Mehbooba Mufti thanks CMs of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka for Waqf Act stance
Srinagar, Apr 12 (PTI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday expressed gratitude to the chief ministers of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for their "courageous and principled stand" against the Waqf Amendment Act.
Mufti, a former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, wrote identical letters to the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu's M K Stalin and Karnataka's Siddaramaiah.
In a post on microblogging site X, Mufti said, "I have written to @MamataOfficial ji, @mkstalin ji & @siddaramaiah ji expressing heartfelt gratitude for their courageous & principled stand against the Waqf Amendment Bill. In today's India where dissent of any kind is increasingly criminalised their unequivocal voices come as a breath of fresh air."
"As residents of Jammu and Kashmir -- the only Muslim-majority region in the country -- we find solace and inspiration in your unwavering stance in these dark and challenging times," Mufti wrote.
She also posted copies of the letters on her X handle.
"For over a decade, India has faced a growing majoritarian tide threatening its core values of plurality and diversity. While most citizens reject this agenda, those promoting hatred and division now hold power targeting our Constitution, institutions and secular fabric.
"Minorities, particularly Muslims, have borne the brunt, most recently through the arbitrary enforcement of new Waqf laws which undermine our religious freedoms," Mufti said in the letters.
She said these actions "echo earlier injustices" such as the abrogation of special status and "dismemberment" of Jammu and Kashmir and reflect a "broader pattern of systemic erosion of rights".
"In these dark times, your courage and clarity have been a rare beacon of hope. Alongside a few principled voices you have stood up for justice and for the inclusive idea of India. I write to express my deep respect and the gratitude of many who feel voiceless and marginalised," she said.
The PDP chief further wrote that their continued support and leadership, the country can "reclaim our constitutional values and shared future".
I have written to @MamataOfficial ji, @mkstalin ji & @siddaramaiah ji expressing heartfelt gratitude for their courageous & principled stand against the Waqf Amendment Bill. In today’s India where dissent of any kind is increasingly criminalised their unequivocal voices come as a… pic.twitter.com/TVtTaboI4I
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 12, 2025
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear X'mas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
