The Observer An IIJNM Publication
Ron taluk’s PHCs, catering to 2.6 lakh people, lack basic facilities | P2
Vol 18, Issue 28
Minority tag is a selfish decision: JD(S)
About 50 Lingayat pontiffs have asked members of the community to support Congress candidates | Courtesy: KPN Questions over the timing of the decision gained credence when about 50 Lingayat seers advised the community to support the Congress. “We have decided to support those who supported us,” Shivamurthy Murugha Rajendra Swami, the seer of Chitradurga’s Murugha mutt, he was quoted as saying. “The community had requested the Siddaramaiah to grant religious minority status to them, but the issue is being politicized by the BJP. The Lingayats are happy, and that is all that matters. There should be no opposition in this matter,” KPCC secretary Chalavadi Narayanaswami said. Lingayats will not be able to enjoy the benefits of a minority community unless the Centre issues a notification. The Karnataka HC has asked the Centre to clarify its stance on the issue. The demand for minority status to Lingayats dates long
back. The UPA government had, in 2013, rejected the demand to grant Lingayats a separate religion status. Bharati Shetty, spokesperson for the BJP, said: “This is clearly for political gains. Why didn’t they grant religious minority tag to Lingayats when they were in power at the Centre. The Congress, not BJP, are the ones who have always practised divideand-rule politics.” The JD(S), which has shared power with both Congress and BJP, agrees with the latter. JD(S) functionary B.M. Farooq, who was the party’s candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections held in March, said: “The move to award Lingayats religious minority tag is going to adversely affect the situatioIt is a selfish and dirty move. It will not affect anybody; it is an attempt to manipulate the people of the state.” rayan.m@iijnm.org
EC ups expense limit per candidate to Rs 28 lakh, but parties unhappy G. Manashaa
T
hough the expenditure limit for assembly elections in Karnataka has been raised to Rs 28 lakh, candidates are unsure whether they can cover all their expenses. The ceiling was Rs 16 lakh in the 2013 elections. KPCC spokesman Shafi Ulla said, “While we are happy over the limit being raised, we are not sure if we can manage with it. We had submitted an application seeking permission to use more vehicles and to conduct public rallies. We have not heard from them (the State Election
Commission) yet.” Shantha Narayan, president of the Jayanagar JD(S) unit, said: “We will abide by the rules and regulations, but it will be difficult to meet all the expenses with this much money.” In 2014, the Election Commission had raised the expenditure limit for an assembly candidate in major states, like Karnataka, to Rs 28 lakh. It is Rs 20 lakh in smaller states. BJP joint spokesperson S. Prakash said: “Although I am unhappy with the limit, we need to follow SEC’s decision as per the law.” Another JD(S) functionary,
On the web: issuu.com/ theweeklyobserver/docs/the observer
PNG consumers unaware of risks in using the fuel
Asked to call 24/7 helpline if there’s a problem
Rayan Mitra
T
@theweeklyobserver
BMTC will deploy app that will reduce time taken to repair buses | P2
Congress, BJP spar over Lingayat issue
he Siddaramaiah government’s decision to award Lingayats minority status has been applauded as a political masterstroke by many. But some have criticized the move as a political gimmick to divide the electorally important Lingayat-Veerashaiva community ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections. Praising the Siddaramaiah government, KPCC general secretary L. Hanumanthaiah told The Observer: “We will win an absolute majority. The BJP has never done justice to the aspirations of the people of Karnataka. The issue will hardly affect poll results, but now they have got something to complain and create a fuss about.” Tejashwini Gowda, a former MP and BJP functionary, said: “The timing of the decision is highly questionable. It is driven by selfish political interests of the Congress government. After they failed to address developmental issues, they are resorting to such dirty politics to manipulate the people of Karnataka.”
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
The Observer
Kumar, said: “We will use fewer vehicles to fit into the budget. We will follow the instructions of the commission and get prior permission for conducting any rallies.” The SEC on Wednesday apprised candidates and ticket aspirants for the Jayanagar assembly constituency of the rules Returning officer Mamta said: “All parties will provide the expenditure list or account…. Each candidate can spend up to Rs 28 lakh, under which all expenses must be taken care of. Violation of the code of conduct and any rules will be viewed seriously.” manashaa.g@iijnm.org
Ayushi Singh
C
onsumers of piped natural gas (PNG), cheaper and more convenient to deliver than LPG, seem unaware of the risks involved in its use. “I have lived in Bengaluru for five years. Recently, my landlord took a piped natural gas connection, but none of us was told that it could have severe shortcomings. We were only given a customer care number which they say works 24/7,” said Akash Chaudhary, a resident of Koramangala, informed The Observer. Asked whether PNG consumers have been informed of safety measures, Princy Soni, a resident of HSR Layout, said: “We have been asked to call a 24hour helpline if there is any issue. But we have not been told how to detect a problem. We read about it online. It is considered safer than LPG.” Sunil Kumar Jha, head of the marketing department at the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL), said: “We hold conferences to educate and make police aware in case of any emergency. All the information that any customer would want to know is available on the website. We have a customer service that works for 24 hours. In case of a leakage, a complaint can be filed with customer service. The risk of damage is low in PNG.” Piped natural gas consists of 87-92% methane and is much lighter than LPG, causing it to disperse faster. It is supplied through pipes because storing it is not possible. The process includes laying of pipelines in various areas and those interested can opt for it. Underground PNG pipes hold severe risks like leakages or disasters caused by fire. PNG users are asked to check pipes in their homes for leakages. It is difficult to figure if there
VISIT WEBSITE, SAYS GAIL All the information that any customer would want to know is on the website. – Sunil Kumar Jha, head of GAIL’s marketing department
We were given a customer care number which works 24/7. – Akash Chaudhary of Koramangala
We have not been told how to detect a problem. We read about it online. – Princy Soni, a resident of HSR Layout
There aren’t any specific safety measures. – Sheetal R. of Jalahalli is a leakage, though chances of it are low. But in case of leakage and fire safety, PNG users have to be prepared. It is possible that help reaches on time. But maintenance and risk detection have been left to users. Even though considered safer than LPG and low in risk of fire accidents, PNG is inflammable. Suppliers need to make users aware of its risks and precautions to be taken. “I have seen the demand for PNG increase rapidly. Many people in my area took it up after I started using it. Because I have small children at home, such a concept keeps me relaxed. So far, I haven’t faced any problem. I think small issues can be taken care of with regular and timely checks,” said Shilpa Supahiya, a doctor. Sheetal Reddy, a resident of Jalahalli, said: “There aren’t any specific safety measures provided to us , but as an initiative of our own, keeping in mind the safety of the building the person in charge of our apartments association makes sure the pipes are checked for leakages from time to time and all the issues are taken care of.” ayushi.s@iijnm.org