Minister Mankal Vaidya’s absence draws resentment at Bhatkal Eid harmony meet
Bhatkal: Development issues and civic problems of the town came up for discussion between the administration and members of the public during the Eid harmony gathering organised by Majlise Islah Wa Tanzeem at Ameena Palace on Tuesday night.
Presiding over the programme, Tanzeem president Inayatullah Shabandri highlighted several infrastructure concerns in the town. He pointed to the delay in National Highway works, lack of proper drainage facilities in Ranginkatte and other areas, and the possibility of waterlogging during the monsoon. He also urged HESCOM to address the delay in the 110 KV power substation project and recurring power interruptions during festival seasons.
District Collector K. Lakshmi Priya said directions had been issued to the concerned agencies to complete drainage works before the monsoon. She also expressed concern over measles cases being reported in the town and appealed to the public to take vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease.
Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said wearing helmets was essential to prevent road accidents. He also shared information about the police department’s “Sanmitra” counselling initiative aimed at tackling rising drug abuse among youth.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dileesh Sasi said community participation was necessary to ensure that government schemes reached the people. He added that organisations should help remove misconceptions related to health and education schemes.
Among those who spoke on the occasion were HESCOM chairman Syed Azeem Peer Khadri, Deputy Conservator of Forests Yogesh, Congress leader Rama Mogher, and Indian Nawayath Forum president Aftab Kola.
Tanzeem finance secretary Maulana Azizur Rahman Nadvi recited verses from the Quran. General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb M.J. welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductory address. Senior journalist M.R. Manvi compered the programme, while advocate Syed Imran Lanka proposed the vote of thanks.
Retired High Court judge Ravi Naik, municipal commissioner Baba Saheb Mane, Tahsildar Nagendra Kolashetti, officials from various departments, and prominent persons from different communities were present.
Minister’s absence sparks displeasure
The absence of minister Mankal S. Vaidya at the function became a talking point and reportedly caused resentment among local Muslim leaders.
Speaking on the issue, the Tanzeem president said elected representatives responsible for the district remaining absent from such important social programmes was disappointing not only for the organisation but also for the community.
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Assembly polls: Voting ends, TN witnesses record 82.24 per cent turnout
Chennai (PTI): Voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election ended at 6 PM on Thursday and electors who gathered in the polling stations before the time for closure of polling were allowed to vote, officials said.
About 82.24 per cent of the 5.73 crore eligible voters exercised their franchise in the election to the 234-member strong Tamil Nadu Assembly, a record turnout. This was the provincial figure till 5 pm and the final data will be made available following consolidation of data, officials added.
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People voted in as many as 75,064 polling stations in 33,133 locations to decide the fortunes of 4,023 candidates.
The DMK, which heads the Secular Progressive Alliance, is seeking to retain power, and is leading a multi-party coalition that includes Congress, Left parties and the VCK. The AIADMK, heading the National Democratic Alliance, on the other hand, is pushing for a return to power with allies BJP, AMMK and PMK, among others, in tow.
Actor Vijay-led TVK is attempting to break the decades long tradition of DMK and AIADMK alternatively ruling the state and form its government.
Despite the scorching sun, people turned up enthusiastically in polling stations right from 7 AM onwards and cast their votes and those who had gathered before 6 PM, the appointed time for closure of polling, were allowed to vote.
