Karnataka Bandh: A wrong step forward
Ironically enough, BJP staged a walk out on the very first assembly meet of the new government. The leader of opposition, Yeddyurappa was unable to provide an appropriate reason for his decision to stay out of this democratic process. And, on the same note, he has also gifted a ‘Karnataka Bandh’ on Monday, to the people of the state. This is a clear indication of the things to come from BJP’s side. The party has decided to post hurdles in the administration of the government. The Karnataka Bandh seems to have zero interest about farmers, and total selfishness of a political party that missed its date with the power. Their main agenda now is to get father-sons party (JD(S)) into some quagmire.
The occasion of trust vote of the new government held everybody’s attention for many reasons. Though the new CM Kumaraswamy was in the focus that day, the highlight of the occasion was former CM Siddaramaiah. He made a very touching and informed speech regarding the duty of a speaker before the election for the post took place. He referred to the greatest personalities of the past who had adorned the chair such as Vaikunta Baliga among the others. Finally, Suresh Kumar of BJP withdrew from the race and added a lot of dignity to that position.
Ramesh Kumar was chosen unopposed to that position and he conducted the session to seek trust vote with utmost dignity and grace befitting a veteran.
He praised Siddaramaiah’s visionary administration and his ability to run the government smoothly without any financial mismanagement. Though Siddaramaiah announced many welfare schemes, not a single cheque issued by the government bounced causing loss to the bearer. He meant to say though Siddaramaiah launched schemes especially for the poor, none of them took away the share of what’s due to the other members of the government. This is the biggest reward a CM could get from a speaker. This made Kumaraswamy turn towards Siddaramaiah and the entire session on that day was laced by this positivity.
On the other hand, Yeddyurappa’s speech immediately after lacked clarity and seemed like continuation of his campaign speeches. He reduced the dignity of the session. His desperation of having been unable to hold the reins of state administration despite 104 seat victory while HDK was sitting in the CM’s chair with mere 38 seats, must have pushed him to some limits.
He tried to split the government, with his speech. Surprisingly he praised Siddaramaiah, to drive the damage a bit deeper into the psyche of those sitting in the assembly hall. He said the results had ensured Parameshwar and DK Shivakumar came to the forefront, pushing Siddaramaiah to the background. He was highly sympathetic towards Siddaramaiah in his speech. He said Congress and its leaders need to hold on to their self respect, else the father-sons party would erode all their dignity by pitching leaders such as DKS and Siddaramaiah, Parameshwar among others, against each other.
This surprising change in BSY’s tone and tenor must have a solid reason. He knew he’d need the help of JD(S) should his party not garner enough number of seats. But, the overconfidence of BJP led the party into this situation today. While he sees HDK being the CM, BSY sees Congress as lesser enemy and JD(S) as a bigger enemy.
Hence, BSY spoke in a manner that he’d never need the help of JD(S) to form a government ever again. And also called for Karnataka Bundh, in the context of farmer loan waivers. This might come back to bite BJP because this bundh comes at a time when bypolls are being held. Though HDK had said he would do loan waiver, he is not in a position to take unilateral decisions owing to the fact that the state has coalition government. If BSY indeed had such love for farmers, why didn’t he push the central government into waiving off loans of farmers?
Having lost the trust vote, BSY who is also the leader of opposition is taking wrong steps. He needs to understand if he slips up, his own partymen would be more than happy to see him falter.
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
