Connect with us
Saturday,10-May-2025
Breaking News

National News

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai faces ‘caste reservation’ heat

Published

on

Basavaraj-Bommai

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai is facing the challenge of ‘Lingayat Panchamasali’ agitation for reservation which is scheduled to go on for one long month.

The challenge has become a litmus test for him as the ‘Most Backward Castes Awareness Forum’ has submitted a memorandum urging him not to bring Panchamasali Lingayats in the list of the ‘Other backward Classes’ (OBC).

Adding to the woes, Panchamasali seer Jayamrutynjaya swamiji has vented out his ire on former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa’s son B.Y. Vijayendra alleging that he had tried to misguide the whole movement.

The agitation demanding reservation started on Thursday (August 26) from Male Mahadeshwara hills in Chamarajanagar district. The one-month long agitation is named as Pratigna Panchayat. The organisers have planned to create awareness at every taluk level under the leadership of Jaya Mruthyunjaya swamiji.

The government headed by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had promised to sanction reservation for the Panchamasali sub sect on the floor of the House. At the time, a 600 kilometer padayatra was undertaken from KudalaSangama to Bengaluru demanding reservation.

Jaya Mruthyunjaya swamiji has stated that Yediyurappa was misguided by his son Vijayendra on the movement. The community, which comprises the lion’s share of population among the Lingayat community supported Yediyurappa. Now, they are looking forward to a leader who can support them, he added.

Presently, Lingayats who fall into lower income groups can claim reservation under 3 B reservation quotas along with Jains, Christians and others. Some sub castes can claim under 3A category. However, if reservation is provided under 2 A category, which has 15 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC), it would boost the prospect of getting government job opportunities for Panchamasalis.

Yediyurappa during his tenure had directed the Commission for Backward Classes to submit a report in this regard. The report, however, has not been submitted yet. Since, the Panchamasali community has begun the agitation, the ruling BJP especially Chief Minister Bommai is facing a daunting task of managing the situation..

Minister for Industries Murugesh Nirani, senior BJP leaders Aravind Bellad and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, belong to the Panchamasali sub caste, and all were aspirants for the Chief Minister’s post but failed to make it.

Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swamiji has made an announcement that the deadline given to the government (September 15) to provide reservation is nearing and Chief Minister Bommai should initiate steps to provide reservation. “We will back that individual or party who extends support to us,” he underlined.

The Bommai government which has to face Zilla Panchayat, taluk panchayat elections very soon is facing a real challenge in dealing with the situation.

National News

India and Pakistan to stop all firing and military action: MEA

Published

on

New Delhi, May 10: A few minutes after US President Donald Trump announced a “full and immediate ceasefire” between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea with effect from 5 PM Indian Standard Time, on Saturday.

“The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called the Director General of Military Operations of India at 1535 hrs earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hrs Indian Standard Time today,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a short media briefing.

“Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Director General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours,” the Foreign Secretary added.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a “full and immediate ceasefire” between India and Pakistan without sharing any details of the negotiations or the ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Rubio also said in a State Department statement that he and Vice-President J D Vance conducted the ceasefire negotiations.

“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social, the social media platform he owns.

“Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.

Secretary of State Rubio said in a separate statement: “Over the past 48 hours, Vice President Vance and I have engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik.

“I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” he stated.

Continue Reading

National News

Trump says India and Pakistan ‘agree to full and immediate ceasefire’

Published

on

Donald Trump says “India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire”.

In a post on social media platform Truth Social, the US President says: “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE.

“Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

We have not heard this from either India or Pakistan, stay with us for the latest developments.

Pakistan and India have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect, Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar says.

He adds: “Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!”

Continue Reading

Maharashtra

Maharashtra Cyber Department warns against fake news circulation amid rising India-Pak tensions

Published

on

Mumbai, May 10: The Office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber Department, on Saturday issued an advisory warning against the circulation of fake news amid cross-border tensions, asking the citizens to show restraint.

“Spreading false information, knowingly or unknowingly, is a punishable offence under relevant provisions of law. Maharashtra Cyber strongly advises all citizens to exercise restraint and discernment while consuming and sharing information, particularly in relation to matters of national importance. The Government of India maintains official communication channels and verified platforms for issuing statements, updates, and press releases concerning national security and defence matters. Citizens are urged to rely exclusively on these official sources for information and are firmly discouraged from forwarding or amplifying unverified messages, videos, or images that may contribute to social discord or misinformation,” said the advisory.

The department has appealed to all individuals to act responsibly, verify facts from authorised sources, and report any suspicious or misleading content at the earliest opportunity.

“In view of the prevailing cross-border tensions, accurate and timely information concerning developments at the border and adjoining regions holds vital importance for citizens. However, Maharashtra Cyber has observed with concern that amidst the dissemination of critical information, several instances of fake news are being circulated across various digital platforms. This misinformation not only misleads the public but also promotes confusion and unrest within society,” said the advisory.

“A considerable volume of this fake content pertains to alleged army movements, strategic operations, or retaliatory measures from neighbouring countries. Such unverified and misleading content poses a serious risk to national security and may contribute to the escalation of tensions. Unsocial elements appear to be exploiting the sensitivity of the situation by generating and distributing this fake news with the intention of gaining followers, inciting panic, or manipulating public perception,” said the advisory.

Taking cognisance of these developments, Maharashtra Cyber has issued several notices for the removal of such false narratives across social media and communication platforms. The department remains fully committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy information environment and will continue to coordinate with platform operators and enforcement agencies to curb the spread of misinformation.

The Cyber Department’s advisory comes a day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde warned that the government will take stern action against those spreading fake news on social media.

CM Fadnavis, at the meeting he chaired to review the security arrangement and preparedness amid escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, asked the administration to study the central government’s ‘Union War Book’ in depth and inform everyone about it.

Police cyber cells in every district should monitor social media and identify handles that are helping Pakistan and take action against them. If anyone is helping the enemy or spreading false information, take action against them, he said at the meeting.

Further, Eknath Shinde said, “Spreading fake news on social media is a serious crime. Strict action would be taken against it. We request that people not film, video, and broadcast whatever preparations are being made by the military and coast guard forces, as it is important from a security perspective.”

He announced that the government will initiate strong action against those engaged in spreading fake news on social media.

Continue Reading

Trending