Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin calls Lok Sabha elections a 'Do or Die' battle for democracy
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has emphasized that the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are a crucial battle to safeguard the essence of Indian democracy.
Stalin likened the current political climate to a second struggle for freedom, aimed at preserving the core values of India, including democracy, secularism, and pluralism.
In an interview with the Indian Express at his residence in Chennai, DMK chief Stalin expressed confidence in the opposition's unity against the BJP, highlighting the presence of leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal, Uddhav Thackeray, Mamata Banerjee, and Tejashwi Yadav. He also praised Rahul Gandhi as a dynamic leader poised to challenge Modi's image and the RSS narrative.
Stalin criticized the Modi government for its focus on past grievances, such as the recent withdrawal of cases against AAP leaders who switched to the BJP. He accused the BJP of using the RTI Act selectively to attack opposition leaders, expressing concerns about the erosion of public trust in Modi's statements.
Stalin reiterated the DMK's commitment to social justice and inclusivity, contrasting it with the BJP's divisive politics based on the RSS ideology. He criticized the BJP's claims of upholding democracy and federalism, suggesting that these principles were not being upheld in practice.
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 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.
ALSO READ: Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast
"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.
