Chikkamagaluru: Senior BJP leader and MLC CT Ravi on Thursday expressed disappointment over the expulsion of Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal from the party for six years, calling the decision "unfortunate."

Speaking to reporters, Ravi acknowledged his long association with Yatnal, stating, "We have been friends for four decades, and it is unfortunate that he has been removed from the party for such a long period."

While refraining from analyzing Yatnal’s political journey, Ravi emphasized the MLA’s leadership abilities. "Every leader has strengths and weaknesses, and Yatnal is no exception. He is undoubtedly a strong leader. However, the party takes decisions based on various factors. If a situation arises where unity prevails within the party, I would be the first to welcome it," he said.

Responding to speculation that Yatnal had not spoken against the BJP, Ravi remarked, "At this point, any statement I make may be misinterpreted. Even if I speak the truth, people will perceive it based on their own understanding of the situation. For us, loyalty to the party is paramount—only the country stands above it."

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Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government on Monday issued a nutrition advisory recommending healthier food and beverage options at meetings, functions, and other official gatherings held in the state.

The advisory has been issued by the Department of Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Services to promote healthy dietary and nutritional habits among officials and staff, noting that food, refreshments and beverages served in government offices and official programmes are "often not aligned with nutrition standards."

The advisory recommends serving snacks such as millet-based, low-fat and low-sugar foods, fresh fruits, vegetable salads, sprouts, roasted nuts and seeds during in-house office meetings and breaks.

Beverages such as green tea, low-fat buttermilk, and locally filtered or boiled water served in glass bottles or steel flasks have also been suggested.

According to the advisory, for larger government events, conferences and exhibitions, departments have been advised to include at least one millet-based item during snacks and a minimum of two millet dishes in meals, along with local cuisine and at least one regional recipe.

It also recommends the use of brown rice instead of white rice, freshly prepared vegetable salads, and fresh fruits or low-sugar fruit juices.

If non-vegetarian food is served, it should consist of well-cooked lean or white meat, the advisory stated.

In eateries operating within government office campuses, the department has recommended millet-based foods, fresh vegetable salads, boiled pulses such as horse gram or chickpeas, and low-fat beverages.

It suggests serving food using reusable metal plates and glasses.

The advisory also recommends avoiding microwave-heated food, industrially processed food, fried snacks, high-fat or heavily spiced dishes, carbonated drinks, high-sugar fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages.

It further discourages serving milk-based tea or coffee and plastic-bottled water during official events.

“Overall, hygiene and cleanliness should be maintained while serving food and water. Local cottage industries, self-help groups, prison kitchens, nutri-gardens and others should be preferred for placing food and beverage orders,” the advisory added.