I am here to serve people, not make money: Actor-politician Vijay
Ariyalur (PTI): Actor-politician Vijay on Saturday night said that he entered politics only with the intention of serving the people and not for earning wealth.
He also said that his aim was to ensure a Tamil Nadu free from hunger and corruption and to provide governance with conscience.
Addressing the huge crowd at the campaign rally here, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief said, "What's the big deal about money? I have seen enough of it. Should I come into politics to make money? No need. I have no other intention other than to serve you".
Vijay, who arrived near the old bus stand here to address his second public campaign for the day, as his party cadres swarmed his campaign vehicle throughout his road trip from Tiruchirappali, apologised for his delayed arrival.
"Vanakkam. Sorry, I'm late. There was a problem due to the mike at the Tiruchirappalli meeting. There's nothing bigger than the love and affection you are showering on me," he said, standing atop the campaign vehicle.
During his nearly fifteen-minute speech from 8.44 pm, the TVK leader said his political adversaries have started uttering many things after seeing the people's overwhelming support for him. But, he chose to ignore the criticism and proceed with his work, Vijay added.
Targetting the BJP-led government at the centre, he said the instance of 65 lakh voters missing from the electoral roll in Bihar was nothing short of "theft of votes." The Centre's agenda was to dismiss all state governments and hold simultaneous polls for the nation.
"The One Nation, One Election idea amounts to a murder of democracy. And the delimitation exercise is only meant to destroy the opposition parties and weaken the southern states so that the northern states had more constituencies," he alleged.
Like the Centre, the DMK government too was "deceiving" the people with promises that were not fulfilled, the actor claimed.
"My dear CM sir, you are providing reels. Will you answer the questions? No you won't," he said.
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Karnataka rolls out climate action plan to tackle global warming: Minister Khandre
Bengaluru (PTI): Minister Eshwar Khandre on Tuesday said that a Karnataka state action plan on climate change has been formulated to mitigate the impact of global warming and climate change, and directions have been issued to ensure its proper implementation.
Speaking after presiding over a seminar on extreme heat and its impact on Bengaluru, organised by the Karnataka Media Academy, he said the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI), which comes under the environment department, has taken steps to implement the action plan in coordination with various state government departments.
He said training programmes are being organised in cooperation with zilla panchayat offices for district officials and other related institutions regarding the implementation and progress of the Karnataka state action plan on climate change.
The Forest, Ecology and Environment minister said such programmes will be conducted in all 31 districts of Karnataka.
According to a statement issued by the minister’s office, in terms of climate resilience, Khandre said a dedicated radio programme, “Havamaana Mitra” (weather friend), was launched in April 2025 to share information on best practices, and 24 programmes have so far been broadcast on Akashvani.
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He said these efforts aim to create public awareness.
Khandre emphasised that due to global warming and climate change, even seasons are changing today.
“Keeping this in mind, after becoming Forest Minister, I have been making every effort to increase green cover, especially in Bengaluru city,” he said.
He noted that during the last three years, about 11 crore saplings have been planted in the state, and information on their survival rate has been made available on the Forest Department website.
According to him, encroachments on about 250 acres of forest land worth around Rs 10,000 crore in several parts of Bengaluru, including Kothanur, Kadugodi, B M Kaval, and Turahalli, have been cleared.
Thousands of saplings have been planted and groves created on the cleared land, thereby preserving lung spaces essential for Bengaluru city.
The minister also recalled that more than 400 acres of forest land in Peenya plantation had earlier been allotted to the central government-owned HMT for industrial purposes.
He said HMT had sold 160 acres of this land, while 280 acres remain, and a decision has been taken to reclaim it for the department to preserve an essential lung space for Bengaluru. A legal battle is underway, and the case is currently in the Supreme Court.
In addition, he said 444 acres in the Jarakabande area had been allotted to the Indian Air Force. Under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, forest land cannot be diverted without due process. Hence, in 2017, the then Deputy Commissioner cancelled the land allotment.
“Steps are now being taken to reclaim this forest land and preserve the green space,” he said.
Khandre also highlighted that the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Gantiganahalli, where the international air show is held once every two years in Bengaluru, is on forest land.
He said 159 acres in Gantiganahalli village is classified as a reserved forest area.
“If the Air Force submits a proposal for diversion and provides alternative land, this area may be considered for transfer; otherwise, steps will be taken to reclaim it for the forest department,” he said.
“The Indian Air Force is presently using this area as a runway. However, the RTC and mutation records are in the name of the Forest Department, and the land has not been legally converted. Hence, this forest land will be reclaimed,” he said.
He added that the government has resolved to construct a major biological park on 153 acres at Madappanahalli in Bengaluru North taluk, and cabinet approval has been obtained.
“The CM will lay the foundation stone next month. This will be the largest park after Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. It would not be incorrect to call this an achievement of the century,” he said.
