MYSURU: Union Commerce and Industries Minister Nirmala Sitharaman opined that the lawlessness and communal violence reported from Dakshina Kannada district will cast a shadow on investments in Karnataka.
She said more investments will have to come to Karnataka and the state has the potential to build on its own strength. But, this type of lawlessness and administration is likely to be a worry, she said.
Speaking to the media here on Thursday, she said the state government should work efficiently, arrest the culprits and ensure that violence does not erupt again.
“Karnataka was an investor-friendly state. Bengaluru is internationally recognised as a hub of IT services. But the state capital has seen a lot of violence and people were killed over ideological issues,” she said.
Referring to the murder of RSS worker Raju in Mysuru, she alleged the due process of law was not followed and the assailants involved in the murder were not yet arrested.
“Same is the case with Mangaluru and none of the accused who were responsible for the murder of RSS worker Sharath were arrested. I was told that the local MP is not attending peace meeting organised by the government as the police failed to arrest the culprits responsible for the violence,” she said.
‘FDI inflows shoot up’
Asked whether demonetisation has hit investments in the country, Nirmala Sitharaman said Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country has surpassed the 2015-16 figure and there is an increase in FDI inflows. She said demonetisation has brought in transparency and boosted the confidence of foreign investors.
When asked about continued confusion over input subsidy after the introduction of GST, she said the Union government has held 17 meetings of state finance ministers and discussed various issues with regard to GST.
She said people or traders can get their confusion cleared by calling toll free number or they can contact Commissioner offices.
Asked about her stand on Tamil Nadu opposing the construction of Mekedatu irrigation project, Nirmala maintained that she will stand by the decision of the state BJP.
She said the three language formula has been prevailing in the country for a long time, some parts it is successful and in some places it is failed.
BJP will seek NIA probe into killings, says Yeddyurappa
Mangaluru: BJP leaders will meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Sunday and seek a probe by National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the murders of 24 Hindu youth that took place after Siddaramaiah-led government came to power. BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa told reporters here on Thursday that the 24 deaths included the murders that took place in Bantwal taluk in June and July this year. He slammed the government for forcing police to raid houses of Hindu leaders in the night without woman constables. Earlier, Yeddyurappa addressed the activists at a programme organised by BJP Mahila Morcha in the Town Hall. There he said Dr Prabhakar’s arrest will trigger state-wide protests.
Do not pay heed to rumours: Khader
Mangaluru: If there is cooperation from all communities, the designs of mischief mongers will not work, District Minister B Ramnath Rai said while addressing the gathering during a peace committee meeting at the DC’s office here on Thursday, he took potshots at BJP and said “Those who didn’t want peace in the society stayed away from the meet. However, many people came to the meet, which indicates that a majority of the people want peace.” Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader, who was was at the meet said people should not pay heed to rumours.
Criminal proceedings against RSS leader stayed
Bengaluru: The High Court on Thursday provided temporary relief to RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakara Bhat by staying criminal proceedings based on a case registered by Puttur police. Ashraf, district committee member, Popular Front of India had stated in his complaint on January 23, 2015 that Bhat had given a provocative speech at a VHP programme. In his petition, Bhat contended that the complaint was politically motivated and was registered only to harass him. He also cited the video clip wherein the Dakshina Kannada District Minister allegedly ordered the local police to register a case against him. He added that the forensic report also found that electronic evidence of his speeches was tampered with. The court has issued notice to Ashraf and police.