Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has accused the state BJP of staying silent over lab tests showing ethanol above the 20% cap in petrol from 67 outlets. He says the Centre must explain the discrepancies.
He claimed petrol vehicle owners are facing engine trouble and poor mileage, while the BJP is protesting price rises. He also hit out at state BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra over recent remarks about Congress leaders.
A first list of 500 directors for boards and corporations has been signed, and two more lists will follow.
Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar says the BJP should first address concerns over ethanol in petrol before protesting price hikes. He claims the blend has hurt mileage and damaged engines.
The state says E20 samples from seven districts had up to 31 per cent ethanol, above the 20 per cent limit. Shivakumar wants the Centre to probe the fuel's source and quality, and says he is not blaming pump operators.
Meanwhile, the BJP staged a Bengaluru protest against rising prices. State chief B Y Vijayendra warned it could reach panchayat level if the hikes are not withdrawn.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has accused some BJP leaders of trying to claim credit for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's November 13 visit to Bengaluru, where he will inaugurate the metro Pink Line. He stressed that the PM is coming at the state government's invitation.
Speaking to reporters in Kanakapura on Friday, Shivakumar mocked unnamed BJP figures for seeking publicity over an event they had no part in. He questioned why they would bother, since they had nothing to do with organising it.
PM Narendra Modi has pledged full support to Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar for any state effort on water security. In a five-page letter ahead of Karnataka Rajyotsava, he urged making water conservation a top priority, calling drought a serious challenge, especially in northern Karnataka.
He suggested reviving water bodies, harvesting rainwater and managing water responsibly, and also pointed to city cleanliness and scientific waste management as areas needing attention. The Chief Minister's Office released the letter to the press on Thursday.
News India Xtra@newsIndiaxtra
