IUML leader says Bengaluru demolitions not comparable to incidents in UP
Kozhikode (Kerala) (PTI): IUML leader PK Kunhalikutty here on Sunday said the demolition of houses in Bengaluru was not comparable to what happened in Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking to reporters here, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national secretary P K Kunhalikutty said he had spoken to leaders in Karnataka, including ministers and the chief minister.
"They said that the demolition in Karnataka is not comparable to what happened in Uttar Pradesh and that people from all communities were affected in Bengaluru," he said.
Kunhalikutty added that those who lost their houses would be rehabilitated.
ALSO READ: We know B'luru well, keep off K'taka's affairs, Cong leaders tell Vijayan on eviction row
"Attractive rehabilitation packages will be provided by the government. It is cheap politics to take advantage of the issue knowing that a Congress government is in power in Karnataka," he said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday strongly criticised the reported demolition of Muslim houses in the Karnataka capital, calling the action shocking and painful.
According to media reports, a demolition drive carried out last week in Kogilu village, Yelahanka, demolished more than 200 houses in Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony.
The operation was reportedly conducted by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited to clear what were described as encroachments on land earmarked for a proposed waste processing unit.
Meanwhile, Kunhalikutty said no discussions on seat-sharing had begun within the United Democratic Front (UDF) for the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala.
He clarified that no unnecessary demands would be raised during the seat-sharing talks.
"We are not going to take unnecessary political advantage. We will get what we deserve," he said.
The UDF has decided to complete seat-sharing discussions and finalise candidates by the end of January or early February.
The Kerala Assembly elections are expected to be held in March-April 2026.
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.
BLO found dead in Bengal, work-related pressure alleged
Kolkata (PTI): A Booth Level Officer (BLO) was found dead in West Bengal's Bankura district on Sunday, triggering allegations that work-related pressure linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls may have played a role, police said.
The incident occurred in Ranibandh block, where the body of the deceased, Haradhan Mandal, was recovered from a school premises on Sunday morning.
ALSO READ: Indian man wins race discrimination claim against KFC franchise manager in UK
"Mandal was a schoolteacher by profession and served as the BLO of Booth No. 206 under the Rajakata area of Ranibandh block," a police officer said.
According to the officer, a note bearing the deceased's signature was recovered from the spot, in which he reportedly referred to being unable to cope with work pressure.
"We have seized the note and sent the body for post-mortem examination," he said.
The police initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to Mandal's death.
Officials said all angles are being examined.
"Till now, 39 ordinary citizens, including four BLOs, have died due to SIR panic, including suicides," West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had claimed on December 2.
The SIR exercise began in the state on November 4.
