Assembly winter session to begin on Monday
discussion on pressing issues in North Karnataka to take place
Belagavi: The winter session of the Karnataka state legislature, set to take place in Belagavi, begins tomorrow, marking the 13th session held in the city. This session carries a significant weight of expectations, particularly for the people of North Karnataka, who hope for meaningful discussions and actionable solutions to the region’s persistent challenges.
Despite promises over the years to address the issues plaguing the region, there remains a sense of disillusionment among the people, as previous sessions have often failed to deliver substantial results. Many view these meetings as symbolic gestures rather than opportunities for genuine progress.
One of the critical topics that require urgent attention is the Mahadayi Project. Despite the tribunal's verdict seven years ago, the project has yet to commence, as it remains stalled due to the Central Wildlife Board’s pending approval.
Similarly, the Krishna Upper River Project has become a recurring subject of discussion in these sessions, yet it continues to face delays. Although the state has been allocated a share of water, it remains largely unutilized. The long-standing proposal for an alternative dam on the Tungabhadra River also remains unfulfilled, leaving the people of North Karnataka increasingly frustrated.
Another pressing concern is the lack of industrial development in the region. With no significant industries being established, many talented individuals from North Karnataka are compelled to migrate to cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Goa in search of better opportunities. Even initiatives like the Invest Karnataka-Hubballi program, which promised investments of ₹83,000 crore, have failed to make an impact. Confusion over land pricing and allocation has deterred industries from setting up their operations in the area, further exacerbating the problem.
Moreover, the aftermath of recent heavy rains has left many residents struggling with immense damage to their homes and crops. However, the compensation provided thus far has been inadequate, prompting widespread demands for increased financial assistance. Farmers and other affected individuals are urging the government to approve ₹5 lakh for rebuilding collapsed houses and to address the lack of proper crop damage compensation.
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MP traffic cop suffers burn injuries during Congress' effigy-burning protest; probe ordered
Maihar (MP) (PTI): A traffic policeman suffered severe burn injuries in Madhya Pradesh's Maihar district on Friday after his uniform caught fire during Congress' effigy-burning protest targeted at some ministers, prompting the police to file an FIR and launch an investigation into the incident, an official said.
The protest took place at Agrasen Tiraha in Maihar city, he said.
Traffic policeman, Vikram Pathak, who was on duty at that time, suffered severe burn injuries as petrol carried in a bottle by the protesters fell on his uniform and it caught fire.
Congress workers were burning an effigy while raising slogans against state ministers Rajendra Shukla (Health), Vijay Shah (Tribal Affairs), and Kailash Vijayvargiya (Parliamentary Affairs).
While the opposition party has been targeting Shah for his controversial remarks made last year against Col Sofia Qureshi, it has been demanding the resignations of Shukla and Vijayvargiya over the deaths of people due to contaminated water in Indore.
As the protesters tried to set the effigy on fire, petrol got sprinkled on Pathak's uniform, and it caught fire. The blaze quickly spread to his back and lower body, causing panic during the protest, eyewitnesses said.
A video of the incident also went viral, showing a stampede-like situation soon after the fire.
The police personnel and locals present at the scene acted swiftly and extinguished the fire using blankets and water. The injured traffic policeman was immediately taken to Maihar Civil Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment, the official said.
Doctors said he suffered severe burn injuries, but is out of danger.
Taking serious cognisance of the matter, the police launched an investigation, he said.
An FIR has been registered based on the video footage, and the role of those involved in the protest is being investigated, the official said.
Police are also investigating the circumstances under which flammable material was used during the effigy- burning protest.
Following the accident, additional police force was deployed at the protest site and the surrounding area.
Superintendent of Police Awadhesh Kumar and Collector Rani Batad described the incident as serious and assured strict action against those involved in it.
"A demonstration was being carried out by the Congress, and during the effigy-burning, some petrol was spilled on the uniform of Vikram Pathak, the in-charge on duty, after which it suddenly caught fire and caused burn injuries to him," SP Kumar said.
An investigation is being conducted on the basis of the video, he said.
Madhya Pradesh BJP chief Hemant Khandelwal said in Bhopal, "I have spoken to the policeman and offered my prayers. There is a way to protest. Whatever happened is not right.
