BJP doesn't have courage to meet me over corruption: Karnataka governor

Bangalore, Jan 12: Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj today said the BJP does not have the courage to approach him over the matter of corruption.

"BJP does not have courage to come to me," he told reporters here on the sidelines of convocation of Tumkur University when he was asked about BJP

leaders demanding his intervention to urge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to drop "tainted" D K Shivakumar and Roshan Baig, from the ministry.

Asked if his zeal to press for dropping of "tainted" ministers from Siddaramaiah's ministry was missing as it was evident during the previous BJP rule, Bhardwaj said, "I have never been a rubber stamp even as a minister; as a Parliamentarian and as a lawyer."

A former Congress state unit working president, Shivakumar is facing allegations of illegal mining and land scam. Baig is under cloud over land-grab charge. He had resigned as minister in 2003 for alleged links with the multi-crore Karim Telgi fake stamp paper scam.

Bhardwaj said he had dealt firmly against the most powerful chief ministers earlier.

"Who all are they may be, I am for the service of the people and during my stay I

have demonstrated it. They were very powerful chief ministers there.. I dealt (with) them firmly and you are all witness (to this) and this process started from Tumkur," he added.

Shivakumar and Baig, who are viewed as "scam tainted", were inducted on January 3, reportedly to the chagrin of Siddaramaiah who had kept them out of the ministry for several months.

Siddaramaiah's move has not gone down well with civil society groups and several prominent public figures, who had been opposing induction of Shivakumar and Baig, besides triggering discontent among ministerial aspirants.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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