BJP leader R Ashoka refuses vermillion on forehead; Cong calls it proof of BJP's religious hypocrisy
Bengaluru: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader R Ashok's recent decision to refuse the application of vermillion (kumkum) on his forehead during a visit to Kalaburagi has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from rival political parties after a video of the incident went viral on social media.
Ashok visited the BJP office in Sulepet, Chincholi taluk, Kalaburagi district, on Sunday, where a senior member attempted to apply vermillion on his forehead. However, Ashok stopped the member and declined the gesture with a clear "No." The video clip capturing Ashok's refusal quickly circulated on social media platforms, garnering attention and criticism.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly's refusal to wear vermillion has prompted accusations of religious hypocrisy against the BJP, particularly from the Karnataka unit of the Congress. Taking to their official social media account, the Congress shared the video clip, questioning whether Ashok harbored an aversion or allergy to vermillion. The party accused the BJP of engaging in religious theatrics while practicing hypocrisy.
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The Congress further claimed that saffron shawls and vermillion are tools utilized by the BJP to mislead the youth of the nation, suggesting that the BJP's leaders prefer makeup over traditional religious practices.
"Bommai wiped away with full force the vermillion applied while Ashok totally rejected it. Do your (BJP) leaders prefer make-up, instead of vermillion?" the party has mockingly asked BJP Karnataka unit.
,@RAshokaBJP ಅವರಿಗೆ
— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) March 25, 2024
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New trains to ease crowding on Namma Metro Purple-Green lines in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Commuters on the crowded Namma Metro Purple and Green lines may soon get relief, as the Railway Board has issued provisional sanction for induction of new train sets, Deccan Herald reported.
The Railway Board communicated the provisional sanction to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) in a letter on April 1, raising hopes that additional trains could be deployed during peak hours by May-June.
According to the Railway Board, the approval comes with conditions, including a maximum speed of 80 kmph in fully inflated mode and 25 kmph in deflated mode of the secondary air spring.
The BMRCL will also need a separate sanction from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) by submitting the Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) report confirming the trains’ integration, operation, and compatibility with the Direct To Go (DTG) signalling and train control system for the Purple and Green lines.
The BMRCL has received three DTG trains, including a prototype delivered in January 2025, for the Purple and Green lines. The trains must pass 37 statutory clearances before entering passenger service.
The BMRCL had approached the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), under the Ministry of Railways, to conduct statutory trials related to oscillation, braking, speed and system integration tests for the trains. The CMRS will issue the final sanction after receiving the ISA certificate.
Officials said the ISA certification process is already underway, with new signalling software currently being tested. Final approvals are expected by May-June, after which the trains can be introduced into service.
The new trains have been supplied by China's CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd, which will deliver a total of 21 trains for the Purple and Green lines in partnership with the West Bengal-based Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL). Currently, the network operates with 57 trains supplied by BEML.
