Arrest Pramod Mutalik for spreading enmity between communities over the Azaan-Bhajan issue: HDK
Badami: Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday called for the arrest of Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Mutalik for disrupting peace and spreading enmity between communities over the Azaan-Bhajan issue.
Speaking before taking part in the Janata Jaladhare event at Badami on Tuesday, the former CM urged the state government to stop supporting people who are using emotional issues of the people to create a divide amongst the people.
“Pramod Muthalik, who has been kindling the fire of hatred in the inclusive, harmonious state of Karnataka by bringing up emotionally charged issues one after the other, should be arrested and sent to jail. Else, it will be difficult to maintain peace in the state”, he said.
“The silence of the BJP government on matters of Azan and Bhajan has caused unrest in the state. While these issues are growing larger, the government is silently promoting forces that are detrimental to the peace of the state. This should stop. After completely ruining the society, is it possible to repair it?” he questioned.
“Regardless of whether it is Sri Rama Sene or any other organization, what is the Supreme Court’s order about Hanuman Chalisa or the Azan? This should be understood and followed. The court has specified the permissible level of noise. Therefore, there is no need for these people to take the law into their hands in the guise of being ‘Hindu protectors’. Such topics do not require to be widely publicized. Nobody should do the work of setting fire to the otherwise harmonious society”, Kumaraswamy said.
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Metro ridership in Haryana sees over 13 pc rise in 2025-26
Chandigarh (PTI): Haryana's urban transit system witnessed a strong growth in 2025-26, with metro ridership registering a robust 13.55 per cent increase, the state government said in a statement on Thursday.
The progress was reviewed in the 64th board meeting of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi.
Between April 2025 and February 2026, the metro network recorded over 1.74 crore passengers, compared to 1.53 crore in the corresponding period the previous year.
July recorded the highest monthly growth at 22.93 per cent, while all months showed consistent positive trends.
Financial performance has also remained strong, with fare revenue rising 12.64 per cent till January 2026, the statement said.
Non-fare revenue surged by 108 per cent, driven by effective monetisation of station spaces, advertisements and commercial activities, resulting in an operating surplus for Rapid Metro.
Further initiatives, including the auction of station naming rights and additional advertisement sites, are expected to strengthen HMRTC's financial position, the statement said.
Appreciating the performance, Rastogi stated that the consistent rise in ridership and revenue reflects the success of Haryana's integrated transport strategy, rising commuter confidence and a clear shift towards public transport.
HMRTC Managing Director Chander Shekhar Khare said that, alongside operational gains, the state is making steady progress on an ambitious pipeline of metro and regional transit projects.
Metro connectivity from Gurugram Sector 56 to Panchgaon is under active consideration, with Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited studying the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and layout plan, and finalising a depot location in Sector 36A near Sihi village, he said.
The Gurugram-Faridabad Namo Bharat corridor has achieved a key milestone, with alignment and station locations finalised and approved by the Haryana government. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation is preparing the DPR, he added.
Similarly, the Delhi-Kundli metro extension is proposed to be placed before the Haryana Cabinet for approval.
The 136.3-kilometre Delhi-Panipat-Karnal RRTS Corridor has also progressed, with the revised DPR submitted for financial concurrence ahead of Haryana Cabinet consideration.
Within Gurugram, DPR preparation has been approved for key intra-city corridors, including the 17.09-kilometre Bhondsi-Subhash Chowk-Rajeev Chowk-Sohna Chowk Railway Station corridor, enhancing connectivity along Sohna Road, Khare said.
