Governance in Kerala a family affair as Riyaz’s grip improves

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Governance in Kerala a family affair as Riyaz’s grip improves

It was a moment of pondering in Kerala politics under a Left rule when after a historic victory, Pinarayi Vijayan named his ‘new’ son-in-law P.A.Mohammed Riyaz in his cabinet.

Then he was given the plum portfolios of Public Works and Tourism and after nearly three months, what everyone is interested in knowing is whether the governance in the state has turned into a family affair.

This became evident when the 46-year-old handled the ongoing assembly session with ease and what came as a huge surprise is the manner in which he was seen taking control of the flagship project of former State Finance Minister Thomas Isaac Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board ( KIIFB).

KIIFB is a government-owned financial institution formed to mobilize funds for infrastructure development from outside the state revenue and Isaac during the period 2016-21 had gone “ga-ga” over it and so did a huge section of the treasury bench legislators as many of the infrastructure projects in their constituency was being done by KIIFB.

In Vijayan’s second term, with Issac not given a seat to contest as were several big guns in the party, Vijayan was able to handpick his cabinet team with ease.

He incorporated youth and vibrance in the cabinet when K.N.Balagopal was made the Finance Minister and his close aide P.Rajeev the State Industries Minister.

A media critic on condition of anonymity pointed out that if anyone looks into what’s happening in the assembly, it’s quite clear that Riyaz apparently has literally taken over KIIFB.

“This is because Balagopal at times had contested Isaac’s overdose in KIIFB at party meetings, when Issac was at the helm of affairs and now with Issac out and Balagopal in, he so far has not given much importance to KIIFB affairs, even though he is the vice-chairman of the KIIFB.

“It is here that Riyaz by virtue of being the Public Works Minister has taken over, if one observes his answers to questions about KIIFB’s work in progress,” said the critic.

The CEO of KIIFB is former Chief Secretary K.M.Abraham, who in Vijayan’s second outing has been given the plum post of ‘principal secretary’ to the Chief Minister and it’s here the direct link between KIIFB and Riyaz has surfaced, literally making it a family affair.

Riyaz has managed the grip over KIIFB on account of Balagopal’s aversion to KIIFB and already he has had a round of meeting with KIIFB officials, along with his team of Public Works Department officials and has sounded that henceforth, there would be more of such meetings, giving enough indications, that he has laid his eyes on the plum scheme and with the full support of Vijayan, none is going to raise a question.

PM asks diplomats to showcase India’s ‘manufacturing prowess’ abroad

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PM asks diplomats to showcase India’s ‘manufacturing prowess’ abroad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged Indian Missions abroad to showcase India’s manufacturing capabilities globally.

Addressing the Indian Missions across the globe virtually, Modi also called for close co-ordination among the diplomats, Commerce Ministry, Indian exporters and producers in a bid to boost exports from the country.

“‘India House’ present in different countries should also become the representatives of India’s manufacturing power. From time-to-time you should alert and guide stakeholders in India, which will help in improving the exports,” he told the diplomats while speaking on ‘#LocalGoesGlobal – Make in India for the World’.

He was of the view that now is the time to move ahead with targets in terms of ‘Brand India’.

“This is the time to establish a new recognition regarding quality and reliablity. We need to ensure that India’s high value-added products reach each and every corner of the world,” Modi told the diplomats.

Observing that exports amount to 20 per cent of the country’s GDP, the Prime Minister said that given the size and potential of the Indian economy and that of the manufacturing and services sectors in the country, there is scope to increase the share of exports in the GDP.

Talking of the government’s decision to nullify the much contentious retrospective taxation provisions, the Prime Minister noted that the decision shows the government’s commitment towards stable policies and consistency of those policies.

He mentioned of four key factors which are required to improve exports, the first factor being the requirement for a multi-fold growth in manufacturing.

Elimination of obstacles in terms of transportation and logistics, government’s support for exports, and the international market for Indian exports are the other key factors to enhance exports from the country, Modi added.

