Thank God 'Mir Zafars' quit TMC, saved party: Mamata Banerjee in apparent jibe at Adhikari family
Khejuri (WB): In an apparent jibe at the influential Adhikari family of Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that she was relieved as "Mir Zafars" (traitors) have quit the party ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Terming the BJP as a "party of feudal lords", the TMC supremo, while addressing an election rally at Khejuri in the district, alleged that the saffron party was more interested in selling the entire country.
"Thank God, the 'Mir Jafars' (traitors) have left (TMC). I am relieved. It has saved us (the party). They never used to allow me to come to Khejuri, Nandigram or Kanthi whenever I wished to visit these places. As if this was their 'zamindari'. Now, nobody can stop me from coming here," Banerjee said.
She alleged that the BJP has stolen several lakhs of crores of rupees from the common people of the country by "selling" the Railways, BSNL and banks.
"The BJP must clear the air over the fate of the demonetisation money and PM cares funds. People want to know," she said.
She urged people to be alert while casting their votes and double-check the EVMs properly. Using the party's famous 'Khela Hobe' (game is on) slogan, she urged the voters to drive the BJP out of the country.
"Play the game in such a manner that the BJP is driven out of the country," she added.
Banerjee left her Bhowanipore constituency in Kolkata to contest her former lieutenant and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram seat, where an anti-land acquisition movement catapulted the TMC to power in the state in 2011.
Most members of the Adhikari family, which holds considerable political clout in the district, have either joined the BJP or expressed a desire to join the saffron party.
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Tourists barred from Karnataka dams amid Operation Sindoor fallout
Bengaluru, May 10 (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said tourists will be barred from visiting dams and reservoirs in the state due to heightened security concerns following Operation Sindoor.
He clarified that only technical experts and engineers would be permitted entry.
“We have issued clear directions to all dam authorities, as well as to the police and security staff, not to allow tourists near the reservoirs—only our technical experts and engineers are allowed,” Shivakumar told reporters here.
He appealed to dam staff and the public to cooperate, stressing the need for heightened caution in light of the current situation.
As the Minister in charge of Bengaluru, Shivakumar added that all necessary steps had been taken to ensure the safety and security of Karnataka's capital.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) said security had been beefed up at power stations and reservoirs.
“In a proactive response to Operation Sindoor and heightened border tensions with Pakistan, the Karnataka government has stepped up security at reservoirs and power stations under KPCL's jurisdiction,” the corporation said in a statement.
KPCL has issued an official directive stressing the critical need to secure sensitive installations, mandating comprehensive security measures with additional personnel deployed in coordination with the state police.
The directive warned that any lapses in security would result in accountability for the responsible officials.
KPCL operates power generation units using hydro, thermal, wind, solar, gas, and waste-to-energy sources, with several reservoirs supporting hydroelectric production.
“All power plants and reservoirs should be provided with robust and adequate security,” the directive stated.
In response, officials overseeing major reservoirs and power stations have discussed with police departments to assess and enhance existing security arrangements. They have also requested the police to cooperate in strengthening these measures.
KPCL further said it has issued an order restricting public access to its reservoirs and powerhouses, including educational visits by engineering students and dignitary tours.
“While such visits are typically for academic or official purposes, this decision aligns with central government directives to tighten security at sensitive locations. The restriction, aimed at ensuring public safety, also enhances surveillance at these critical infrastructure sites,” KPCL said.
