India abstaining from UN motion on Gaza 'shameful': Priyanka Gandhi
Wayanad/Malappuram (Kerala), Jun 14 (PTI): Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday termed as "shameful" and "disappointing" the Indian government's decision to abstain from the UN motion to protect civilians and uphold humanitarian obligations in Gaza.
In a post on 'X', Vadra contended that the Indian government was refusing to take a stand when 60,000 people, mostly women and children, had been killed and the entire population of Gaza were being "confined and starved to death".
The Congress MP from Wayanad also alleged that not only was India being silent on the Gaza issue, it was "cheering on" the Israeli government as it attacked Iran and assassinated its leadership.
"It is shameful and disappointing that our government has chosen to abstain on the UN motion for the protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations in Gaza...
"This is a tragic reversal of our anti-colonial legacy. In fact, not only are we standing silent as Mr Netanyahu annihilates an entire nation, we are cheering on as his government attacks Iran and assassinates its leadership in flagrant violation of its sovereignty and complete contravention of all international norms," she said on X.
Later in the day, she told reporters in Wayanad that she has aired her views about the situation in Gaza many times.
"I believe what is happening there is very wrong on a humanitarian level and every level. And I have said it again and again," she said.
In her post on X earlier in the day, she also questioned how the country can "abandon" the principles of the Constitution, and the values of the freedom struggle "that led the way for an international arena based on peace and humanity".
"There is no justification for this. True global leadership demands the courage to defend justice, India has shown this courage unfailingly in the past.
"In a world that is increasingly divisive, we must reclaim our voice for humanity and stand fearlessly for truth and non-violence," she said in her post.
It is shameful and disappointing that our government has chosen to abstain on the UN motion for the protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations in Gaza.
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) June 14, 2025
60,000 people, mostly women and children have been killed already, an entire population is…
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BBMP issues guidelines for eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations
Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has released new guidelines aimed at ensuring a more environmentally conscious celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi this year.
BBMP Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao chaired a meeting to discuss a complete prohibition on the use of chemical paints, thermocol, and Plaster of Paris (PoP) in idol-making, as reported by Deccan Herald on Thursday. Any idols made from these materials will be confiscated and disposed of in accordance with established regulations.
The meeting emphasised the importance of using eco-friendly Ganesha idols made from natural clay, which are both safer for the environment and easier to immerse.
Strict enforcement and legal action
Criminal cases will be filed against individuals found creating idols using the banned materials. To ensure compliance, nodal officers from BBMP sub-divisions, along with officials from the police, fire, and Bescom departments, will oversee the manufacturing and sale of these idols.
Streamlined permitting process for public installations
For those wishing to set up public Ganesha idols, the BBMP has introduced a streamlined system to simplify the approval process. Citizens will need to apply at the offices of assistant executive engineers, designated as nodal officers, at the sub-divisional level. In an effort to expedite permissions, 75 single-window centres will be set up at these sub-divisional offices, where officers from the BBMP, police, Bescom, and the fire department will be available to grant necessary approvals.
Encouraging sustainable practices during the festival
The BBMP's guidelines also encourage residents to immerse small, eco-friendly idols at home and reuse the residual clay for gardening. Additionally, any wet waste generated during the festival will be processed through BBMP's waste management units, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
