Congress stages sit-in protest in Bengaluru demanding release of drought relief fund
Bengaluru: In a move against the central government, the Congress party in Karnataka staged a sit-in protest today, demanding the immediate release of drought relief funds for the state.
Led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, along with other cabinet members and MLAs, the protest took place in front of the Gandhi statue at Vidhana Soudhain Bengaluru.
The BJP-led government under Prime Minister Modi has come under fire for alleged delays in disbursing much-needed relief funds to Karnataka, which is grappling with the devastating effects of drought.
Accusing the central government of injustice, particularly towards the state's farmers, the Congress leaders emphasized the urgent necessity of assistance for affected communities.
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Make polling hours 6am-7pm for May 7 LS polls, Karnataka BJP urges EC citing heatwave
Bengaluru, May 3: Citing the ongoing heatwave in the state, Karnataka BJP on Friday petitioned the Election Commission with a request to modify the polling hours to the 6am-7pm period in the 14 parliamentary constituencies in the state that goes to polls on May 7.
Polling is currently scheduled to be held in the second phase in the state in 14 segments in the northern districts between 7am to 6pm on May 7.
"It has become hard to come out and vote between hours 10.00 to 17.00 due to uncontrollable heat. The average heat in those parts (north Karnataka) covering 14 parliamentary constituencies are between 37 and 42 degree (Celsius). The mercury is rising at an alarming level and it would become hard for the electors to come out and vote," BJP's petition said.
The petition highlighted the alarming rise in temperatures, which are expected to go beyond 40 degree Celsius, and also stated that the number of voters over the age of 40 is high and that they are vulnerable to the heatwave.
"To keep up the good spirit of voting, necessary action should be taken," the BJP petition urged the Election Commission, saying, "In this background, it is requested to modify the time of voting in the 14 parliamentary constituencies from 06.00 to 19.00 hours on May 7".
Polling was held between 7 am and 6 pm during Karnataka's first phase of the Lok Sabha polls in 14 constituencies on April 26.
