1. Shettar, KSE, Ashoka Among 17 to Join BSY Cabinet Today
Much like his own oath-taking, CM BS Yediyurappa’s cabinet expansion was fraught with suspense as the list of ministers likely to be sworn in came in well past Monday midnight. Former chief minister Jagadish Shettar, former deputy chief ministers KS Eshwarappa and R Ashoka, among others, are likely to take oath at Raj Bhavan between 10.30am and 11.30am on Tuesday.
Others who are likely to make the cabinet cut are B Sreeramulu, Basavaraj Bommai, J Madhuswamy, S Suresh Kumar, CT Ravi, Balachandra Jarkiholi, Govind Karjol, Laxman Savadi, CC Patil and V Somanna. Sources said Shashikala Annasaheb Jolle, Prabhu Chauhan, Srinivas Poojary and CN Ashwathnarayan are set to become first-time ministers.
(Source: The Times of India)
2. White-topping Work on Hold, Probe Ordered
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Monday ordered a halt to Phase 3 of the controversial white-topping project.
The chief minister, who had reviewed BBMP’s budget estimates and withheld tenders a week ago, also ordered a high-level inquiry into allegations of large scale irregularities in the project.
In a special note addressed to the additional chief secretary, Urban Development department, Yediyurappa wrote, “Following multiple complaints about large scale irregularities and misuse of funds in Phase 1 and 2 of the white-topping project, I order holding a detailed inquiry and seek a report.”
(Source: Deccan Herald)
3. Arrest of Pro-Kannada Activists for Tearing Hindi Hoarding by Jains Turns Political
In a video that has gone viral on social media, a group of pro-Kannada activists can be seen shouting slogans against the exclusion of Kannada in a hoarding that was in Hindi. As the sloganeering continues, several activists can be seen climbing a ladder and slashing the hoarding with knives.
The incident took place near the Jain temple along Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Road in Bengaluru on Friday evening. According to the Commercial Street Police, the members of the Jain Community had erected a hoarding outside Ganesh Bagh prayer hall regarding Chaturmas, a holy period for the Jain community reserved for fasting and penance.
(Source: The News Minute)
4. K'taka Classifies Nicotine as Poison, Mulls E-Cigarette Ban
In a move that will make the battle against e-cigarettes stronger, the state has classified nicotine as a poisonous substance under the Karnataka Poisons Rules, 2019.
Simply put, it implies that the sale and possession of nicotine will be permitted only in cases where it is prescribed by a psychiatrist and is within the recommended limits. In Section Class A of the Karnataka Poisons (Possession and Sale) Rules, 2015, an amendment has been now made which mentions nicotine as one of the poisonous substances.
Dr Selvaraj, nodal officer, Department of Health and Family Welfare (anti-tobacco cell), said that this (move) would help the department in its fight against the use of vape.
(Source: Deccan Herald)
5. I Wanted my Freedom Back: Girl Reveals Motive for Killing Father
The 15-year-old girl accused of killing her father at their Rajajinagar home has revealed to police that she committed the crime because she wanted her “freedom” back, speaking bitterly of an episode when he belted her for dating and cut phone privileges.
The girl’s 19-year-old boyfriend, Praveen, is also an accused in the case, which came to light early on Sunday, shocking the city and prompting conversations about teenage rebellion and parenting.
The two teens, who studied in the same school before Praveen advanced to college, stabbed her 41-year-old father before setting him ablaze, according to police. Praveen was arrested on Sunday.
(Source: The Times of India)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)