor rally, through the streets, comprising hundreds of party workers who shouted slogans and lined the roads in support. The meeting was attended by several prominent JD(S) leaders, including former ministers Venkatarao Nadagouda and Alokod Hanumanthappa, Sindhanur MLA Nemiraj Nayak, former MLA Raja Venkatappa Nayak, core committee member C.V. Chandrashekhar, State women's wing president Rashmi Ramegowda, leader Siddu Bandi, Raichur district president Virupaksha, and Sindhanur taluk president Basavaraj Nadagouda.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tunnel vision sparks turf war between Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar over Bengaluru's future
Bengaluru: The political rivalry between deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S) has spilled into Bengaluru's infrastructure space, as both pitch competing underground road projects to tackle the city's traffic mess. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While Shivakumar is pushing ahead with his tunnel road project, Kumaraswamy has pitched an alternative: An ultra-modern underground road network (UMURN). Earlier this week, he met Union minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi to discuss the proposal. He has also proposed support for the Peripheral Ring Road to decongest the central business district. "This transformative infrastructure will serve as the backbone of Bengaluru's future urban mobility," Kumaraswamy said in a memorandum to Gadkari. Both proposals aim to decongest Bengaluru's notorious traffic, improve long-term connectivity, and fuel economic growth. But observers say the duel is as much about political one-upmanship as it is about urban planning, with both vying to be the dominant Vokkaliga face in Karnataka politics. There have been past flashpoints. The row around NICE corridor and the govt's decision to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South were moves widely seen as political signalling. Taking a swipe at Shivakumar's project, Kumaraswamy said, "This 'piecemeal approach' would not solve the gigantic problem of mobility in the city. What we need is a comprehensive mobility solution that is not just futuristic, but also growth-oriented in sync with the city's brand equity as a global destination. The proposed UMURN is scientifically designed and seeks to adopt cutting-edge technology. It is aimed at reducing carbon footprint while ensuring commercial, industrial and economic growth. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now MoRTH minister Gadkari's response to the proposal was positive." This drew a sharp reaction from Shivakumar, who accused Kumaraswamy of trying to create confusion. "Let Kumaraswamy explain the difference between the tunnel road project and this UMURN he is talking about," he said. "Both are underground road infrastructure projects to ensure seamless mobility linking critical points of the city. If he is sincere, then he should ensure central govt funds for Bengaluru's development instead of indulging in gimmicks like this. " Shivakumar said the tunnel road is already at an "advanced stage", with cabinet approval secured in May. "We'll soon invite global tenders for the first phase of 16.7km dubbed the North-South Corridor that links Esteem Mall at Hebbal Junction to Central Silk Board Junction in HSR Layout. The estimated cost is Rs 17,780 crore," he said. BJP, meanwhile, has thrown its weight behind its NDA partner. "We are all along opposed to the tunnel road project on various grounds including its extravagant cost even without being able to scientifically address mobility issues. Let the govt strengthen the public transport system including Metro, which has emerged as the lifeline of the city, before embarking on a misadventure like tunnel road," said PC Mohan, BJP MP from Bengaluru Central. But experts are unconvinced with both plans. YN Yellappa Reddy, former secretary, department of ecology and environment, said: "The city's terrain is predominantly rock, especially Dharwar shilt, an ancient rock formation which is harder than diamond. Blasting it would cause artificial seismic waves. Besides, the project would adversely impact groundwater and vegetation on the surface."
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Govt eyes sops for rare magnets to reduce dependence on China
Govt is working on an incentive scheme for rare earth magnets and is likely to subsidise processing units as it seeks to develop a domestic base to reduce its dependence on China. A decision on rolling out the scheme will be taken in 15-20 days, heavy industries and steel minister H D Kumaraswamy said on Tuesday. Explaining the rationale, an official said, "There is hardly a 5% difference in prices of rare earth oxides and rare earth magnets... China wants to maintain its monopoly by keeping the price of magnets very low." According to official estimates, public sector undertaking IREL (India) can supply enough rare earths to make 1,500 tonnes of magnets. "Converting these rare earths to magnets will take two years," the official said. Consultations with stakeholders are underway to determine the quantum of subsidy to be offered under the scheme. "One Hyderabad-based company... they are showing interest. They have promised that they will deliver 500 tonnes by this year-end (Dec). We will have discussions with the mines minister," Kumaraswamy said. China's recent restrictions on exports have caused widespread disruption, particularly for auto players. While govt and industry are seeking alternative sources of procurement, officials said 30 auto companies sought authorisation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade to import rare earth magnets from China a fortnight ago, so that production is not impacted.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Pradhan proposes panel formation to resolve RSP expansion
Bhubaneswar: Union education minister on Wednesday proposed the formation of a high-level committee for resolving issues related to the expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) in Sundargarh district. The proposal was accepted by Union steel minister during a high-level meeting held in New Delhi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Pradhan thanked Kumaraswamy for agreeing to his suggestion. He said the expansion of RSP is crucial for India's steel sector and the industrial, social and economic development of Odisha and the rest of eastern India. "Expansion will boost our steel production capacity, strengthen India's position in the global steel market, reduce imports, cater to the needs of key industrial sectors, catalyse Odisha's economy, drive growth and create large-scale jobs in steel and allied sectors in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Purvodaya vision," said Pradhan. Union tribal affairs minister and Sundargarh MP Jual Oram also attended the meeting.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
India opens new application window to invite global EV manufacturers
In a push to promote electric vehicle manufacturing in India, a new portal has been launched for the application process under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI). The initiative, unveiled by Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy, invites global electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to invest and set up local production units. 'The launch of this portal under the SPMEPCI scheme opens new avenues for global electric vehicle manufacturers to invest in India's rapidly evolving automotive landscape,' Kumaraswamy said. Investment from international EV makers can position India as a leading manufacturing hub for electric vehicles. 'This scheme not only supports our national commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070, but also reinforces our resolve to build a sustainable, innovation-driven economy. It strengthens the pillars of 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', and positions India as a trusted global hub for next-generation automotive manufacturing and technology leadership,' the minister said. Reliefs linked to investment pledge under SPMEPCI Approved applicants will be allowed to import Completely Built Units (CBUs) of electric four-wheelers (e-4Ws). The imported CBUs must have a minimum CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of $35,000. These will be subject to a reduced customs duty of 15 per cent. The concessional duty will be applicable for a period of five years from the date of approval. Approved applicants will be required to make a minimum investment of ₹4,150 crore, as per the provisions of the scheme. Tesla stays away, others join in With the minimum investment threshold of ₹4,150 crore, the scheme is expected to encourage top global and Indian companies to set up long-term manufacturing in India. While Tesla Inc has not shown interest in India's scheme to attract global investment in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, global automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, Škoda Auto Volkswagen, Hyundai Motor, and Kia Motors are keen to participate, Kumaraswamy said. Embassies tapped to boost EV drive India is reaching out to countries like the US, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Vietnam, as well as their respective embassies, to attract investment from global automotive companies to manufacture electric vehicles in India. A four-month window will be given for these companies to apply for SPMEPCI. As of now, Tesla has not shown interest in participating in the scheme. 'Ultimately, we will know which global automakers come on board by October 21,' said Kamran Rizvi, secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
