Karnataka: BIAL contributes Rs 7 Crore for Flood Relief
Bengaluru: In a show of solidarity and support towards those affected by the devastating floods in Karnataka recently, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (Fairfax) (through its affiliate Fairbridge Capital Private Limited, India) – have jointly contributed a sum of Rs. 7 crore towards the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) to aid relief operations.
Fairfax is the parent entity of Fairfax India Holdings Corporation, which is a significant shareholder of BIAL.
The cheques bearing Rs 3.5 crore from BIAL and an identical amount from Fairfax, were handed over to the Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa by Hari Marar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BIAL, at his official residence Krishna on Friday.
"BIAL stands with the people of Karnataka at this hour of crisis and we want to ensure that we are able to help those affected by the flood to rebuild their lives as early as possible. We hope that this modest contribution will accelerate ongoing relief and rehabilitation activities and restore normalcy at the earliest,” said Mr. Marar.
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CPI(M) rebel Kunhikrishnan hopes for 5,000-vote win in Payyanur
Kannur (Kerala) (PTI): CPI(M) rebel candidate V Kunhikrishnan, who contested as a UDF-backed Independent from Payyanur here, on Saturday said he was hoping to win the Assembly election by a margin of 5,000 votes.
Kunhikrishnan was expelled from the CPI(M) earlier this year after raising allegations of corruption in the party’s martyrs’ fund against sitting MLA T I Madhusoodanan.
Speaking to a TV channel, Kunhikrishnan said he had announced his candidature as a mark of protest and not with expectations of victory.
However, he said the situation had changed drastically, with a strong undercurrent within CPI(M) votes favouring him.
"The undercurrent in CPI(M) votes cannot be measured. Now people are giving a response indicating victory with a margin of at least 5,000 votes," he said.
Payyanur is considered a CPI(M) stronghold, and a defeat for Madhusoodanan there would be a major setback for the party.
On political violence in Payyanur, Kunhikrishnan said he had been facing it since filing his nomination.
"The people leading this violence should think about how long they can continue it. It is the police which has to take the initiative to stop this violence as part of maintaining law and order. But the police are not intervening at the required level," he said.
Regarding his political future, Kunhikrishnan said efforts were underway to strengthen Left groups, and discussions were being held across Kerala in that regard.
"After discussing with others, a decision will be taken," he said.
Kunhikrishnan is among six former CPI(M) leaders who either exited the party or were suspended before contesting for the UDF in the April 9 Assembly elections.
Elections to the 140-seat Kerala Assembly were held on April 9, and the counting of votes will be held on May 4.
