Karnataka BJP to launch helpline for its workers to protect them from 'Congress atrocities
Bengaluru: In a bid to safeguard its workers from alleged atrocities by the Congress party in Karnataka, the state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced on Sunday that it will launch a 24/7 helpline number. Additionally, the party plans to train a dedicated team, with the assistance of a legal cell, to manage and address issues raised through the helpline.
Tejasvi Surya, the Member of Parliament from Bengaluru South and BJP youth cell chief, highlighted the targeting of BJP workers during the Congress-led government under Siddaramaiah in Karnataka. He stated, "Many BJP workers have been subjected to false charges. To combat such injustices against our party workers, the BJP has decided to introduce a helpline number for all party workers in the state." Surya emphasized that the party is well-equipped with lawyers and activists throughout Karnataka, ready to legally fight any false cases. He further added, "Any BJP worker who faces the atrocities of Congress can dial the helpline number for assistance and protection. We will launch the toll-free number within the next week."
In response to the BJP's initiative, Karnataka Minister MB Patil appealed to the Chief Minister and Home Minister to consider establishing another helpline called 'Peaceful Karnataka.' Patil took to Twitter and expressed, "To ensure there is no spread of hatred in Karnataka and to monitor any such incidents, I request @DrParameshwara @PriyankKharge @DKShivakumar @CMofKarnataka to consider setting up a new helpline called 'Peaceful Karnataka.' Our agenda is solely focused on development, progress, and protecting the reputation of 'Brand Karnataka.'"
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The Latest: Kuwait blames Iran for drone strikes as Trump casts doubt on ceasefire
Dubai (AP): US President Donald Trump appeared to cast doubt on the effectiveness of the two-week ceasefire over Iran's continued chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz, while Kuwait accused Iran and its proxies of launching drone attacks targeting it on Thursday despite the ceasefire.
Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard denied launching attacks on Persian Gulf states after Kuwait's announcement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a potential boost to ceasefire efforts in the region when he said he had approved direct talks with Lebanon. The Lebanese government has not responded as of Friday morning.
The announcement came after Israel's pounding of Beirut Wednesday killed more than 300 people. The negotiations are expected next week in Washington, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Questions remained over what will happen to Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium at the heart of tensions, how and when normal traffic will resume through the Strait of Hormuz, and what happens to Iran's ability to launch future missile attacks and support armed proxies in the region.
Talks between the United States and Iran on a resolution to the conflict are expected to start Saturday in Islamabad, with the White House saying Vice President JD Vance would lead the US delegation.
Here is the latest:
Air defence fire and explosions heard in Iran
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Multiple times overnight into Friday morning, people around Iran's capital, Tehran, and other parts of the country said they heard what sounded like air defence fire and explosions.
However, Iran's government did not acknowledge any attack during that period.
After past exchanges of fire with Israel, similar incidents happened as troops remained on edge.
Japan releases more oil reserves
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Japan said it will release an additional 20 days' worth of oil reserves in May, in a second round to address supply uncertainty over the war in the Middle East.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the planned release of the government reserves will start in early May, after an earlier release last month.
Japan started releasing about 50 days' worth of oil reserves in March, including from those held by the state, the private sector and oil-producing Gulf nations.
As of April 6, Japan had 230 days' worth oil reserves, including 143 days' worth in government stockpiles, according to the Natural Resources and Energy Agency.
Takaichi said her government is working to secure oil imports via routes that do not include the Strait of Hormuz, while Japan seeks to diversify suppliers.
Pakistan to issue visas on arrival ahead of talks
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Pakistan said Friday it would issue visas on arrival for those travelling to Islamabad for the Iran-US talks, signalling the interest in the world's media in the event.
