DK Suresh urges CM to exercise caution regarding caste census
Bengaluru: Former MP DK Suresh has urged the Chief Minister to tread carefully on the issue of the caste census. Addressing the media at his residence in Sadashivanagar on Friday, he stated that the Union government has already announced a census, and conducting the caste survey using the necessary criteria during this time would not lead to confusion. “It is better to wait until the census is conducted,” he suggested.
He further added that Siddaramaiah is their leader and expressed his desire to see him remain the Chief Minister for the full five-year term. "With the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari, Siddaramaiah will overcome all allegations, and no one can destabilise him," he said.
Expressing concern over recent developments, Suresh noted that they are not in the state’s interest. He urged all political leaders to be cautious before people take to the streets. “People voted for Congress in Karnataka and for the NDA coalition at the Centre with the hope for development. But, the elected leaders are engaging in accusations and counter-accusations, disrespecting the people of Karnataka," he lamented.
He emphasised that addressing the pressing issues is the responsibility of both the state and central governments. "Instead of indulging in such infighting, the governments should focus on solving problems faced by farmers and the youth," he stated, warning that if this continues, people might be compelled to resort to protests.
Commenting on statements made by MLAs ST Somashekar and GT Devegowda in support of Siddaramaiah, Suresh said that those who filed complaints did their job, and the court has taken cognizance by ordering an investigation. “Everyone should remain patient until the investigation is completed, and it is up to the investigating officers to determine what is right and what is wrong,” he remarked.
Responding to a question about BJP MLA Muniratna's case, Suresh noted that he was unaware of the details but termed the situation unpleasant. “Recent developments are embarrassing and not conducive to Karnataka’s progress. The state was once recognized for its good governance and development, but the current situation is distressing,” he commented.
On the statement made by Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan that Suresh should contest the Channapatna by-election, Suresh expressed gratitude for Zameer's faith and affection. He said that the party will decide on the appropriate candidate once the election is announced.
When asked about separate meetings being held by Dalit leaders, Suresh responded that leaders of their community often come together to discuss various issues. “There is nothing wrong with it. We need to discuss how to handle the state's developments. Dr. G Parameshwara served as KPCC president for eight years, and Satish Jarkiholi was the working president. It’s natural to deliberate on matters concerning our society,” he concluded.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
