BJP women workers march to Rahul Gandhi's residence, says 'Oppn don't want women to have rights'
New Delhi (PTI): BJP women leaders and workers on Saturday staged a protest march near Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's residence in Sunehri Bagh, following the defeat of the amendment to the women's quota law.
The protesters, including BJP women MPs Hema Malini, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Bansuri Swaraj, Manju Sharma, and Vatsalya Gupta, slammed the Opposition parties for the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Friday, accusing them of "humiliating" the women of the country.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, State president Virendra Sachdeva, Union minister Raksha Khadse, MP Manoj Tiwari and party women cadre also joined the protest.
Officials said that police used water cannons to disperse women protesters who were marching toward Gandhi's residence.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi worked hard for the passing of the Bill, but the Opposition parties did not allow it," Hema Malini said, addressing the protesters gathered at Moti Lal Nehru Marg.
"It's a very sad day for us. It seems the Opposition has no confidence in women's power and they don't want them to have their rights," she said.
The Constitution Amendment Bill to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of seats of the Lok Sabha was defeated in the Lower House. While 298 members voted in support of the Bill, 230 MPs voted against it.
Out of 528 members who voted, the Bill required 352 votes for a two-thirds majority. The Opposition parties, including Congress, voted against the Bill.
VIDEO | Delhi: BJP leaders and workers burn an effigy of Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during protests after the Constitution Amendment Bill on women’s quota was defeated in the Lok Sabha following a division of votes; police detain several workers and leaders,… pic.twitter.com/NAOK5LSaZR
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Bengaluru: Four South African cheetahs arrive at Bannerghatta Biological Park
Bengaluru: Four cheetahs, including two females, have arrived at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) from South Africa, NDTV reported.
The animals, brought from Induna Primate and Parrot Park in South Africa, landed at Kempegowda International Airport at around 1:15 am on Saturday. The transfer was carried out in accordance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, BBP said in a statement.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre received the cheetahs at the airport cargo terminal.
The Minister asked officials and veterinary teams to ensure strict quarantine protocols, a prescribed diet, and close health monitoring for 30 days to help the animals acclimate smoothly.
Highlighting that cheetahs, locally known as “Sivangi,” have disappeared from Karnataka’s forests, the minister stressed the need to raise public awareness through zoological institutions. He also instructed Dr Sunil Panwar, Member Secretary, Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), to prioritise the safety and well-being of the animals.
The BBP officials said that before transportation, the cheetahs underwent thorough health inspections and quarantine in South Africa as per the guidelines of the Department of Animal Husbandry.
Required No Objection Certificates (NoC) were also obtained from Animal Quarantine Services prior to import.
"Upon arrival at BBP, the animals have been placed in a designated quarantine facility for post-import health checks and observation, after which they will be shifted to their enclosures for public viewing," the BBP said.
This import underscores BBP's commitment to international collaboration in wildlife conservation, scientific management of animals, and strict adherence to regulatory protocols. It further strengthens the park's role in ex-situ conservation and environmental education, official said.