Speaking of the government’s support for the growth in domestic manufacturing, he said that the ‘production-linked incentive’ (PLI) schemes would help not only in increasing the scale of Indian manufacturing, but also aid in raising the standards of global quality and efficiency.

“This will develop a new ecosystem of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and ‘Made in India’ and the country will get new global champions of manufacturing and exports.”

Financial woes prevent TN govt from reverting retirement age to 58

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Financial woes prevent TN govt from reverting retirement age to 58

Plagued by the coronavirus pandemic over the last one and a half years adding to financial constraints, the state of Tamil Nadu has decided to continue with the retirement age of government employees at 60 years.

Sources in the Tamil Nadu government told in an interview that an average of Rs 7,000 crore will have to be provided if the retirement age is reverted back to 58 and hence the government is keeping quiet for the time being given the precarious financial position of the state treasury.

The retirement age of government employees of Tamil Nadu was raised to 59 and then to 60 by the previous AIADMK government of K. Palaniswami.

The DMK government was for reverting the retirement age of government employees to 58 years but the mounting financial constraints is preventing that move.

It was in May 2020 that the AIADMK government under Palaniswami raised the retirement age of government employees from 58 to 59. In February 2021, the government again raised the retirement age from 59 to 60. The poor financial position of the state government was one reason to raise the retirement age as an average of Rs 7,000 crore could be saved if the retirement age was increased. Also, the AIADMK was expecting to reap rich electoral dividends from the strong community of government employees in the election year of 2021.

Tamil Nadu, according to sources in the state government, has an estimated 9 lakh government employees and around 3 per cent of these employees retire a year. This would make around 27,000 employees and the government would require a whopping Rs 7,000 crore to settle their benefits and to save this the present government does not want to revert the retirement age to 58 just now.

Hry announces Rs 50L awards for 9 women Olympic hockey players from state

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Hry announces Rs 50L awards for 9 women Olympic hockey players from state

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday announced an award of Rs 50 lakh each to the nine members of the Olympics women’s hockey team representing the state.

“I congratulate the Indian team for their praiseworthy performance at the Tokyo Olympics,” the Chief Minister said.

In a hard-fought bronze play-off match the Indian team lost 3-4 to Great Britain.

Andhra CM launches ‘Jagananna Pacha Thoranam – Vana Mahotsavam’

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Andhra CM launches ‘Jagananna Pacha Thoranam – Vana Mahotsavam’

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday launched ‘Jagananna Pacha Thoranam – Vana Mahotsavam’ by planting a sapling at AIIMS Mangalagiri.

The people present at the venue pledged to plant more trees and nurture them for a green Andhra Pradesh.

“The government has launched an extensive programme in the state with the aim to achieve balanced climate and environmental protection,” said Reddy.

The Chief Minister said the state government is focused on increasing the forest cover to 33 per cent from the existing 23 per cent by planting over 5 crore trees.

Reddy noted that it is very important to plant trees as they help produce clean air and also bring good rain.

The CM appealed to the people to take part in tree plantation for creating a better ecosystem.

On Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh Forest and Environment Minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy said the state government planted 33.2 crore saplings in the past two years.

The Minister said ‘Jagananna Pacha Thoranam – Vana Mahotsavam’ has been initiated to make Andhra green and urged the public to take part in this initiative.

The state government is also planting 75 lakh saplings under the NREGA scheme, including taking similar steps under the Nadu-Nedu programmes.

“The government is committed to promote 33 per cent greenery in line with the National Forest Policy, thereby achieving ecological balance, prioritising the conservation of forests and promotion of greenery,” the minister added.

Pegasus row: SC pulls up lawyer, says no notice for Modi, Shah

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Pegasus row: SC pulls up lawyer, says no notice for Modi, Shah

The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up advocate M.L. Sharma for making Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as respondents in his petition seeking a court monitored SIT probe into the Pegasus snooping issue.

A bench comprising Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and Justice Surya Kant said: “You have included certain individuals (Prime Minister and Home Minister as respondents in the petition). We can’t issue notice like this. Don’t try to take advantage of things, you have a defective memo of parties”.

