Heavy rains trigger flooding, disrupt daily life in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Overnight downpours wreaked havoc in Bengaluru, causing severe waterlogging across several areas, especially around the Kodigehalli and Yelahanka underpasses. Homes were inundated, and roads submerged, prompting rescue efforts and disrupting public services.
In Kodigehalli, the compound wall of the GKVK campus collapsed near Judicial Layout, causing flooding in nearby apartments. Residents of Kendriya Vihar in Yelahanka, which has been frequently impacted by rains, were asked to evacuate.
"Another compound wall has collapsed, and the water level is much higher this time. We were told to evacuate, and NDRF boats have arrived. There will be no power or drinking water for 24-48 hours," said Amruth Kiran, a resident of the complex.
The Yelahanka zonal commissioner inspected the flood-hit areas, while the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) confirmed via a post on X that dewatering efforts were underway. Several homes in layouts such as Basava Samithi, Venkataswamappa, MS Palya, and Telecom Layout also reported flooding.
The impact of the heavy rains extended to air travel as well. Kempegowda International Airport experienced significant disruptions with 20 delayed arrivals. Three IndiGo flights from Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh, along with one Air India flight from Delhi and an international flight from Bangkok, were diverted to Chennai.
The Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner, Jagadish G., ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi centres on Monday due to the severe weather. Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda visited rain-affected areas and confirmed that the Doddabommasandra Lake overflowed for the first time in 17 years, flooding several lower-lying layouts, including Tatanagar, Bhadrappa Layout, and Balaji Layout. In some places, water levels rose as high as six feet, with power outages reported across the affected zones.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for South Interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, predicting heavy rains to continue. Over the next 48 hours, the IMD forecasts moderate showers with temperatures ranging from 20 to 29 degrees Celsius. Bengaluru city is expected to receive 17.1 mm of rain, while areas around Bengaluru International Airport and HAL Airport could see 42.7 mm and 36.3 mm, respectively.
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Won't contest bypolls until EC prevents fake voting: Mayawati
Lucknow (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls and said her party will not contest by-elections in future, particularly in the state, "until Election Commission takes measures to prevent fake voting".
By-elections to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results of it were declared on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats but failed to win any.
"In the bypolls held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, there is widespread discussion about the votes cast and the results announced yesterday. I am not saying this myself; it is a common perception among people that earlier, during elections conducted with ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system, often through fraud," Mayawati said in a press conference here.
"Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy," the former UP chief minister said.
Not only this, but these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, as opposed to general elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, she claimed.
"We recently witnessed this in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the recent general elections in Maharashtra. This is a major warning bell for democracy in our country," she said.
"Given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-elections across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to by-elections here," Mayawati said.
As far as general elections are concerned, she continued, there is a somewhat better safeguard because the fear of power changing hands makes the ruling party more cautious.
"In general elections, it is not guaranteed that the party in power will return to power and another party may take over. This fear keeps the government machinery somewhat restrained," she added.
Considering all these factors, our party will contest general elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies with full preparation and strength, Mayawati stressed.
In the bypolls, the BJP and its ally RLD together won seven seats while Samajwadi Party candidates emerged victorious on two.
