New Delhi: In a speech delivered at India Today's Conclave South 2023, senior Congress leader and General Secretary in-charge, KC Venugopal, shed light on the new direction of the Congress party following the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Venugopal emphasized that the party's leadership today operates in a consultative manner, with inputs provided by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, while the final decision-making authority rests with Mallikarjun Kharge.
Reflecting on the Congress's remarkable victory in Karnataka, Venugopal addressed the prevalent perception that the BJP is invincible and the Congress cannot win elections. He questioned the level playing field for opposition parties in Karnataka during the elections, highlighting the extensive campaigning efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi just days before the polls. Venugopal pointed out the limited television coverage given to the Congress and the overwhelming focus on PM Modi's roadshows and public meetings. Despite these challenges, the Congress emerged victorious, he proudly stated.
Venugopal went on to claim that as many as 67 Congress candidates were subjected to raids during the election period in Karnataka. He further alleged that even the Election Commission displayed favoritism towards the BJP during the election process. "Whenever we filed a complaint, the EC did not take any action. However, when the BJP filed a complaint, they received immediate attention. We filed a complaint against PM Modi for a statement against the Congress, but the EC did not take any action. In contrast, when the BJP filed a complaint against Priyank Kharge, he received a notice within 24 hours," Venugopal asserted.
He emphasized the significant challenges faced by the Congress in Karnataka, battling not only against the BJP but also against federal agencies. Despite these adversities, the victory in Karnataka not only boosted the Congress but also served as a testament to the strength of democratic forces in the country, according to Venugopal.
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Bengaluru: South Western Railway (SWR) is installing a network of 943 CCTV cameras having AI technology in 79 stations, entering into coordination with RailTel Corporation of India Limited.
According to a report by Deccan Herald, the CCTV cameras will be connected to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Command and Control Centre (CC Centre) in Hubballi to enhance passenger safety and also to keep vigil over the public movement in railway stations. The system helps the RPF staff in Hubballi to monitor the real time status of even smaller railway stations through the CCTV camera surveillance and alert local staff in case of any suspicious activities or safety concerns.
This is a major step of upgrade of security in the railway stations under the Hubballi Division of the SWR as only seven major stations in the Division were provided CCTV camera surveillance a few years ago. While the Hubballi Division has 123 stations, including halt stations, up to 79 stations will now be monitored through CCTV cameras.
Also, new buildings and better amenities have been provided to all important and small stations in Hubballi Division.
SWR officers have reportedly said that the camera installation work is completed, with more than half of the cameras already being connected to the CC Centre in Hubballi.
RPF Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Alok Kumar has said that smaller railway stations like Saunshi or Yalavigi too can be monitored through CCTV cameras at the CC Centre in Hubballi.
He explained that AI technology has enabled CCTV cameras that can recognize faces, count passengers, and also have colour scenes. In addition, they are equipped with video analytic facilities supporting greater efficiency in monitoring the movements of people and surveillance and security in these railway stations. The remaining railway stations will be connected with the CCTV cameras network in the next phase, he added.