Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. Karnataka CM, DCM slam opposition’s refusal to join all-party delegation on drought to Centre

A day after the opposition BJP and JD(S) announced their decision not to be part of all-party delegation to the Centre to seek drought relief, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that it proves that the BJP is playing a drama of deceit, and that the State Government would take steps for the welfare of farmers. He announced that an all-party meeting would be convened to discuss the drought and the K. Kasturirangan Committee report.

“Just because the opposition does not join the delegation, the State Government will not ignore the interests of farmers… It shows that they (BJP) are not interested in the welfare of farmers,” the Chief Minister said. “Those who urge us to provide compensation of ₹25,000 or ₹50,000 to farmers should speak to the Union Government and provide us the money. I have already told them to get some (compensation), and I will also give.”

2. Karnataka’s Deputy CM G. Parameshwar acknowledges pressure on finances due to guarantee schemes

Amid several ruling party lawmakers voicing concerns about the guarantee schemes, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara acknowledged pressure on the State’s finances due to funding of the five guarantees. His reaction came after his attention was drawn to several lawmakers, Ministers, and Congress leaders airing their misgivings in public

“No one can conceal the pressure on the finances. However, we know when we announced that the guarantees will require more funds. We had estimated the quantum of money required for the schemes. It was initially estimated to cost the exchequer about ₹40,000 crore to ₹45,000 crore. It has now gone above ₹50,000 crore. The decision to implement guarantees was taken consciously,” he said.

3. BMTC to install ADAS technology in 50 buses in Bengaluru to improve safety, prevent accidents

To improve safety and prevent accidents, the BMTC will install Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology in 50 buses as part of a pilot project. According to officials, the proposed system is aimed at improving passenger and road safety by monitoring driver alertness and behaviour, and providing real-time warnings for various safety risks on Bengaluru’s roads.

The corporation recently called a tender for 50 buses, with the selected agency required to operate and maintain the complete system for two years from the date of Go-Live. The ADAS will include a road-facing camera, a driver-facing camera, and two side cameras, along with sensors, an on-board controller/edge-computing unit, storage, software, connectivity, and other equipment.

4. Spurious drugs racket kingpin arrested in Bengaluru

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the spurious drugs manufacturing and sale racket arrested the alleged kingpin R. Prashanth, who had been absconding and was reportedly hiding in Azerbaijan after the case came to light. A lookout notice had been issued against Prashanth.

SIT officials arrested him at Kempegowda International Airport when he returned to Bengaluru from abroad, investigation sources said on September 28. The arrest was reportedly made based on the statement of another accused, Veeresh Jain, who has a shop at Minerva Circle in Bengaluru. Prashanth is being questioned by the SIT.