Bengaluru: The Chikkaballapura district administration has announced that Nandi Hills will remain closed to visitors on February 14 due to law and order and public safety concerns.

The restriction will be in place from 6 am to 6 pm, and no private vehicles or tourists will be allowed to enter the hill station during this period. Security personnel will be stationed at all entry points to ensure the order is followed.

Officials said the decision was taken because of the heavy rush usually seen on Valentine’s Day, which makes crowd and traffic management difficult.

In recent years, the number of visitors has increased significantly on this day, leading to congestion and parking problems along the road to the hill station.

Nandi Hills is a popular weekend destination for many people from Bengaluru, known for its sunrise and misty views. Although similar restrictions have been imposed earlier during New Year and other special occasions, this is the first time the hill station will be closed on Valentine’s Day.

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.



New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday said he has initiated a substantive motion against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he was “hand in glove” with “anti-national” forces.

After Dubey raised the matter during the zero hour in the house, protests ensued leading to adjournment for the day.

In his notice, Dubey accused Rahul Gandhi of having engaged with the Soros Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and USAID, and had travelled to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the United States to carry out “anti-India” activities.

Speaking to the presspersons outside Parliament, Dubey said he had demanded cancellation of Gandhi’s membership and sought that he be banned from contesting elections for life time.

Dubey had earlier, in February 2025, filed a privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi accusing him of distorting facts and attempting to undermine the prestige of the country through his speech in the Lok Sabha.

While Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had indicated that the government might move a privilege motion, but government sources on Thursday said no such decision had been taken.

Responding to the motion, Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal stated that the Congress party was “not bothered about any motions.”

Venugopal criticised the removal of parts of Rahul Gandhi’s speech during the Lok Sabha debate on the India-U.S. interim trade deal, in which Gandhi had accused the government of compromising national interests.

He also defended the Congress’ move to submit a notice seeking the removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker, stating that the party had not been receiving justice from the Chair.

Responding to the BJP’s criticism, he asked what privilege Gandhi had violated and said that despite past action against him, voters had returned him to Parliament with a higher margin.

What is a substantive motion?

A substantive motion is a formal proposal brought before the Lok Sabha to get a clear and final decision from the House.

It is a complete proposal by itself and is not connected to any other matter being discussed. If the House approves it, the motion becomes the official opinion or decision of the Lok Sabha on that issue.

According to the Lok Sabha rules, such a motion can be taken up only if the Speaker allows it. The Speaker has full authority to accept or reject the proposal and also decides when and how it will be discussed.

If the Speaker admits the motion, members can debate it and then vote on it. In some cases, the matter may also be sent to a special committee to study the issue and submit a report.

A substantive motion forces the House to seriously consider a specific issue and take a clear stand. Since Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition, which is a constitutional position, any action against him must follow a proper parliamentary process. A substantive motion provides that proper procedure.