Mysuru: M Lakshman, the Congress candidate for the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency, has responded to a statement by parliamentarian Pratap Simha, saying, "I was born as an Okkaliga and grew up to be a vishwamanava." Pratap Simha had earlier questioned as to who had given the caste certificate to M Lakshman.

He defended his caste identity, displaying his Vokkaliga 3A caste certificate issued by the Mysore Taluk Tahsildar, and said that one's caste is not written on their forehead.

Lakshman criticized the BJP, stating that they are resorting to lies and falsehoods during the election campaign. He highlighted the need for communal harmony and unity among all castes. Lakshman promised to focus on tourism development and create employment opportunities in the IT sector if elected. He also pledged to work towards making the Mysuru-Kodagu constituency a model for development.

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He further added that the Congress government will be in the state for 4 years and he is committed to bringing more grants.

“Like BJP we do not indulge in communal and caste conflict. Congress does not have that tendency. We will work for the people without telling lies like the BJP,” he said.

City Congress President R. Murthy, District Congress President Dr. B.J. Vijaykumar, Muda President K. Marigowda, former MLA M.K. Somashekhar, leaders H.V. Rajeev, B.M. Ramu, Sitaram, Bhaskar L. Gowda, N.R. Nagesh, Girish of Seva Dal were present.

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New Delhi (PTI): Traffic movement in central Delhi is likely to be affected on April 8 in view of the Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, police said.

According to an advisory issued by the Delhi Traffic Police, congestion is expected on key stretches around the stadium from 12 pm to midnight, with the match between the Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans scheduled between 7 pm and 10.30 pm.

The advisory said that, depending on traffic conditions, diversions and restrictions may be imposed on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and JLN Marg during the day.

Movement of heavy and commercial vehicles will remain prohibited on these corridors, including stretches between Daryaganj and Delhi Gate, Delhi Gate to Guru Nanak Chowk, and ITO to Delhi Gate, the advisory read.

Commuters have been advised to avoid JLN Marg (Rajghat to Delhi Gate), Asaf Ali Road (Turkman Gate to Delhi Gate), and Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg (Delhi Gate to ITO) in both carriageways, it added.

Entry to the stadium will be regulated through designated gates, with access routes divided across the south, east and west sides via Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and JLN Marg.

The police said parking near the stadium will be restricted, with facilities available only for labelled vehicles.

According to the advisory, free parking, along with park-and-ride services, has been arranged at Mata Sundari Road, Rajghat Power House Road and Velodrome Road. Shuttle bus services will operate from these locations starting two hours before the match and continuing until one hour after it concludes, it added.

Additionally, app-based taxi pick-up and drop-off points have been designated at Gate No. 2 near Maulana Azad Medical College, Rajghat Chowk and the service lane on Ring Road between IP Flyover and Rajghat.

Vehicles found parked illegally on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, JLN Marg and the Ring Road stretch between Rajghat and IP Flyover will be towed and prosecuted, the advisory read.