Karnataka BJP leaders discuss about bypolls with Nadda

Agencies

September 22, 2019

Bengaluru, Sep 22: BJP Working President J P Nadda on Sunday held discussions with senior party leaders in Karnataka on the coming byelections to 15 assembly constituencies, necessitated by the disqualification of rebel Congress and JDS MLAs.

BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel and Revenue Minister R Ashoka were among those present at the informal meeting here, a day after the Election Commission announced that the bypolls would be held on October 24.

I had a discussion with J P Nadda on how to go about the by-elections and draw a strategy. Kateel was also present, Ashoka told reporters in Kolar later.

Reacting to the byelection schedule, the former legislators have said they would seek a stay on the election process on Monday when the Supreme Court takes up their petitions challenging their disqualification.

While 17 MLAs had been disqualified by then assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in July last year under the anti-defection law, bypolls have not been notified for two constituencies -- Maski and Rajarajeshwari Nagar -- in view of pending election petitions related to them.

Kumar had disqualified them treating their resignations, as anti-party activity. Following their rebellion, the Congress-JD(S) coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy collapsed in July, paving the way for installation of the BJP government led by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.

The bypoll announcement has made the disqualified MLAs jittery and they are hoping for an interim stay by the apex court that would help them contest the elections.

However, asked whether they were worried as the polling dates had been announced ahead of their case coming before the Supreme Court, disqualified MLA S T Somashekar had on Saturday replied in the negative.

"Our advocates will try to get a stay on Monday. We will contest as candidates," he had said, but did not specify if they would seek election on BJP ticket.

In this backdrop, the meeting of BJP leaders' meeting took stock of the situation.

Nadda was here to attend a series of events, including a meet on One Nation, One Constitution.

Ashoka said the BJP was also waiting for the outcome of court proceedings on Monday, adding the entire election scenario depended on the court outcome.

There are many who have sacrificed to bring the BJP government in Karnataka. So, it is in our notice. Tomorrows hearing is significant. We are waiting for it, Ashoka said, replying to a question.

Expressing confidence about the partys victory, he said BJP would win all the 15 seats.

He ridiculed former chief minister Siddaramaiahs claim that Congress will win all the 15 seats.

The Congress is such a divided house. There is no order in the party, he said.

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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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