<p>Mysuru: Karnataka Cooperation Minister and Madhugiri MLA K N Rajanna declared that he will retire from electoral politics, but will continue to be active in politics.</p><p>Rajanna, a prominent Scheduled Tribes community leader of the Congress, who is also an aspirant for the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, said, “I am already 75 years old. By the time the next election is held (2028), I will be 78. Even if I contest and win, it will be difficult to serve the people, due to health reasons. So, I will not contest the next election. But, I will remain active in politics.”</p>.BJP attacks Congress, JD(S) targets Shivakumar over Bengaluru’s rain miseries.<p>Speaking to media persons, in Mysuru, Rajanna said, “My opinion is that young stars should be given an opportunity.”</p><p><strong>BJP's criticism</strong></p><p>Regarding the BJP’s comments on the Congress' achievement convention (Sadhana Samavesha) held at Hospet on Tuesday, Rajanna said, “The BJP has to criticise, as an opposition party, and they do so sincerely.”</p><p><strong>Reshuffle</strong></p><p>In reply to a question on MLA and former minister Tanveer Sait's statement that some of the ministers in Karnataka would be dropped, Rajanna said, “Does Sait decide on Cabinet changes? The MLA has only expressed his opinion. The party high command decides everything. The high command, including KPCC president D K Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, will decide on any changes and their timing. We are committed to the high command's decision. Politics is not stagnant water. We are open to changes.”</p><p><strong>Gruhalakshmi</strong></p><p>Rajanna tried to brush aside the reports that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said that the government had not assured to pay Rs 2,000 under Gruhalakshmi scheme every month.</p><p>Initially, Rajanna said that Shivakumar's statement was misrepresented. Later, he said, “I doubt Shivakumar said that. I don't think he would have said it that way. Our government will provide Gruhalakshmi money every month, as promised. Payment for a few months may not have been made regularly, due to some technical reasons. We are committed to providing Gruhalakshmi money every month.”</p><p><strong>Rain woes</strong></p><p>Rajanna defended Shivakumar, who is also Bengaluru in-charge minister, on the rain havoc issue.</p><p>He said, “This is the consequence of our own mistakes. This situation has arisen due to the encroachment of lakes, canals, and drains. We cannot dictate the path and flow of water. This has happened because culverts, drains, and canals have been blocked. After the Sadhana Samavesha, everyone will review the situation in Bengaluru and appropriate measures will be taken. Rajakaluve (stormwater drain) encroachment is being continuously addressed. The previous government left it halfway. We will clear all encroachments, not just when it rains, but at all times. Shivakumar is working effectively.”</p>
<p>Mysuru: Karnataka Cooperation Minister and Madhugiri MLA K N Rajanna declared that he will retire from electoral politics, but will continue to be active in politics.</p><p>Rajanna, a prominent Scheduled Tribes community leader of the Congress, who is also an aspirant for the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, said, “I am already 75 years old. By the time the next election is held (2028), I will be 78. Even if I contest and win, it will be difficult to serve the people, due to health reasons. So, I will not contest the next election. But, I will remain active in politics.”</p>.BJP attacks Congress, JD(S) targets Shivakumar over Bengaluru’s rain miseries.<p>Speaking to media persons, in Mysuru, Rajanna said, “My opinion is that young stars should be given an opportunity.”</p><p><strong>BJP's criticism</strong></p><p>Regarding the BJP’s comments on the Congress' achievement convention (Sadhana Samavesha) held at Hospet on Tuesday, Rajanna said, “The BJP has to criticise, as an opposition party, and they do so sincerely.”</p><p><strong>Reshuffle</strong></p><p>In reply to a question on MLA and former minister Tanveer Sait's statement that some of the ministers in Karnataka would be dropped, Rajanna said, “Does Sait decide on Cabinet changes? The MLA has only expressed his opinion. The party high command decides everything. The high command, including KPCC president D K Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, will decide on any changes and their timing. We are committed to the high command's decision. Politics is not stagnant water. We are open to changes.”</p><p><strong>Gruhalakshmi</strong></p><p>Rajanna tried to brush aside the reports that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said that the government had not assured to pay Rs 2,000 under Gruhalakshmi scheme every month.</p><p>Initially, Rajanna said that Shivakumar's statement was misrepresented. Later, he said, “I doubt Shivakumar said that. I don't think he would have said it that way. Our government will provide Gruhalakshmi money every month, as promised. Payment for a few months may not have been made regularly, due to some technical reasons. We are committed to providing Gruhalakshmi money every month.”</p><p><strong>Rain woes</strong></p><p>Rajanna defended Shivakumar, who is also Bengaluru in-charge minister, on the rain havoc issue.</p><p>He said, “This is the consequence of our own mistakes. This situation has arisen due to the encroachment of lakes, canals, and drains. We cannot dictate the path and flow of water. This has happened because culverts, drains, and canals have been blocked. After the Sadhana Samavesha, everyone will review the situation in Bengaluru and appropriate measures will be taken. Rajakaluve (stormwater drain) encroachment is being continuously addressed. The previous government left it halfway. We will clear all encroachments, not just when it rains, but at all times. Shivakumar is working effectively.”</p>