Mandya (PTI): Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mandya to inaugurate the 10-lane Mysuru-Bengaluru Expressway, independent MP Sumalatha Ambareesh on Friday extended her complete support to the Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre.

The actor-turned-politician, who remained a neutral MP till now, also said the decision was taken in view of the stability given to India and the reputation earned by the country across the globe.

Sumalatha, who represents Mandya constituency in the Lok Sabha, also promised that so long as she is in politics, her son Abhishek will never venture into politics, for she was against dynastic politics.

"After consulting my well-wishers and supporters, I have arrived at a decision. On this day, I am extending my full support to the Narendra Modi government at the Centre," Sumalatha, wife of iconic Kannada actor late Ambareesh said at a press conference here.
She said after four years as an independent MP and facing numerous challenges, especially obstacles in holding public meetings, she realised that she needed support.

"People can draw their conclusions but I have faith in the leadership of Narendra Modi, who is admired across the globe," Sumalatha said.

She also said it is an honour for Mandya that the Prime Minister of the country was visiting the district to inaugurate the expressway.

"The Prime Minister could have chosen to inaugurate it either in Mysuru or Bengaluru but he opted for Mandya, which shows the importance of the district," the MP said.

The MP clarified that the move is aimed at the overall development of Mandya, which according to her, is suffering from a vitiated atmosphere.

In an apparent attack on the JD(S), Sumalatha slammed those "who have turned Mandya into their political citadel and did nothing for the district."

"There is a need for change in Mandya. A vitiated atmosphere has been created here. Let's carry out a 'Swachch Bharat Mission' here in Mandya first," Sumalatha said.

The decision came just two days before Modi's visit to the district. The BJP had backed the MP during the Lok Sabha elections in 2019, which resulted in her victory defeating the former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy's son Nikhil.

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New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has busted an LPG cylinder hoarding and black marketing racket in the Bawana area, an officer said on Friday.

A 50-year-old man, identified as Anil, has been arrested and 75 cylinders seized, he said.

The accused was apprehended following a tip-off about the illegal storage and transportation of LPG cylinders in the industrial area.

Acting on the input, a police team laid a picket near District Park in Bawana on Thursday evening. Around 4 pm, a pickup truck was intercepted and checked, leading to the recovery of 27 LPG cylinders, including both domestic and commercial units.

"When questioned, the accused failed to produce any valid documents, including a licence, permit, stock register or proof of ownership for the cylinders," the officer said.

During interrogation, Anil revealed that more cylinders were stored at nearby premises. Based on his disclosure, police raided two rooms and an iron shed near a factory in the area.

"A total of 48 additional cylinders were recovered, taking the overall seizure to 75. The cylinders were stored without safety measures or legal authorisation, posing a serious risk," the officer said.

Disruptions in maritime supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Israel and Iran conflict have caused an LPG crisis in India.