Deve Gowda slips in bathroom, injures leg

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday said insulting the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, is nothing short of an affront to the Constitution itself, stating that the office of the President symbolizes the sovereignty, unity and dignity of the Republic and stands above all political considerations.

Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday refuted the phone-tapping allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asking the Opposition to "be specific" and give details.

He had been admitted to a private hospital three weeks ago and had been unwell. His cremation will be held at 12 noon on March 5 at the Lodhi Road Crematorium.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has refuted the allegations levelled against him by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the phone-tapping row, stating "public squabbling."

The remarks came after Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka accused the Chief Minister of phone tapping to spy on Shivakumar.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Shivakumar said, "He is just trying to bring some allegations on the Home Minister and the Chief Minister. I thought he's a well-experienced man."

Prajwal Revanna, son of JD(S) MLA H D Revanna, was jailed in connection with rape charges. Uday alleged that the case stemmed from internal family rivalry and political conspiracy within the JD(S). Claiming a political vendetta, Uday said the former MP was targeted after Kumaraswamy's son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, lost the elections.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in a strong-worded response, denied the phone-tapping allegations by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, calling them a "frustrated statement from restless souls."

The police have identified the deceased as Mohan Rao and have arrested three individuals in connection with the February 18 incident, including actress Urmila alias Bindu and her two associates, Vinay and Dhanush Gowda.

"Yes, quite a few of us have sent. Some of us (first-time MLAs) should get an opportunity, especially in the district of Kodagu. In our district, at least one of us should get (the opportunity), whoever the high command decides, if and when there is a cabinet reshuffle. I understand that there are seniors. However, it is a request. It is not a hard and fast rule. If there is a consideration, consider one of us also," Gowda, who is the Congress MLA from Madikeri Assembly constituency in Kodagu district, told ANI.