The state cabinet of Karnataka expressed its disappointment over the National Wildlife Board's decision to not clear the Kalasa-Banduri Nala (Mahadayi) drinking water project. In response, the cabinet has decided to hold an all-party meeting to discuss the matter and petition Prime Minister Narendra Modi against what they see as a grave injustice to the people of Karnataka. They have also directed the law department to seek legal counsel on filing a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the NWB's decision. Additionally, the cabinet discussed objections raised by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar regarding the Chamundeshwari Development Authority and clarified that they are within their rights to hold the meeting.
The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation challenging the constitutional validity of a draft bill that proposed 50% reservation in management and 70% reservation in non-management posts for Kannadigas in private industries and organizations of the state. The court stated that the petition was premature as the bill had not yet been passed into law. The petitioner, a Chartered Accountant and regional mentor of change with NITI Aayog, argued that the bill would hinder her chances of employment, but the court imposed a cost of Rs 5,000 for the perceived personal interest. However, after the petitioner's counsel stated that she was a pregnant woman and had no personal interest in the matter, the court withdrew the imposition of cost.
The Karnataka High Court reserved its order after extensive hearings on petitions filed by the CBI and BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal, challenging the state government's move to withdraw consent for a probe by the CBI in the disproportionate assets case against Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The CBI argued that once consent is granted, it cannot be revoked, while Patil's counsel supported the continuation of the investigation. The Congress government questioned the legality of the consent given by the previous BJP government and argued that the petitions were not maintainable.
Former Infosys CFO TV Mohandas Pai has criticized the Karnataka government's decision to display details of Kannadiga employees on company notice boards, calling it a retrograde move that can damage the "Brand Bengaluru." He has urged the Deputy Chief Minister to reconsider the decision, stating that it goes against the city's open and inclusive culture and can create mistrust in the government. Pai also highlighted the lack of skilled local talent, leading companies to hire based on qualifications rather than regional preferences.
The Karnataka government is considering making it mandatory for multinational companies to display details of their Kannadiga staff strength to ensure sufficient numbers of people from the state are employed. This comes as part of the government's efforts to prioritize Kannadigas for employment opportunities, and failure to comply with the new rule can result in license cancellation for the establishments. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also announced on Wednesday that an alliance with the Congress will take place for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh.
Karnataka's Kannada & Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi announced that the state government will require multinational companies to prominently display the number of Kannadigas they employ in order to promote and protect the Kannada language. He also mentioned efforts to strengthen Kannada in judiciary and the development of an app for citizens to report violations against the language. Suggestions made by lawmakers are also being considered, including adding members from Kannada organizations to the committee enforcing the new law.
Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has invited BJP leaders to join the Congress party's protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on February 7 at 11 am. The protest aims to fight for the state's rights and protection of its interests, with strong evidence of injustice from the Centre in the devolution of funds. Siddaramaiah urges the Centre to listen to their grievances and seek justice for all Kannadigas.