Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced that if the National Investigation Agency (NIA) formally requests, the state government will transfer the investigation of the alleged security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent Bengaluru visit to them. Parameshwara mentioned that the state police are currently looking into the matter and refrained from disclosing further details. He informed that an individual who made a bomb threat at the Art of Living Centre before the Prime Minister’s visit has been apprehended and is under interrogation.
Referring to the discovery of gelatin sticks along the Prime Minister’s convoy route, the Home Minister stated that the police have secured all materials and are actively investigating the incident. He indicated the possibility of NIA officials assisting in the investigation, revealing that the NIA has expressed interest in taking over the case. Parameshwara emphasized that security arrangements for the Prime Minister’s events are a collaborative effort between Central security agencies and the state government.
Parameshwara highlighted the importance of thorough scrutiny in cases of discrepancies during vote counting, citing the Supreme Court’s intervention in the Sringeri recount case involving a BJP candidate. He stressed the need for a comprehensive examination of vote counting irregularities to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The Home Minister also addressed concerns raised by Congress workers regarding potential tampering, assuring that forensic experts and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) would be involved in the investigation.
Regarding the upcoming Bengaluru civic body elections, Parameshwara expressed the government’s eagerness to conduct the polls promptly but acknowledged the necessity of addressing procedural deficiencies beforehand. He emphasized the government’s commitment to rectifying any procedural errors to facilitate the smooth conduct of elections. Parameshwara discussed the government’s efforts to enhance public transportation infrastructure, particularly mentioning the proposed Bengaluru–Tumakuru Metro project aimed at easing traffic congestion and benefiting commuters.
Parameshwara defended the rural employment guarantee scheme initiated during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure, underscoring its role in providing employment opportunities and supporting developmental initiatives. He criticized calls to discontinue the scheme due to alleged corruption, advocating for corrective administrative measures instead of scrapping the entire program. Parameshwara emphasized the program’s significance as a national initiative endorsed by the Centre and implemented across various states.
