Karnataka coalition govt reduced to 1-man show as ministers resign

TNN

July 9, 2019

Bengaluru, Jul 9: The 13-monthold JD(S)-Congress government was reduced to a oneman administration of chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday as all cabinet ministers tendered their resignation in a bid to save the regime. The fraught move, however, seemed to be in vain as the rebel MLAs stuck to their stand and turned down the offer of ministerial berths.

In a day of fast-paced developments, the numbers tilted in favour of BJP by noon as two independent MLAs, made ministers just a month ago to save the government, put in their papers and flew to Mumbai, declaring they had withdrawn support to the government. The newly minted ministers, H Nagesh and R Shankar, were the trigger points for the ongoing dissidence.

While the government was reduced to a minority following the resignation of 13 MLAs on July 6, the two independent-ministers hammered the nail in the coalition’s coffin bringing down its strength from 105 to 103. The BJP enjoys the support of 107 MLAs.

The BJP now has a simple majority since 106 is the magic number to form a government. The halfway mark in the 224-member Karnataka assembly is 113. With 13 MLAs quitting, the tally would come down to 211 (if their resignations are accepted), with 106 being the number for a simple majority. The lone BSP member, N Mahesh, is also likely to extend support to BJP and is waiting for party supremo Mayawati’s directive.

The fate of the government now hinges on the decision of speaker KR Ramesh Kumar, who will take up the matter on Tuesday. Should he accept the resignations and the numbers remain as they are, the government will be in trouble. BJP has urged the speaker to take a call without any delay.

Kumaraswamy, who returned from the US on Sunday, put up a brave face in Vidhana Soudha where he stationed himself after meeting Congress leaders. “I am not bothered about the political developments as my concern is to look into people’s issues,” he said. His brother, HD Revanna, also came to the secretariat; the former PWD minister, known to be deeply religious, has been walking barefoot since Sunday.

The chief minister met CLP leader Siddaramaiah at the residence of deputy CM Parameshwara who hosted a breakfast meeting for all Congress ministers.

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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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