NCP's Nawab Malik criticizes BJP's anti-conversion law proposal, signals potential alliances in Maha
MUMBAI: Nawab Malik, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, voiced strong criticism on Tuesday against the anti-conversion law proposed in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for Maharashtra. Malik dismissed the proposed legislation as a tactic to "misguide people" and affirmed that the NCP would not join forces with the BJP if it continues to push "divisive and disputed issues."
Despite being part of the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Malik did not rule out aligning with the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) if the upcoming assembly results lead to a hung house. While the BJP, a senior partner in the ruling Mahayuti, is supporting Shinde Sena's candidate Suresh Patil in the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency, Malik emphasized that any future government, if led by the Mahayuti, would be based on a Common Minimum Programme rather than purely BJP-driven policies.
"BJP will have to leave out some issues," Malik told The Times of India in an interview, suggesting that compromises would be necessary to form a stable government.
In response to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial "Batenge toh Katenge" remark, widely interpreted as targeting Muslims, Malik condemned the statement. "I condemn this slogan. Politics based on religion is short-lived," he asserted. Malik also criticized the BJP's plan for an anti-conversion law, saying, "Right to religion is a fundamental right, and conversion cannot be stopped. BJP is playing with words to misguide people."
When asked about the NCP's stance in the event of a coalition, particularly whether they might support the MVA if no party gains an outright majority, Malik remained open-ended. "Anything is possible. Anyone can go with anyone," he said, emphasizing the fluid nature of Maharashtra's political scene as the state heads towards a potentially fragmented election outcome.
Malik was optimistic about NCP's electoral prospects, expressing confidence that party leader Ajit Pawar would secure enough seats to act as a "kingmaker" in the post-election scenario. He hinted at the possibility of a situation similar to 1999, where no single party had a clear majority, allowing the NCP to play a pivotal role.
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.
Karnataka cabinet approves formation of separate Dharwad Municipal Corporation
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a formation of separate Dharwad city corporation. Alongside, a 15% hike in fares across the four state transport corporations was also approved. The revised fares will come into effect on January 5.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, addressing the media at the Committee Hall of Vidhana Soudha, provided details about the decision. He explained that the last fare revision for BMTC was a decade ago when diesel cost Rs 60.98 per litre. Since then, operational costs have risen significantly.
Diesel expenditure for the four corporations has increased from Rs 9.16 crore to Rs 13.21 crore, and personnel costs have grown from Rs 12.85 crore to Rs 18.36 crore. The daily operational burden now stands at Rs 9.56 crore. The fare hike is expected to generate an additional Rs 74.85 crore in monthly revenue without burdening the state exchequer, as Rs 5,015 crore has already been allocated for the Shakti Yojana this fiscal year.
Minister Patil announced that the Cabinet has decided to bifurcate the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation into two independent municipal bodies.
The Cabinet approved the construction of a fishing port in Hejamady village, Udupi, with a revised estimate of Rs 209.13 crore. Additionally, Rs 84.57 crore has been sanctioned for the modernization and dredging of fishing ports.
In a move to strengthen cow shelters, Rs 10.50 crore has been allocated for projects in 14 districts. The Cabinet also approved constructing a building for Visvesvaraya Technical University in Chikkaballapur district at Rs 149.75 crore.
The Cabinet sanctioned a state-of-the-art bus stand in Bannimantap, Mysuru, at a cost of Rs 120 crore. Spread over 14 acres, the facility will include a divisional office, bus units, and commercial shops.
Approval was also granted to utilize Rs 137.85 crore, provided by the Union Finance Ministry under the Special Capital Assistance Scheme, for capital expenditure.
The Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board will use Rs 56.92 crore from its SCP/TSP scheme to supply bed sheets, mosquito nets, and clothing to government residential schools and hostels.
The Cabinet approved Rs 100 crore to construct new buildings for 200 veterinary institutions currently housed in rented or dilapidated structures, using NABARD assistance.
In Davangere, a site was allotted to the Karnataka Working Journalists' Association for constructing a civic facility. A plot in Avaragere village was also leased for 30 years at a concessional rate to Nayaka Vidyarthi Nilaya.
