Delhi pollution body imposes year-long ban on firecrackers, first under BJP rule
This move marks a step in tackling Delhi's persistent air pollution problem, especially during harsh winter months when pollution levels typically surge.Notably, last year, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi imposed a similar blanket ban on crackers. At that time, the BJP strongly opposed the restriction, calling it against the sentiments of Delhi residents. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari had promised that if the BJP formed the government in Delhi, the ban would be lifted.- EndsTrending Reel
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Hans India
43 minutes ago
- Hans India
Does it burn that BJP did what Cong couldn't in 60 years: Ashoka slams K'taka CM on Sigandur bridge row
Karnataka BJP on Monday slammed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's decision to remain absent from the Sigandur Bridge inauguration event as 'pettiness'. The party further asked, "Does it burn that BJP achieved what Congress couldn't in 60 years?" The inauguration of the 2.12-kilometre-long Sigandur Bridge, built at a cost of Rs 473 crore, has run into controversy after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleged that protocol was not followed and announced that no local Ministers or MLAs from the state government would attend the event. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Monday, CM Siddaramaiah stated that it was the Centre that had initiated the conflict. Responding to the criticism, the Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka stated on Monday that, "The people of the Sharavathi backwater region are celebrating today as a 60-year-old dream is finally coming true. They are decorating their homes with festoons and flowers, celebrating this joyous day like a festival." "But like a man who doesn't want the marriage yet goes looking for a stone in the wedding meal, you, as the Chief Minister of the state, chose not to join in the celebrations of this historic day. Instead, you stirred up unnecessary controversy. What can we even say about such pettiness?" Ashoka slammed. Ashoka further charged, "Is it making you jealous that what couldn't be achieved in 60 years of Congress rule has now been accomplished by the BJP-led Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi?" "Or is it that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, instructed you not to attend the bridge inauguration ceremony?" Ashoka asked. "When high command leaders call, you leave all state matters and rush to Delhi in a special flight just to save your chair. But you don't have the will to attend the Sigandur Bridge inauguration?" Ashoka questioned. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari is visiting Karnataka to dedicate the Sigandur bridge project to the people of the state. Construction work began on December 12, 2019. The bridge, a long-standing demand for over 60 years, is expected to benefit more than 40 villages. Previously, people and vehicles had to use a ferry to cross the Sharavathi River. The Chief Minister had written a letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari objecting to the timing of the inauguration and had requested that the event be postponed. Responding to a question on Monday about the inauguration, CM Siddaramaiah said he had spoken to Union Minister Gadkari over the phone and also written to him, requesting a change in schedule for the programme in Sagara taluk. Although Gadkari had agreed to reschedule the event, the programme was schedule for Monday under pressure from local BJP leaders, without informing him, CM Siddaramaiah stated.
Hans India
43 minutes ago
- Hans India
‘Break silence': BJP's Amit Malviya jabs Congress chief on drug taint of son's aide
The BJP on Monday went on the offensive against the Congress and demanded a response from its party president Mallikarjun Kharge over his son Priyank Kharge's alleged connections with a drug peddling racket in Maharashtra. Amit Malviya, in-charge of the BJP's National Information and Technology Department, wrote on X, 'Will Mallikarjun Kharge break his silence now? Or will Congress, as usual, protect its own? 'Trouble is mounting for Priyank Kharge as his right-hand man is caught in a drug trafficking case,' said Malviya, referring to the NDPS case registered in Thane against the junior Kharge's associate Lingaraj Kanni. 'Drug trafficking arrest taints Congress again! Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge's close family circle is under fire. Kalyan Police have arrested Lingaraj Kanni, Kalaburagi South Block Congress President and a close aide of Priyank Kharge, son of the Congress chief and Karnataka Minister,' said the BJP leader. Earlier, the Maharashtra Police arrested Kanni on charges of drug peddling. According to the police, he was apprehended in Thane city while in possession of narcotic substances and allegedly attempting to sell them. He was also found in possession of a banned Codeine-based syrup of 120 bottles. A case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Bazarpeth Police Station Besides Priyank Kharge, Lingaraj Kanni is also known to be a close aide of Congress MLA Allamaprabhu Patil. Kanni had joined the Congress during the 2023 Karnataka State Assembly elections. He was previously affiliated with the BJP. In another development, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered by the Station Bazar police in Kalaburgi, Karnataka, in connection with the suicide of a contractor, Sachin, who was allegedly harassed by the associates of Minister Priyank Kharge in December 2024. Sachin, a contractor from Bidar, died by suicide on December 26, 2024, reportedly after receiving threats to his life and being pressured for money by Raju Kapnoor, a former Congress corporator and a close associate of Minister Priyank Kharge.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
CM claims BJP inaugurated Sigandur bridge despite assurance to defer event
A political row erupted in Karnataka on July 14 after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleged that local BJP leaders went ahead with inauguration of the Sigandur bridge in Shivamogga district despite a prior agreement with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to postpone the event. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru at an event marking the 500 crore free ride under the State's flagship Shakti scheme, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, 'I had spoken to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari over the phone and also written a letter, requesting that the Sigandur bridge event be deferred. Though he had agreed, BJP leaders went ahead without informing me.' He expressed disappointment over the decision and said that neither he, nor any State minister or local MLA, was present at the inauguration ceremony. 'In protest against the BJP's conduct, no minister from our government or any local MLA participated in the event. The Central Government has triggered this clash by not following protocol. Even for Centrally sponsored schemes, the State plays a role, and protocol must be respected,' the Chief Minister said. Mr. Gadkari dedicated the cable-stayed bridge constructed across the Sharavati river backwaters in Sagar taluk on July 14. The ₹473-crore project, including the approach roads, has been built by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. He was accompanied by Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra, and other BJP leaders. Mr. Siddaramaiah explained that he could not attend the event due to a prior commitment in Vijayapura district, and accused the BJP of deliberately excluding State leaders from the programme. Shakti scheme marks milestone The Chief Minister highlighted the success of the Shakti scheme, which has now recorded over 500 crore free rides by women passengers across Karnataka. Launched on June 11, 2023, just weeks after the Congress government came to power, the scheme provides free travel to women in non-luxury State-run buses across Karnataka. It is one of the five guarantee schemes announced during the 2023 Assembly elections. Addressing the media at Windsor Circle in Bengaluru, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, 'This is a historic moment for us. Women have collectively made 500 crore trips under Shakti, making it one of the largest welfare transport schemes in the country.' The State Government has spent ₹12,614 crore so far to implement the scheme. Of the nearly 25,000 buses operated by State transport corporations, more than 20,000 are available to women passengers under the programme. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the Shakti scheme was not only empowering women, but had become a model for the rest of India. 'The Shakti scheme, which has recorded 500 crore trips, is a model for the entire country,' he said. To mark the occasion, Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Shivakumar symbolically handed over the 500th crore ticket to women passengers aboard a BMTC bus. Mr. Shivakumar said, 'Under no circumstance will our government stop the guarantee schemes. These programmes will continue as long as God gives us strength, and the people give us a mandate.'
