National

Shivakumar: BJP Criticized Congress Guarantee Schemes but Now Embracing Them in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh

Published

11 months ago

March 12, 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DSK Shivakumar defended the Congress government’s guarantee schemes in the assembly, countering criticism from the BJP’s national leadership. While the BJP has previously condemned these guarantees shortly after Congress took office, Shivakumar pointed out that the BJP is now adopting a similar approach in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra.

His remarks were in response to BJP MLA Sunil Kumar’s assertion that the party did not oppose the guarantee schemes. Shivakumar reminded him of the often vocal disapproval from the BJP, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when Congress initially introduced these welfare programs.

“From the Prime Minister to every BJP MLA, the guarantee schemes faced harsh criticism, yet we forged ahead with their implementation despite the opposition. These schemes will continue as long as Congress is in power,” Shivakumar stated confidently.

He highlighted the struggles faced by citizens due to rising prices and inflation, explaining that the guarantee schemes were designed to provide relief. “We received significant criticism when we approved these schemes within just five days of our government taking office, despite doubts from the BJP regarding our ability to carry them out,” he added.

Shivakumar acknowledged the challenge of allocating 20% of the state’s budget for these schemes but made it clear that the well-being of the people is a top priority. He reiterated that the BJP is now mirroring the Congress model in other states.

During the discussion concerning the guarantee schemes, the opposition raised concerns over appointing Congress workers to supervise their implementation. Shivakumar defended the decision, stating, “There is nothing wrong with including party workers who helped bring us to power. The committees are there to ensure that the Rs 52,000-crore guarantee schemes reach the public, but the Opposition struggles to accept this.”

Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka also brought up the matter of distributing Rs 187 crore of government funds to party workers. “Let’s address this issue in the House, and we will respond,” Shivakumar said, emphasizing that the current focus should remain on the budget discussion.

In another statement, he noted, “The people of this state have granted us 138 seats. The Leader of the Opposition and other MLAs sought positions in committees. It’s not solely my decision; it requires discussion in the Cabinet. Our government will always support our party workers.”

National

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

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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.