NEWS

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa dropped further hints on Thursday of his impending resignation once the BJP government in the state completes its second year in office on July 26. Yediyurappa also refused to name his likely successor, saying the decision has been left to the leadership in Delhi.

“Two months ago, I had suggested that I should resign as CM in order to give an opportunity to someone else. Whether I am in power or not, I must bring the BJP to power for the next few years by strengthening the party. I have decided to travel to all corners of the state to strengthen the party,” said the Karnataka Chief Minister ahead of a Cabinet meeting that's considered to be his final as CM.

The Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC are neither anti-Hindu nor anti-Muslim — they have been linked to religion only to gain political mileage, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Wednesday, while speaking at a conference in Assam.

“CAA and NRC have not been framed against any Indian citizen. A citizen who happens to be a Muslim won’t be a loser because of CAA,” Bhagwat said. “In post-Independence history, during the Nehru-Liaquat pact, there was an assurance that minorities would be taken care of. We are still taking care of the minorities, but Pakistan is not.”

Karnatka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who maintained silence over the past four days as members of his Lingayat community and supporters opposed any move by the BJP central leadership to replace him, issued a statement on Wednesday to reaffirm his loyalty to the BJP and to adhere to the party's discipline.

“I am privileged to be a loyal worker of the BJP. It is my utmost honour to serve the party with the highest standards of ethics and behaviour. I urge everyone to act in accordance with party ethics and not indulge in protests/indiscipline that is disrespectful and embarrassing for the party,” he said amid speculation that he would leave office once the government completes two years on July 26.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday alleged that her phone was “definitely tapped,” as she displayed her phone — with the camera lens covered with a plaster tape — while addressing a virtual rally.

She urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the Pegasus row and order a probe by a special investigation team. “Pegasus, dangerous, ferocious,” said Mamata, holding up her phone —with the camera lens covered by a plaster tape — while addressing her party’s Martyrs’ Day rally. “Only the judiciary and people can save this democracy."