Belthangady: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sharan Pumpwell has stirred controversy by stating that the recent stone-pelting incident at the residence of MLC Ivan D'Souza should have occurred much earlier. Speaking at a press conference organized by the VHP on Thursday to announce an event in Ujire, Pumpwell openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the timing of the attack.

"Dakshina Kannada is a district of patriots. Opposing anti-national statements is seen as a duty here, and someone has fulfilled that duty. I hold the district administration and police department responsible for the delay. If they had taken action against Ivan D'Souza for his statements earlier, this incident would not have happened," Pumpwell remarked.

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The VHP leader was referring to a statement made by Ivan D'Souza in which the MLC reportedly spoke about storming the Raj Bhavan in a manner similar to the protests against Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Pumpwell criticized the authorities for what he described as selective law enforcement.

"A case was registered against a statement opposing namaz on the road, and another against the Belthangady MLA. Why hasn’t a case been filed against Ivan D'Souza yet? The police are showing double standards, and that's why such incidents occur," he added.

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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.

The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.

"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.

The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.

He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.