Congress clarifies Priyanka Gandhi’s absence from Waqf Bill debate
New Delhi: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi was absent from the Lok Sabha debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, leading to questions about her party’s stance and discipline. Reports indicate that she is currently abroad for the medical treatment of a close relative. She had reportedly obtained prior approval for her travel, formally informing the Speaker in writing and notifying the Congress Parliamentary Party.
The Congress had issued a whip mandating the presence of all its Lok Sabha MPs for three consecutive days to oppose the bill. However, Gandhi’s absence drew criticism, with some questioning the party’s commitment to challenging the legislation. In response, the Congress Parliamentary Committee clarified that her absence did not violate the party whip.
Rahul Gandhi, who was also missing at the start of the debate, arrived later but, according to critics, did not actively participate. However, he later criticised the bill on social media, calling it a “weapon to marginalise Muslims.”
The absence of senior Congress leaders sparked criticism on social media, with many questioning why they stayed away despite the party’s vocal opposition to the bill outside Parliament.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
ALSO READ: Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast
"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
