JD(S) MLC stranded at Dubai airport after airspace closure amid conflict in Middle East
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Legislative Council member S L Bhojegowda was left stranded at the Dubai International Airport after the UAE closed its airspace amid escalating tensions following a joint US-Israel military offensive against Iran.
The JD(S) MLC, in a video message, said he was travelling from Johannesburg to India via Dubai and his onward flight was cancelled.
Two airports in Dubai, the largest aviation hub, have shut down and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) closed its airspace, hours after the US and Israel's joint attack on Iran escalated to region-wide tension.
Bhojegowda said that although those onboard his flight were deboarded, there has been no clarity on alternative travel arrangements.
"As you can see, flight services have been completely shut down. Those sitting inside the plane have been deboarded. We don't know where to go next. There's no clear information what will happen next. I am returning from Johannesburg to go to Bengaluru via Dubai but I am now stuck with my family here in Dubai," said the MLC, who is with his wife at the airport.
Describing the situation inside the airport, Bhojegowda said while there is no immediate threat, an "atmosphere of uncertainty" prevails regarding their return.
Inadequate food arrangements, heavy crowds and difficulty charging phones have also added to their problems, he said.
Passengers are awaiting further updates, with no clear communication on when flights will resume, he said.
The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai have issued an advisory, saying they are in touch with the UAE authorities and airlines for taking care of the Indian passengers stranded at the airports in the UAE due to temporary and precautionary airspace closure.
“The UAE government and airline authorities have reassured full support,” it said.
The Indian Embassy at Abu Dhabi urged all Indian nationals in the country “to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy.”
The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai said they are continuing to function normally. In a post on X, they also gave a toll-free number (800-46342) and a WhatsApp number (+971543090571) along with two email IDs (pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in and ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in) for Indian nationals there to contact in case of emergency.
The Indian missions at Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Amman (Jordan), Manama (Bahrain), Ramallah (Palestine), and Muscat (Oman) also issued similar advisories providing emergency contact details.
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.
Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
