CM Siddaramaiah | Business Upturn

ED books Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA-linked money laundering case

Aditya Bhagchandani — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:05:59 +0000

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a money laundering case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. The central agency’s action follows a recent FIR filed by the state Lokayukta.

The ED filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Siddaramaiah and others involved in the alleged scam, including his wife, BM Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, and Devaraju, who initially sold the land to Swamy, which was later gifted to Parvathi. The case was registered after the Lokayukta police in Mysuru filed an FIR on September 27.

This development marks a significant escalation in the MUDA land scam investigation, as the central agency probes allegations of money laundering linked to the Karnataka CM and his family members.

Karnataka Temple Tax controversy: CM Siddaramaiah condemns BJP’s allegations

Matrika Shukla — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:31:10 +0000

Amid escalating controversy surrounding the Karnataka government’s decision to collect funds from temples generating a gross income of ₹10 lakh and above, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asserted that the entire issue has been misrepresented for political gain. He criticized BJP leaders for making baseless allegations aimed at misleading the public and stirring communal divisions for political advantage, stating that they should be ashamed of such tactics.

The BJP has strongly opposed the passing of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly, denouncing it as anti-Hindu and condemning the Congress party’s actions.

The Karnataka government clarified that the recent amendment exempts temples with an annual income of up to ₹10 lakhs from paying taxes, a measure that wasn’t in place previously. It was highlighted that even during the BJP government’s tenure, temples had been subject to taxation.

Following the contentious amendment that has sparked criticism, temples with a gross annual income exceeding ₹1 crore will be required to contribute 10% of their income to a common pool. Temples falling within the income range of ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore will be subject to a 5% contribution of their gross annual income.

Prior to the amendment, Siddaramaiah clarified that temples with a gross annual income exceeding ₹10 lakh were subjected to a 10% tax, while temples earning between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh annually were taxed at a rate of 5%.

Siddaramaiah conveyed that the recent amendment had been implemented with the sole purpose of increasing the funds allocated to the common pool, which is designated specifically for religious activities connected with the Hindu religion. He mentioned that since the enactment of the Act in 2003, the Common Pool Fund has consistently been used solely for the religious requirements of Hindu institutions, and he assured that this pattern would continue in the future. Siddaramaiah emphasized that the fund has never been diverted for any alternative purposes or for the advantage of followers of other religions.

The entirety of these funds will be directed to the Dharmik Parishad.

The common pool fund serves all religious purposes, and the government has expressed the necessity to augment this fund. The Dharmik Parishad is tasked with overseeing temple management for the welfare of pilgrims.

In Karnataka, there are around 3,000 temples generating less than ₹5 lakh in income, which currently do not contribute to the Dharmika Parishad. The government has revised this by exempting temples with incomes up to ₹10 lakh from contributing and introducing a five per cent levy on temples earning between ₹10 lakh and below one crore. Temples with incomes exceeding one crore will be subject to a ten per cent levy, with all proceeds directed to the Dharmika Parishad.

Transport and Hindu Religious Endowments Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that with funds allocated to the Dharmika Parishad, they can offer insurance coverage to its members. They also aim to provide their families with a minimum compensation of ₹five lakh in case of any unfortunate events. To cover the premiums, the government estimate a requirement of ₹7 crore to ₹8 crore.

Air India, TASL, and Karnataka government forge INR 2300 crore aerospace deal

Matrika Shukla — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:06:31 +0000

Air India Ltd. and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka, have committed a combined investment of INR 2300 crore into the state’s aerospace and defence sector. This significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed in the presence of notable dignitaries, marking the beginning of a promising era of partnership and economic development.

As per the MoU, Air India will take the lead in setting up Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, a notable advancement in India’s aviation infrastructure. These facilities will prioritize Airframe Maintenance for both Wide-Body and Narrow-Body aircraft, incorporating thorough checks such as heavy structural inspections. This initiative is expected to create more than 1200 highly skilled job opportunities in Karnataka, reinforcing the state’s status as a pivotal centre for aerospace innovation.

Concurrently, TASL’s investment will drive multiple initiatives, including the establishment of an Aircraft Modification, Conversion, Completion, and MRO facility tailored for defence applications. Moreover, TASL intends to set up indigenous gun manufacturing and barrel manufacturing facilities, alongside launching R&D projects in the aerospace and defence domains. These endeavours are poised to generate more than 450 highly skilled employment opportunities, nurturing a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and progress.

The collaborative endeavour has received accolades from both governmental and industry figures. Honourable Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah has voiced his excitement for the partnership, highlighting its pivotal role in elevating Karnataka’s aerospace industry and expanding job prospects, consequently bolstering the state’s economic prosperity.

Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Shri. MB Patil has lauded the alliance as a momentous stride for Karnataka’s aerospace and defence sector, underscoring the state’s dedication to nurturing innovation, fostering economic growth, and facilitating job creation.

