Rioters will face bulldozer action in Gujarat: Minister
Gandhinagar, Mar 19 (PTI): Gujarat MOS for Home Harsh Sanghavi on Wednesday justified the 'bulldozer action' against anti-social elements, saying only opposition parties are upset whereas people are happy with such measures.
Speaking in the assembly, Sanghavi also vowed strict action against those engage in "love jihad", who he said would be paraded on streets.
He was responding to Congress's charge that the BJP government had acted strictly only against small-time goons but excluded "mining mafias and land mafias".
"Instead of being happy, the opposition is upset over the crackdown on such anti-social elements. Opposition alleges that such elements are not afraid of the police.
"But their tone changes when Gujarat Police's bulldozer razes the buildings constructed on government land," said Sanghavi while seeking the approval of the House for Budgetary allocations for the Home Department.
He was referring to the demolition of illegally constructed houses of six of 14 accused arrested by Ahmedabad Police on March 14 for attacking commuters and rioting in Vastral area of the city.
"'Dada's bulldozer (read CM Bhupendra Patel) won't spare such elements who create ruckus after coming to Gujarat from other states," he added.
He said the same people labelled as "anti-social elements" in the night are perceived as poor people by the opposition in the morning.
"Dada's bulldozer will turn on anyone who comes to Gujarat and engages in riots. Miscreants were nabbed in hours and taught a lesson by police as per the law. Except for opposition MLAs, Gujarat is happy with the government's action," said Sanghavi.
On the Congress' charge of the growing menace of drugs, the MoS Home urged the Opposition not to politicise the issue, pointing out that Gujarat Police had seized drugs from other states including West Bengal.
Attacking Congress for its allegation that the law and order situation has deteriorated under BJP rule, Sanghavi said cities in Gujarat were once identified with residential "dons" under the Congress rule, "like Latif in Ahmedabad".
Gujarat ranked 33 in India's crime graph, the minister said citing the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data of 2022.
"Similarly, Gujarat was at the 27th position in crime against children and 33 in economic crimes. In Gujarat, police do not hesitate to arrest those who can be seen standing beside me in a photo. It is a certificate that the police do not work under any political influence," he said.
He said police will take strict action against those who engage in "love jihad".
"We have to take action if Amjad poses as Amit to trap girls. We have to take action for the safety of our daughters. And, it is necessary to take out their procession so that people can see their faces" said Sanghavi.
અમદાવાદ શહેર પોલીસ દ્વારા આજરોજ અસામાજીક તત્વો વિરુદ્ધ ની ડ્રાઇવ દરમિયાન ગેરકાયદેસર દબાણ પોલીસ દ્વારા દુર કરવામા આવ્યા.જેમા વેજલપુર પોલીસ સ્ટેશન વિસ્તારમા કુખ્યાત કાલુ ગરદનની 4 દુકાન અને 1 મકાન, દરિયાપુર રવિ નુ 1 મકાન, મેઘાણીનગર 2 મકાન, શહેરકોટડા 1 મકાન, સરદારનગર 1 મકાન, દૂર… pic.twitter.com/p30OGTX7ZZ
— Ahmedabad Police અમદાવાદ પોલીસ (@AhmedabadPolice) March 19, 2025
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
