Bantwala, May 4: Ramanath Rai is a popular leader in the constituency and he would win the election by a margin 30,000 votes due to his development works he has done in the constituency, Assembly constituency Congress Campaigning Committee president Sanjeev Poojary.

Speaking on the preparation of the party on the election here on Friday, he said that unable to tolerate the development works in Bantwala constituency, BJP leader Harikrishna Bantwal has been making false allegations against Rai to tarnish his image. But people of the constituency were aware of the fact, he said.

Both Congress and Rai had contributed a much for the welfare of the Billava community. In view of this, Billava community is supporting the Congress. Hailed from Billava community, BJP leader has failed to contribute anything for the community. But he is speaking against Rai and Janardhana Poojary. Because of anti-party activities, Harikrishna was expelled from the Congress, he said.

Based on his achievements and works in his political career, Rai would once again win the election. He has involved in politics for the last 40 years. Compared to other constituencies in the district, Rai has done good development works in the constituency, he said.

Though some Billava leaders were the aspirants of BJP tickets in some constituencies, Harikrishna did nothing to get them the tickets. BJP has been misusing the Billava community just for achieving Hindutva agenda. But Harikrishna is not questioning this. People of the community have understood this hypocrisy. As a result, Billava community youth have been joining the Congress, he said.

Contributions of Rai

Rai and Congress were instrumental in establishing Brahmashri Narayana Guru Study Centre at Mangalore University, Deyi Baidedi herbal plant at Gejjegiri Nandanabittili, naming the BC Road circle after Narayana Guru, financial assistance to majority of Billava community halls in the district, loan waiver of Murtedar Society and others.

On the basis of the recommendation of Rai and Janardhana Poojary, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced the Jayanti of Sri Narayana Guru as a public holiday and the community would never forget this decision. Congress has given various positions to Billava leaders, he claimed. 

Both Rai and Janardhana Poojary have never criticized another religion. They have good relationship with people of all religions, he said.

 

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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.