Amid crisis in state, CM flew to Singapore to celebrate New Year: BSY

Agencies

December 31, 2018

Bengaluru, Dec 31: Karnataka BJP president BS Yeddyurappa on Monday took a dig at Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy for flying to Singapore for New Year celebrations at a time when the state is reeling under drought and water crisis.

"156 talukas in the state are suffering from drought and water crisis. Farmers are committing suicide, at this time. Karnataka Chief Minister has gone to Singapore to celebrate new year, his cabinet members have also gone to different places to celebrate," Yeddyurappa said while speaking to media here.

Yeddyurappa's remarks came days after Karnataka government declared 156 out of the 176 talukas of the state drought-hit due to the failed northeast monsoon.

The BJP leader also called Kumaraswamy an "irresponsible" Chief Minister who does not care about the welfare of the people.

Yeddyurappa further demanded the state government to reveal the data of the loan waiver given to farmers in the state.

"From last few months, he (Kumaraswamy) is talking about farmers' loan waiver issue. Do I want to know till today how much loan has been waived? I don't know why the Chief Minister is not giving proper statistics," he questioned.

Kumaraswamy, who flew to Singapore on Saturday night along with his family, is ecpected to return to Bengaluru on January 1.

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PM Modi vows to strengthen India-Maldives ties, inks currency swap deal with President Muizzu

News Network

October 7,2024

New Delhi: Seeking to strengthen bilateral ties, India and the Maldives on Monday inked a currency swap agreement to the tune of $400 million, a move that would help the archipelago nation overcome foreign exchange reserve issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu also launched Rupay card in the Maldives, inaugurated the new runway at the Hanimadhoo International airport and agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations that had hit a rocky patch last year.

Muizzu, who is on a four-day state visit, held talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House here.

After the talks, India also handed over 700 social housing units to the Maldives built under the EXIM Bank’s buyer’s credit facilities.

"Today, we have inaugurated the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo Airport. Now, the Greater Male Connectivity Project will also be expedited. We will also support the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi," Modi told reporters here with Muizzu by his side.

Modi said India and Maldives have decided to initiate discussion on the Free Trade Agreement to further strengthen economic ties.

The prime minister described Maldives as a "close friend" which had an important position in India's neighbourhood policy and SAGAR vision.

"India has always fulfilled the responsibilities of a neighbour. Today, we have taken up the vision of a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership to give our mutual cooperation a strategic direction," Modi said.

Earlier, Muizzu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Modi was also present on the occasion.

Muizzu was given a tri-services guard of honour before he drove down the Rajghat to offer his respects at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.

Muizzu won the presidential election last year on the 'India out' campaign and asked New Delhi to withdraw its military personnel posted in the archipelago nation by May this year.

The bilateral ties also hit a rocky patch when Maldivian ministers were critical of Modi. However, Muizzu has since toned down his anti-India stance and even sacked ministers who were critical of the Indian prime minister.

As the Maldives was grappling with a serious economic downturn, India has decided to extend vital budgetary support to the Maldives government with the rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill for another year.

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