Udupi (Karnataka), Sep 13: Udupi-Chikkamagalur MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has accused the Karnataka government of implementing an “invisible strategy” to curb Hindu festivals.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Poojary expressed his disappointment with Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, particularly after the communal clash in Nagamangala during the procession of Lord Ganesha idol immersion.

Poojary claimed that in the Nagamangala incident, the police booked devotees of Lord Ganesha while those who hurled stones were set free. He alleged that numerous rules and conditions were imposed this year to dilute the festival’s spirit. “There was an invisible strategy made by the government to curb the festival of Hindus,” he stated.

The MP further criticised the Home Minister for his response to the incident.

Parameshwara has reportedly said that the stones hurled during the procession came accidentally.

Poojary questioned the state’s protection measures and highlighted the restrictions placed on the Ganesha Chathurthi festival, including curbs on loudspeaker usage. He argued that these actions indicate a deliberate attempt by the Congress government to dampen the festive mood.

He also voiced concerns about the treatment of the majority community in Karnataka, alleging that they face atrocities from the minority community. He warned that if public trust in the government erodes, the BJP would take to the streets to protest against the administration.

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New Delhi, Nov 22: Flipkart's co-founder Binny Bansal has stepped down from the board of PhonePe, the fintech company said on Friday.

PhonePe also announced the appointment of Manish Sabharwal as an Independent Director and Chair of its Audit Committee.

In this role, Sabharwal will be instrumental in upholding the integrity and effectiveness of PhonePe's financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management practices, he company said in a release.

"PhonePe also announced that Flipkart's co-founder, Binny Bansal has stepped down from its Board of Directors. Binny acquired PhonePe in 2016 and has been on its Board since then," the release said.

Commenting on the board rejig, Sameer Nigam, CEO and Founder of PhonePe said, "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Binny Bansal for being one of PhonePe's earliest and staunchest supporters. His active engagement, strategic guidance, and personal mentorship have profoundly enriched our discussions. Binny will be missed!"

Nigam further said that Sabharwal's depth of understanding of India's macro economy, coupled with his leadership in shaping India's policies for education, employment, and employability will be invaluable as PhonePe continues to work ahead towards shared vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Sabharwal is Vice-Chairman of Teamlease Services, India's largest staffing and human capital firm.

Bansal played an instrumental role in Flipkart's acquisition of PhonePe way back in 2016 and had been on its board since then (the payments firm separated from Flipkart in 2022).