Sharma had argued that the government is fabricating material in the computer through this software.

The bench replied, “This is not the way to file a PIL, where is the material other than paper cuttings.”

Sharma argued that his petition is based on facts and not merely newspaper cuttings. He also agreed to amend the parties as respondents in his petition, after the bench objected to making individuals as respondents in his petition.

During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing N. Ram, argued that Pegasus is a rogue technology, and it is entirely illegal, as it infiltrates into our lives through telephone, and it hears and watches. Sibal emphasized that it is an assault on privacy and human dignity.

The top court noted that there are too many petitions, and it has to see on which petitions it has to issue formal notice and on which it shouldn’t. The top court asked petitioners to serve copy on the Union of India and indicated that only in a few petitions court, it may issue notice on Tuesday after hearing the views of the Centre.

Sharma’s plea said: “The Pegasus scandal is a matter of grave concern and an attack on the Indian democracy, country’s security and judiciary. The widespread use of surveillance is morally disfiguring. National security implications of this software are huge”.

Insisting for a court-monitored probe, Sharma’s plea contended that the scandal involves issues concerning national security and judicial independence. Several petitioners have filed in the Supreme Court seeking a court monitored probe into the Pegasus snooping scandal. The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on Tuesday.

No representation for 13 districts in Karnataka cabinet

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No representation for 13 districts in Karnataka cabinet

Though Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai assured equal representation to all regions, as many as 13 districts have no representation in his cabinet expanded on Wednesday.

Bengaluru has got seven representatives and six districts — Dakshina Kannada, Dharwad, Shivamogga, Tumkur, Bagalkot, Belagavi, and Haveri — two each, while Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Vijayapura, Ballary, Davanagere, Hassan, Ramnagar, Kolar, Chikkamagalur, Mysuru, Raichur, Yadgir, and Kalburgi have not been given representation.

M.P. Renukacharya, a former Minister from Davanagere, said his district has been neglected.

Sources said the decision had been taken to accommodate loyal party leaders like B.C. Nagesh from Tiptur constituency in Tumkur district and V. Sunil Kumar from Karkala constituency in Udupi district.

K’taka cabinet expansion: CM Bommai to get green signal from BJP high command today

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K’taka cabinet expansion: CM Bommai to get green signal from BJP high command today

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has said that the discussion on cabinet formation has reached the final stages and he will get a green signal from the BJP high command on Wednesday.

“Decisions are yet to be taken on two or three issues. They will be taken in the morning. I am going to get ‘good’ news. If I get it on Wednesday early morning hours, a swearing ceremony will be held by noon or evening on the same day,” he said late Tuesday night. All aspects including regional, social justice and also requests of those of my friends who have come here have been considered, he said.

“There were some issues on which party President J.P. Naddaji sought clarifications. I have clarified those issues. Finally, he will approve the list on Wednesday morning. As soon as I get the list, it will be sent to Raj Bhavan,” Bommai said.

He refused the possibility of dropping seniors from the cabinet. The list will be finalised keeping the next elections and delivering good administration in mind. “We need experience as well as enthusiasm. I am expecting the cabinet expansion to take place in two phases. The inclusion and exclusion of names is the prerogative of the high command. I am cool and used to the pulls and pressures of cabinet formation. I am returning to Bengaluru on an early morning flight,” he explained.

Sources said that the high command has approved the list of 20 to 24 ministers and there will be no deputy chief minister post this time.

Sources also said that the high command is considering a cabinet berth to former Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa’s son B.Y. Vijayendra. However, they are yet to take a call on the chief minister aspirants — former speaker Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri and BJP MLA Aravind Bellad.