Industry leaders echoed the sentiments of government officials, underlining the strategic significance of the partnership. Mr. Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, emphasized the agreement’s alignment with Air India’s vision of becoming a premier airline and delivering superior travel experiences to passengers. Meanwhile, Mr Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of TASL, underscored the partnership’s contribution to enhancing India’s industrial growth and skill development capabilities.

Mr Hari Marar, MD and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) praised the collaboration as transformative, consolidating Bengaluru’s position as a prominent aviation hub and aligning with the government’s vision to cultivate numerous aviation hubs throughout the nation.

The partnership between Air India, TASL, and the Government of Karnataka represents a significant leap forward in advancing the aerospace industry, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth across the region. With Kempegowda International Airport emerging as a key hub for South and Central India, supported by substantial investments in infrastructure, the vision is to position Karnataka as a powerhouse in the aerospace and defence sectors.

In alignment with the objectives of the Civil Aviation Ministry, this collaboration has the potential to elevate India into a vibrant aviation hub, creating up to 25,000 indirect job opportunities, stimulating economic activity, and strengthening the supply chain for over 200 SMEs in the state.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah shared dias with ISIS supporters: Yatnal

United News of India (UNI) — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:47:43 +0000

Belagavi, Dec 6 : Senior BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal stirred a hornet’s nest by accusing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for sharing dais with ISIS supporters and terror sympathisers at Hubballi.

“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shared the dias with ISIS supporters and Terror Sympathizers yesterday at Hubli. Tanveer Peera is a Terror Sympathiser who has links with Terror Outfits across the Middle East. Attached Images are his recent visits to the Middle East meeting the Terror Sympathizer and Radical Islamic Operatives,” he said on X.

Yatnal urged intelligence agencies and the NIA to investigate Tanveer’s accounts and his recent visits to the Middle East.

He said Tanveer met CM Siddaramaiah on several occasions. “Does Chief Minister @siddaramaiah know the background of this Terror Sympathizer? I will reveal all details of Tanveer to Saudi and the Middle East,” he said.

Yatnal also said: “Today Morning I made a statement that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shared dias with Terror Sympathizer and Isis supporter at Belagavi. I urge Intelligence agencies and @NIA_India to investigate Tanveer Peeras accounts and his recent visits to the Middle East.”

Meanwhile, in Mangaluru, former BJP National General Secretary CT Ravi demanded CBI and NIA to initiate a probe into Yatnal’s allegations.

‘Convert to Islam or die’: Multiple schools in Bengaluru gets bomb threat, CM says no need to panic

Uddeshya Thakur — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 23:35:07 +0000

There was panic in Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru when an email threatening to bomb multiple schools was received. After this, fear spread among the students and teachers of these schools. One of these schools is located in front of the residence of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

State’s Dy CM DK Shivakumar told reporters, “I was watching TV, the school opposite my house also received a threatening mail. I came here to investigate.” In response to this, the Bengaluru police has planted bomb-detection squads at schools in response to the threats.

The e-mail received by the school says that “either convert to Islam or die under the weight of the sword of Islam”. The e-mail claiming explosive devices planted in school ground has created havoc among students, parents and school administration.

Here’s the e-mail:

“Certain schools in Bengaluru city have received emails today morning indicating ‘bomb threat’. Anti sabotage and bomb detection squads have been pressed into service to verify and ascertain. The calls seem to be hoax. Even then all efforts will be made to trace the culprits,” said Bengaluru Police Commissioner in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter).

Certain schools in Bengaluru city have received emails today morning indicating 'bomb threat'. Anti sabotage and bomb detection squads have been pressed into service to verify and ascertain. The calls seem to be hoax. Even then all efforts will be made to trace the culprits. pic.twitter.com/QqBaSuJ11W

— CP Bengaluru ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಆಯುಕ್ತ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು (@CPBlr) December 1, 2023

‘Thee is no need to panic’: CM

On receiving threat to bomb several schools in Bengaluru, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, “Police will investigate and I have instructed them to do so. Safety measures have been taken and parents need not panic. I have instructed the police to inspect schools and increase security. A preliminary report has been received from the police department.”

On several schools in Bengaluru received bomb threats, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says, 'Police will investigate, and I have directed them to do so. Security measures have been taken, and parents need not panic. I have instructed the police to inspect the schools and enhance… https://t.co/uutlo3CVgs pic.twitter.com/ZA3hSbgBAS

— ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2023

The state police is currently investigating the matter.

Here’s what Sonia Gandhi said to the people of Karnataka on party’s electoral victory

Avinash Ram — Sun, 21 May 2023 12:22:24 +0000

Karnataka’s new government is being formed, and on Saturday, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi issued a video congratulating the state’s electorate for handing the grand old party a historic victory.

