Don’t take us for granted: Christians in Karnataka warn Congress

coastaldigest.com web desk

April 11, 2019

Bengaluru, Apr 11: Even as Muslims in Karnataka are feeling let down by the Congress, a few Christian leaders have warned the grand-old party against taking the community for granted as it had not fielded any Christian candidate for the Lok Sabha elections from the State.

J Alexander, former Minister and former Chief Secretary, and H.T. Sangliana, former Police Commissioner and ex-MP, has said that snubbing Christians during polls is not in the interest of Congress party.

Mr Sangliana, on Monday, resigned from the Congress in protest against the party’s “neglect” of the Christian community. Mr. Alexander, who had tendered resignation to the primary membership of the party, has now withdrawn his resignation after intervention of State Congress leaders and K.C. Venugopal, AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka.

Mr. Alexander said the community had sought at least one ticket in the State as it has a sizeable number in Mangaluru, Karwar, Bidar and Bengaluru.

“The younger generation has a lot of aspirations and the feeling that the community is being taken for granted by the Congress is gaining ground among the youth,” Mr. Alexander said.

Mr. Sangliana, who was the BJP MP (2004-09) before joining the Congress, said the Congress has “marginalised” the Christian community. Though he was an aspirant, the party had denied him ticket to contest from Bengaluru Central constituency. The party fielded Rizwan Arshad, the only Congress candidate from Muslim community in the state.

According to Archbishop of Bengaluru Rev. Peter Machado, the community leaders had requested representation to the community. But the party leaders said representation will be given in some other form in later stages. “We accepted the fact,” he said.

On candidates meeting him and seeking the community’s support, Rev. Machado said: “We have given our blessing to all candidates.”

The Christians constitute approximately about 1.9% of the State population and 4.76 lakh population in Bengaluru (about 5.6%) and their support can be crucial in a tight political fight, say leaders. Currently, the community is represented by Ivan D’Souza in the Legislative Council and K.J. George in the Ministry.

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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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