It is said that former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karajol, Dr. C.N. Ashwathnarayan, former ministers Sriramulu, Aravind Limbavali, K.S. Eshwarappa, V. Somanna, Murugesh Nirani, R. Ashok, Anand Singh, Dr. K. Sudhakar, J.C. Madhuswamy, S.T. Somashekar, MTB Nagaraj, K. Gopalaiah, Bhyrathi Basavaraju, B.C. Patil, Narayana Gowda, C.P. Yogeshwar, Bhyrathi Basavaraju, Shivaram Hebbar, senior leaders V. Sunilkumar, K. Poornima, S. Angara, Abhay Patil, Raju Gowda, P. Rajeev, Dattatreya Patil Revur, M.P. Kumaraswamy are likely to make it to the cabinet.

Pinarayi Vijayan is shielding Minister Sivankutty: BJP

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Pinarayi Vijayan is shielding Minister Sivankutty: BJP

Kerala BJP president K. Surendran on Tuesday said that it is the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is defending and shielding his cabinet colleague and State Education Minister V. Sivankutty from resigning in the wake of the apex court ruling that he along with others involved in the assembly vandalism case have to face trial.

Sivankutty along with another present legislator — K.T. Jaleel, a former minister, and four other former legislators will also have to face trial after the Supreme Court, last Wednesday dismissed the Kerala government’s plea to withdraw the cases against the CPI-M leaders for vandalism in the state Assembly in 2015.

And since then while the Congress led Opposition is up in arms both inside and outside the assembly demanding the ousting of Sivankutty, the BJP on Tuesday took to the streets in the state capital with the same demand.

“With the apex court all set to come out with its verdict in the SNC Lavalin case in which Vijayan is also facing the chances of being asked to face the trial, he is tooth and nail defending Sivankutty and is not asking him to put in his papers. If Vijayan asks Sivankutty to resign, then the same would be applicable to Vijayan also, if there is an adverse court remark,” said Surendran.

The SNC Lavalin case pertains to an agreement with Canadian firm SNC Lavalin in 1997 for the renovation and modernisation of Pallivasai, Sengulam and Panniar hydroelectric projects in Idukki district of Kerala, which allegedly caused a loss of Rs 266 crore to the exchequer.

Vijayan was then the Power Minister in Kerala.

First the CBI court here and then the Kerala High Court discharged Vijayan from all criminal and corruption charges in the SNC Lavalin case, but then the CBI filed its appeal in the apex court and since 2017, the apex court has heard the case and for over two dozen times the apex court has postponed its verdict.

Meanwhile the apex court has now posted the case again for August 10 and if by any chance the apex court asks Vijayan to face trial, then no doubt the Congress led UDF and the BJP will all be out in the streets demanding the resignation of Vijayan.

KCR rewards Kaushik Reddy with MLC seat

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KCR rewards Kaushik Reddy with MLC seat

The Telangana cabinet on Sunday decided to nominate P. Kaushik Reddy to the state Legislative Council, barely 10 days after he joined the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).

The Cabinet meeting, presided over by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, decided to recommend to Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan to nominate Kaushik Reddy to the upper house of the state legislature.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the relevant file has been sent to Raj Bhavan for approval.

Kaushik Reddy had joined the TRS on July 21, a week after he was expelled by Congress party for anti-party activities.

He was a state Congress Secretary and party incharge for Huzurabad constituency.

The Congress leadership had on July 12 issued a show cause notice to him after an audio surfaced in which he claimed that he will contest the by-election to Huzurabad Assembly constituency on the TRS ticket.

An audio of telephonic conversation between Kaushik Reddy and a TRS worker went viral. Claiming that he will be the TRS candidate in Huzurabad, he asked the TRS worker to mobilise party workers who can work for him and offered them money.

The audio had surfaced a few days after Kaushik Reddy’s meeting with TRS Working President and state minister K. T. Rama Rao at a function.

Hours after he was issued show cause notice for indulging in anti-party activities, Kaushik Reddy announced resignation from the primary membership of the party. The state Congress leadership, however, announced that it expelled Reddy from the party.

Kaushik Reddy, a former cricketer, had unsuccessfully contested as Congress candidate from Huzurabad in the 2018 Assembly elections.

The Assembly seat fell vacant following resignation of former minister E. Rajender, who recently quit the TRS to join the BJP.

The by-election is likely to be conducted soon.

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