World sees India through Bangalore: DKS at Davos
OB Bureau
Striking a confident note at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Switzerland’s Davos, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said global investors increasingly see India through Bangalore, underlining the State’s growing pull as a top investment destination.
Speaking in a press interview on the sidelines of the Davos summit, Shivakumar said interactions with leaders and investors from across the world reinforced a common perception.
“This is what they say – India is seen through Bangalore. And I am telling them the importance of Karnataka and that it is a great state to work in,” he said.
Attending the WEF meeting for the first time, Shivakumar said the platform offered valuable learning opportunities and exposure to global best practices. He noted that Karnataka presents strong prospects across sectors, particularly technology, healthcare and artificial intelligence.
“There are several opportunities in areas like technology, healthcare and AI,” he said, adding that global investors were keenly watching the State’s work on mobility solutions, not just in Bangalore but across tier-two and tier-three cities as well.
Highlighting infrastructure investments in the capital, Shivakumar pointed to large-scale spending on metro expansion, flyovers, underpasses and tunnel roads. “In Bangalore, we are investing a lot of funds on the metro, flyovers, passes and tunnels. Everyone feels that Bangalore is very safe, pollution is not there and the weather and culture are great,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said he was holding meetings with foreign government leaders from the US, Europe and Saudi Arabia, among others. On priority sectors drawing foreign interest, he listed global capability centres (GCCs), semiconductors, artificial intelligence, startups and healthcare.
Asserting Karnataka’s economic strength, Shivakumar said the State contributes significantly to the national exchequer. “The Centre gets 43% of taxes from Karnataka, but we receive only 30%. But that is a different story,” he remarked.
Reiterating his pitch, Shivakumar said Karnataka’s position on the global investment map was clear. “We are Karnataka. And as I said, India is seen through Bangalore and Karnataka.”
HL: Governor cuts speech, House erupts
OB Bureau
Karnataka’s simmering Governor–government stand-off burst into open confrontation midweek after Governor Thawarchand Gehlot declined to read the customary address prepared by the Congress-led government at the joint session of the State Legislature, triggering dramatic scenes inside the Assembly.
Instead of delivering the full speech, the Governor limited his address to just a few lines before abruptly ending it. “Overall, to ensure social, economic and physical development, my government is fully committed. Jai Hind and Jai Karnataka,” he said, before stepping down from the Speaker’s Chair.
The sudden conclusion left MLAs and MLCs from both Houses visibly confused. As the Governor moved to exit, Congress legislators raised slogans against him, accusing him of disregarding constitutional norms. BJP members hit back by congratulating the Governor and raising chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, turning the floor of the House into a shouting match.
Congress MLAs and MLCs attempted to stop the Governor, urging him to read the speech prepared by the elected government. Senior Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad sought to confront the Governor, questioning his refusal to deliver the official address.
Marshals intervened to clear the passage, forcibly pushing legislators aside as Hariprasad resisted and continued to demand answers, allowing the Governor to exit amid chaos.
Earlier in the day, ending speculation that he might skip the joint session altogether, Governor Gehlot arrived at Vidhana Soudha at the scheduled time. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcomed him with a bouquet, in the presence of Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader and Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti.
The episode is set to deepen the already fraught relationship between Raj Bhavan and the Congress government. Condemning the Governor’s move, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Gehlot had violated constitutional principles by reading out a speech prepared by himself instead of the Cabinet-approved address.
“Articles 176 and 163 of the Constitution clearly mandate that the Governor shall read the speech prepared by the government. The Governor has violated the Constitution and insulted the House of Representatives of the people,” Siddaramaiah said. He added that the government would consider approaching the Supreme Court over the issue.
Even before the joint session, the Siddaramaiah government had warned that any refusal by the Governor to deliver the customary address would amount to a betrayal of the Constitution.
The standoff had been building over the past few days. Governor Gehlot had earlier asked the government to remove 11 paragraphs from the draft speech. On Wednesday, a ministerial delegation led by H.K. Patil met the Governor at Lok Bhavan and conveyed that the matter would be discussed with the Chief Minister.
The objections reportedly related to paragraphs critical of the Centre, including references to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) and other issues.
Thursday’s flashpoint has now turned a procedural dispute into a full-blown constitutional and political showdown, with both sides bracing for the next round in Karnataka’s escalating Governor-versus-government tussle.
HL: That’s not Sudha Murty talking money
OB Bureau
Rajya Sabha member, author and philanthropist Sudha Murty issued a strong warning midweek against fake videos circulating on social media that falsely use her image and voice to promote financial schemes and investment offers.
Calling the clips “deepfakes” created without her knowledge or consent, Murty cautioned people against making any financial decisions based on such content.
“I want to alert you to fake videos circulating online that falsely use my image and voice to promote financial schemes and investments. These are deepfakes created without my knowledge or consent,” she said in a social media post, accompanied by a video message.
Urging the public to stay alert, Murty asked viewers to verify information only through official channels and to report such fraudulent content. “Please do not make any financial decisions based on these fraudulent videos. Stay vigilant and stay safe. Jai Hind!” she said.
In her video message, Murty, who is also the Chairperson of the Murty Trust, said she was deeply disturbed by the misuse of her identity. Referring to multiple fake videos circulating simultaneously on platforms such as Facebook, she said they falsely show her urging people to invest sums like USD 200 or Rs 20,000 with promises of exaggerated returns.
“I’m really concerned and pained to tell everyone that there are videos where I am shown talking about investing money and getting ten times returns. Such fake news is going on,” she said.
Murty revealed that several people she personally knows have already lost money after falling prey to these scams. She firmly advised people not to trust any financial transaction-related messages using her name or likeness on social media.
“As a rule, I never talk about investments or doing anything with money,” she said, adding that her public engagement has always focused on work, India’s culture, women and education. “I never talk about investing money and getting returns from it. It is fake news,” she added.
Appealing directly to viewers, Murty urged them not to be lured by greed. “With folded hands, I request all viewers – any financial transaction in my name, don’t believe it. It’s fake news. Don’t lose your hard-earned money,” she said.
She advised people to verify before investing, suggesting they consult banks or authorities, and, if needed, approach the police. “Save your money, invest wisely,” Murty said, stressing that caution and verification are the only safeguards against such online frauds.