Shiv Sena (UBT) praises CM Fadnavis in Saamana editorial, sparks speculation of alliance
Mumbai: In an unexpected move, Saamana, the mouthpiece of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), praised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in its Friday editorial. Titled "Congratulations Deva Bhau," the piece commended Fadnavis for his efforts in Gadchiroli, a district known for Naxal activity, following the surrender of 11 Naxalites, including key leader Tarakka.
The editorial lauded Fadnavis’s vision to transform Gadchiroli into a “Steel City” and inaugurate development projects in the region on New Year's Day. It urged the government to prioritise the welfare of tribal communities over the interests of mining corporations.
“If the current Chief Minister wants to give Gadchiroli a new identity of 'Steel City' instead of 'Naxalite district,' then he should be welcomed,” the editorial read. It also drew comparisons to previous leadership, alleging past efforts favoured mining tycoons over tribal development.
Reacting to the editorial, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut supported the appreciation of Fadnavis’s efforts. “If a district like Gadchiroli is developed, it benefits the entire state. We have criticised PM Modi in the past, but we also appreciate good initiatives. Fadnavis’s focus on Gadchiroli deserves recognition,” Raut said.
This development follows Uddhav Thackeray’s recent meeting with Fadnavis, fuelling speculation about a possible alliance. Shiv Sena (UBT) had parted ways with the BJP after the 2019 assembly polls and allied with Congress and NCP. However, the party suffered a split in 2022 when Eknath Shinde, backed by 39 MLAs, joined the NDA, leading to Thackeray’s resignation as Chief Minister.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