“I want to thank the Karnataka people from the bottom of my heart for giving the Congress party a historic mandate. I want to reassure the Karnataka people that the Congress administration would keep its word and carry out the commitments it made to them. I am pleased that the immediate execution of our five assurances was immediately accepted at the first cabinet meeting. The official Congress Twitter account tweeted a video of Gandhi citing her and stated, “The Congress party remains devoted to the prosperity, peace, and advancement of Karnataka.

From my heart, I wish to thank the people of Karnataka for giving the Congress party a historic mandate.

I would like to reassure the people of Karnataka that the Congress government will stand by its commitment to implement the promises it made to them. I am proud that the… pic.twitter.com/7S30Siw5ZM

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 20, 2023

Congress Government’s first move

On Saturday, Congress leader Siddaramaiah took the oath of office as chief minister of Karnataka in a lavish ceremony held here. The new administration also had its first Cabinet meeting and granted its in-principle assent to carry out its election promises, which are expected to cost the exchequer approximately Rs 50,000 crore yearly. D K Shivakumar, the state Congress president, and eight other lawmakers were sworn in as ministers during the ceremony conducted precisely one week after the party won the Karnataka Assembly elections. A vast array of opposition figures, including the Chief Ministers of various States that are not governed by the BJP, participated in the mega-event to show support for the Congress party as it prepares to challenge the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections held next year. Leaders clasped hands and hugged one other at the ritual, which heralded the five-year absence of the Congress government.

Earlier, her son and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who on Saturday attended Siddaramaiah’s oath-taking ceremony held in Bengaluru, stated that the five ‘guarantees’ made by the party before the elections in Karnataka will be carried out within a few hours after the first Cabinet meeting.

हम झूठे वादे नहीं करते हैं। कर्नाटक की नई कांग्रेस सरकार पहली कैब‍िनेट में 5 वादे पूरे करेगी।

जो हम कहते हैं, वो हम कर दिखाते हैं। pic.twitter.com/TH2OfGKXDT

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 20, 2023

“I had stated that we don’t make empty guarantees. We abide by our word. In one to two hours, the new government’s first cabinet meeting will begin. In that meeting, all five “guarantees” will be made into laws, Gandhi promised following Siddaramaiah’s oath-taking as chief minister.

Promises from the Congress 5 poll

These guarantees are: 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya), Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (YuvaNidhi) and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti).

Political analysts claimed that the ‘guarantees’ pledge resonated with the electorate throughout the campaign, especially women, and was a major factor in the Congress’ stunning success in the Assembly elections.

Gandhi said that the Congress triumphed in the election because it had “truth and the backing of poor people” on its side, as opposed to the BJP’s “money, power, and police.”

He also conveyed his appreciation to the Karnataka people for their unwavering support of the Congress.

“We are aware of the anguish you have endured over the past five years. The electoral victory of the Congress was discussed in the media. Numerous analysis and ideas were put forward. However, the Congress supported Dalits, tribal members, weaker communities, and other underprivileged groups, which was the cause for the triumph, according to him.

With 135 seats in the 224-member Assembly, the Congress defeated the BJP in the Assembly elections on May 10. The Janata Dal (Secular), under by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, only garnered 19 votes, compared to the BJP’s 66.

Former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai says administration ‘disappointed citizens’ at first cabinet meeting

Avinash Ram — Sat, 20 May 2023 16:36:44 +0000

On Saturday, Basavaraj Bommai, a former chief minister of Karnataka commented on the state’s recently installed Congress administration. Basavaraj Bommai stated that there is a significant discrepancy between the ruling party’s pronouncements and election pledges while discussing the decisions made by the new administration at its first Cabinet meeting.

The statements made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following the first Cabinet varied significantly from those made by the Congress administration in terms of their pledges. Many announcements and quick implementation were anticipated, according to the public. On the buses, some of the ladies began to ride for free. After speaking at a news conference here, Bommai told ANI that today’s pronouncements have disappointed the populace.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah, the chief minister of Karnataka, said that the new Cabinet had given the go-ahead to carry out the five promises that the Congress had pledged to provide during the election campaign.

In the manifesto, five assurances were made, and during the first cabinet meeting, the order was given to put those assurances into action. After the first Cabinet meeting in Vidhan Soudha, Siddaramaiah stated that everything will be in effect following the next cabinet meeting, which would be scheduled for within a week.

The five ‘main’ guarantees are 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti); ₹2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi); 10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya); ₹3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and ₹1,500 for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (Yuva Nidhi) and free travel for women in public transport buses (Uchita Prayana).

Also criticising the previous Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) administration, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah referred to them as “useless.” The previous administration was ineffective. Our fair portion of taxes was not appropriately obtained by them. As recommended by the finance panel, the Centre must grant us 5,495 crores, the official added.

Next week’s Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are designated as the Karnataka Legislative Assembly session days.