Alcohol distributed at BJP MP K Sudhakar's party thrown for poll win, crowd goes out of control
Bengaluru: A thanksgiving event for BJP-JDS workers, hosted by the newly elected Chikkaballapur BJP Lok Sabha member Dr. K Sudhakar in Nelamangala on Sunday, descended into chaos as attendees scrambled to collect free liquor being distributed at the venue. The event, allegedly sponsored by Nelamangala BJP president Jagadish Chowdhary, saw police struggling to manage the crowd and eventually had to stand by as the situation spiraled out of control.
According to eyewitnesses, the event featured non-vegetarian food, beer, and packets of hard liquor. Many participants were seen passing out at the venue. Organizers had expected a crowd of 10,000-15,000, but over 60,000 people turned up, making crowd control nearly impossible, said a police officer. “Even with the expected numbers, it would have still been difficult to control the crowd,” the officer added.
A letter has also surfaced in which BJP MP Sudhakar had previously written to the police department requesting security for the event, explicitly mentioning that alcohol would be served.
Bengaluru Rural SP CK Baba had earlier instructed the excise department not to grant a liquor license, but this directive was ignored.
"The Police department had placed restrictions and told the organisers not to serve alcohol at the event. They were also told that cases would be booked if they violated the conditions. However, they took permission from the Excise Department to serve alcohol," SP CK Baba said.
Excise Deputy Commissioner Nagesh Kumar stated that the organizers applied for permission and paid a fee of Rs 11,500, after which a one-day license was issued.
Assembly Opposition Leader R Ashoka, former MLA Nagaraju, and former MLC E Krishnappa from JDS also attended the event. Dr. Sudhakar distanced himself from the liquor distribution, claiming, “I am not aware of the distribution of liquor and I do not encourage such things. The participants might have bought liquor somewhere and had it at the venue.”
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundurao criticized the event on social media, stating, “Saying one thing, doing another, how to believe them (BJP)... BJP leaders are busy distributing liquor while the state is dengue-stricken. Where are the BJP leaders who questioned venturing into swimming when I visited Mangaluru? Is this (distribution of liquor) your culture?”
Sudhakar defeated Congress candidate MS Raksha Ramaiah by over 1.5 lakh votes.
Chikkaballapur, one of Karnataka's 28 Lok Sabha seats, was established in 1977 after the reorganization of Indian states. The constituency saw a 77% voter turnout in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 26.
BJP newly elected MP from chikkaballapur Dr K Sudhakar holds open alcohol party to thanks voters.
— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) July 8, 2024
People were brought in trucks and alcohol bottles were distributed among them.
Sanskar of the BJP …. pic.twitter.com/UxUHThjgDk
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From driving an auto rickshaw to leading Mumbai's bowling attack, Juned hits the fast lane
Lucknow: The 24-year-old pacer Mohammad Juned Khan, who made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the Irani Cup, now dreams of representing the 42-time Ranji Trophy champions. His remarkable journey, from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to the Mumbai team, showcases determination and perseverance.
In his debut match, Juned made an instant impact by taking a big first wicket, dismissing Rest of India’s captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, for 9 runs. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane handed him the team’s cap just before the five-day Irani Cup match at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, a moment Juned had long awaited.
His journey to Mumbai’s squad was not easy. Hailing from a farming family in Kannauj, 127 km from Lucknow, Juned moved to Mumbai in 2014 in search of work. He initially worked as a helper in a jeans factory in Andheri and later started driving an auto rickshaw from 2015 to 2018. It was in 2019 that he joined Sanjeevani Cricket Academy after meeting his mentor, Abhishek Nayar.
“Abhishek Sir saw my passion and advised me to quit driving the auto and focus entirely on cricket. It changed my life,” Juned recalls. Without proper bowling spikes, he continued training with rubber studs, determined to make a name for himself in cricket.
Juned’s hard work paid off when he was roped in as a net bowler by Kolkata Knight Riders and subsequently performed well in local club cricket, Karnataka Cricket Association events, and the Bucchi Babu Tournament.
Despite living with his auto driver friends in Bandra, Mumbai, Juned remains focused on his goal to clock 140-145 kmph in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. He currently bowls at around 130 kmph but aims to increase his speed and draw inspiration from fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami.
“Playing alongside seasoned bowlers like Mukesh Kumar was a great learning experience,” says Juned, who hopes to replicate his success in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season.
