<p>Minister for Energy, Kannada and Culture V Sunil Kumar on Monday said existing statutes prevent the government from presenting Rajyotsava award posthumously.</p>.<p>He was responding to demands from actor-politician Jaggesh and on social media to present Rajyotsava award to actor Puneeth Rajkumar posthumously. “There is also a court decree that declares that Rajyotsava award should not be given after death,” he said.</p>.<p>“As he (Puneeth) had extended full support to government schemes without seeking any monetary gains, the government will bestow a befitting honour on the actor,” Sunil stressed.</p>.<p>Kumar expressed confidence that BJP would win both Hanagal and Sindagi by-elections (the results will be announced on Tuesday). Congress would be defeated, which was admitted by no less than KPCC president D K Shivakumar. Congress president had said the by-election was a torch-bearer for future elections. In fact, the outcome will be crucial in upcoming Zilla, Taluk Panchayat and Assembly elections, he added.</p>.<p><strong>Watch latest videos by DH here:</strong></p>
<p>Minister for Energy, Kannada and Culture V Sunil Kumar on Monday said existing statutes prevent the government from presenting Rajyotsava award posthumously.</p>.<p>He was responding to demands from actor-politician Jaggesh and on social media to present Rajyotsava award to actor Puneeth Rajkumar posthumously. “There is also a court decree that declares that Rajyotsava award should not be given after death,” he said.</p>.<p>“As he (Puneeth) had extended full support to government schemes without seeking any monetary gains, the government will bestow a befitting honour on the actor,” Sunil stressed.</p>.<p>Kumar expressed confidence that BJP would win both Hanagal and Sindagi by-elections (the results will be announced on Tuesday). Congress would be defeated, which was admitted by no less than KPCC president D K Shivakumar. Congress president had said the by-election was a torch-bearer for future elections. In fact, the outcome will be crucial in upcoming Zilla, Taluk Panchayat and Assembly elections, he added.</p>.<p><strong>Watch latest videos by DH here:</strong></p>