Congress MLC BK Hariprasad dismisses ambitions for Karnataka CM post
Mangaluru: Congress MLC BK Hariprasad addressed reporters on Tuesday, clarifying that he is not seeking the position of Chief Minister of Karnataka. Hariprasad emphasized that the final decision regarding the continuation of Siddaramaiah in the role amid ongoing legal issues would be made by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faces allegations of illegally receiving a site from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), with the BJP demanding his resignation. In response to these accusations, Hariprasad expressed confidence that both Siddaramaiah and the Congress party would prevail in the legal proceedings, noting that a final judgment has not yet been issued.
Hariprasad addressed concerns about other Congress members expressing interest in the Chief Minister position. He clarified that party leaders had previously addressed questions about potential replacements and that any decision regarding a change in leadership would be determined by the Congress High Command. Hariprasad also highlighted that the 135 Congress legislators in Karnataka are exercising their democratic right to express their opinions and aspirations.
On the issue of alleged irregularities in Covid-19 management under the BJP government and Health Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar, Hariprasad criticized the BJP administration for its handling of the pandemic. He pointed out the significant number of deaths and the difficulties faced by the public due to vaccine supply mismanagement during the BJP's tenure. Hariprasad noted that the former health minister has been silent on these allegations and indicated that the release of the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission's report on the irregularities will bring the truth to light. He warned that those found guilty of illegal activities during the pandemic would face legal consequences.
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
