'Relentless champion of justice, equality': Wishes pour in as Cong chief Kharge turns 83
New Delhi (PTI): Birthday wishes poured in for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as he turned 83 on Monday with former party chief Rahul Gandhi saying his leadership, commitment, and dedication to the people of India "inspire us all".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted Kharge on his birthday and wished him a long and healthy life.
"Best wishes to the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji on his birthday. Praying for his long and healthy life," Modi said on X.
In a post on X, Gandhi said, "Wishing Congress President @kharge ji a very happy birthday! Your leadership, commitment, and dedication to the people of India inspire us all."
"May you be blessed with good health and happiness," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal greeted Kharge and lauded his leadership.
"Wishing our dynamic, determined and inspirational AICC President Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge ji a very happy birthday. For lakhs of Congress workers, his vision, wisdom and commitment to the party and its ideology is an inspiration," he said.
"His rise from humble origins to the pinnacle of the party is a testament to his hard work and leadership qualities. Since he has assumed office, our party has also made notable strides in our fight for justice, democracy and protecting the Constitution," Venugopal said.
"We are proud to be led by a towering personality like Kharge ji, from whom I continue to learn everyday. May he be blessed with great health and happiness in the coming years!" he said.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also wished Kharge on his birthday.
"Wishing our visionary leader, AICC President shri Kharge Ji good health, happiness, and many more years in the service of the Nation and people," Reddy said on X.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on X, "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Congress Party's National President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Shri Kharge ji on his birthday."
"The commitment, dedication and fighting spirit with which you have worked for public service, protection of constitutional values and social justice is an inspiration for all of us," he said.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar greeted Kharge and said that over the years, he has witnessed Kharge's deep commitment to the people and to the ideals of the Congress Party.
"Your journey from the grassroots to national leadership is an inspiration to all of us in public life. For Karnataka and for India, you remain a pillar of strength and wisdom. Wishing good health and many more years in the service of the nation," Shivakumar said on X.
Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said on X, "A very Happy Birthday to our respected @INCIndia president Shri @kharge Sahib. His experience and his perspective are a source of guidance for all of us."
In a post on its official X handle, the Congress extended birthday greetings to the party president.
"A relentless champion of justice and equality, he leads the party with unparalleled courage, wisdom, and political acumen. His inspiring leadership strengthens our resolve to uphold the Constitution with unwavering integrity," the party said.
His faith and commitment to democracy and decades of distinguished public service make him a true icon, the Congress said.
"Wishing you good health, immense happiness, and many more years of bold, visionary leadership," it said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also greeted Kharge and said he has been pivotal in strengthening the INDIA bloc by standing firm against forces that seek to sow division and weaken our unity.
"Wishing you enduring resolve, good health, and wisdom as you continue to uphold the dignity and collective will of the people," Stalin said.
Kerala Chief Pinarayi Vijayan also wished Kharge. "Birthday greetings to Congress President @kharge. Wishing you a joyous and healthy life ahead," Vijayan said on X.
NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar greeted Kharge and hailed his leadership.
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.
41 lakh illicit liquor seized, 1.84 lakh arrested in major drive: K'taka Minister tells Assembly
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): The Karnataka Excise Department has conducted a statewide crackdown on illegal liquor trade over the last two years, resulting in arrests and seizures of alcohol, Karnataka Excise Minister R B Timmapur said on Tuesday.
As many as 1,09,017 people were arrested, and seizures included 13.66 lakh litres of liquor and 27.19 lakh litres of beer, he said in a written reply to a starred question by Harihar BJP MLA B P Harish in the Karnataka Assembly.
The Minister said the enforcement drive covered the financial year 2023–24, 2024–25 up to June, and 2025–26 from July to October, targeting unauthorised liquor manufacture, storage, sale and transportation across the State.
"During this period, statewide enforcement drives resulted in a total of 1,84,570 raids against illegal liquor sales,” Timmapur said.
ALSO READ: BJP accuses Karnataka govt of 'failing' to prevent noise pollution caused by 'azaan'
He noted that 9,179 non-bailable cases and 91,968 bailable and compoundable cases under Section 15(A) of the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, were registered during the same period.
According to him, there have been no reports indicating that students have become addicted to alcohol due to illegal liquor sales.
The sale of alcohol to minors is strictly prohibited under the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, and the department has issued periodic instructions to initiate legal action against violators, with strict enforcement and investigation measures in place, the Minister said.
Excise officials are carrying out regular road and night patrols, collecting intelligence, monitoring habitual offenders and conducting raids to identify illicit distillation units, unauthorised liquor outlets and spurious liquor manufacturing centres, he said, adding the department is also enforcing the law to prevent the production, storage, sale and transport of spurious, non-duty-paid and unauthorised liquor.
Regular patrols are being conducted on national and state highways, with suspicious vehicles being subjected to checks.
At the district level, standing committee meetings are held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioners, and joint operations are carried out with the police and forest departments to curb excise-related offences.
The department is also conducting awareness programmes through Gram Sabhas and in schools and colleges to educate the public and students about the physical, mental and social health hazards associated with alcohol addiction and substance abuse, Timmapur added.
