National

Karnataka Budget Session Kicks Off Amidst Strong Opposition Critique of Governor’s Address

Published

11 months ago

March 4, 2025

As anticipated, the Karnataka budget session, which commenced on Monday, started off with considerable turmoil. The opposition quickly dismissed the Governor’s address—which praised the government’s guarantee schemes as beneficial for the economy—as “a pack of lies.” The opposing factions, including the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular), expressed frustration over the budget session’s timeline, claiming it is insufficient for a thorough review and assessment of the budget within the assembly.

BY Vijayendra, the BJP state unit president, criticized the Siddaramaiah-led government, claiming that development in Karnataka has stagnated, in stark contrast to the rosy picture painted in the governor’s address. “Listening to the governor’s speech, one would assume the government is making rapid progress; however, it’s evident that the speech is filled with fabrications,” he stated.

Furthermore, Vijayendra accused the government of sidestepping a genuine legislative session for budget talks. “There’s no intention here to engage in a serious legislative discussion. Bengaluru alone warrants two to three days of debate. Just look at Belagavi—there are so many pressing issues, yet they lack the time! With no funds allocated for development, what is there to even discuss?” he questioned, reflecting the discontent among BJP and JD(S) members.

Despite the opposition’s outbursts, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot proceeded, as per tradition, to deliver his speech during the budget session’s inaugural sitting. In his remarks, he commended the government for its achievements across multiple sectors, asserting that Karnataka had successfully countered forecasts of economic decline through its ambitious ‘guarantee’ schemes.

Addressing the joint session of the state legislature, the governor declared that Karnataka is crafting a distinct governance model that is garnering interest from economists and universities globally. He highlighted that inequality in the state is declining, thanks to effective welfare programs.

“The government has disproven the doubters. Karnataka is making remarkable strides in all sectors. Our state’s income is increasing, and private investment is flooding in at unprecedented levels,” he asserted.

He elaborated on the “Karnataka model of development,” which emphasizes a people-oriented approach to governance concerning economic, social, and cultural matters. “This model incorporates green energy projects and initiatives for women’s empowerment. International experts are closely examining it. Oxford University has referred to it as ‘Shining a Light in the Darkness’ and ‘A Blueprint for the World’ in its Human Rights Hub blog. The head of the United Nations has personally visited Karnataka to learn about this model and has praised our initiatives publicly,” he remarked.

On the agricultural front, the governor pointed out that favorable weather conditions have led to a successful harvest, with agricultural output for the kharif and rabi seasons projected to reach 149 lakh tonnes. Additionally, he noted a significant reduction in farmer suicides due to government welfare measures.

The governor highlighted the substantial spending on welfare, indicating that over ₹90,000 crore is allocated annually to social programs that benefit more than 1.25 crore families through direct cash transfers, subsidies, and incentives. He emphasized efforts to elevate Karnataka to a ₹1 trillion economy, with 15.01% of the 2024-25 budget allocated for capital expenditure.

Revenue collection during the first three quarters of the financial year 2024-25 reached ₹1,81,908 crore, with revenue receipts increasing by 13%, and GST collections rising by 12% year-on-year until December 2024.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.