Pramod Muthalik, BJP have same ideologies: Nalin Kumar Kateel on Sri Rama Sene ultimatum to govt
Udupi: Karnataka BJP Chief Nalin Kumar Kateel on Monday said the recent statements of party legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal were taken note of and they were brought to the notice of the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee.
He further added the committee will be contemplating further action against the legislator if needed.
Speaking about the party’s preparation for the upcoming assembly election in the state, Kateel added that the party’s preparation was on course and they were expecting to win at least 150 seats during the elections next year.
“We are chalking out a plan for that accordingly.” He said.
Commenting on the inflation in the economy Kateel noted that the rise in prices of various commodities was natural as the prices are high in the international market as well.
“Ever since our party came into power in 2014, things have changed. When prices are rising in the international market, it rises here and when it comes down in the international market, it comes down here,” he opined.
“In the 75 years, it is only the BJP government that has given free gas, delivered gas to the doorstep despite no application, credited Rs. 500 directly into the account and credited 10 thousand rupees to the farmers’ accounts every year. Despite rising prices, Ayushman Card was issued to BPL cardholders to control it. Our government has provided full cooperation in this manner”, he said.
When asked about the Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik’s ultimatum to the state government over Azaan and loudspeakers issue, Kateel said although the issue of activists and the responsibilities of the government were different, the ideology of Muthalik and BJP were the same.
“The issue of activists is different, and the responsibility of the government that governs constitutionally is different. However, Muthalik and our ideology are the same,” he said.
Concerning Azan, the state government must take strict action. Our government is set to make a decision based on the court’s order. There are legal and constitutional obstacles that hinder the removal of microphones from the mosque. After overseeing them, the state government will take a decision”, he said.
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Metro ridership in Haryana sees over 13 pc rise in 2025-26
Chandigarh (PTI): Haryana's urban transit system witnessed a strong growth in 2025-26, with metro ridership registering a robust 13.55 per cent increase, the state government said in a statement on Thursday.
The progress was reviewed in the 64th board meeting of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi.
Between April 2025 and February 2026, the metro network recorded over 1.74 crore passengers, compared to 1.53 crore in the corresponding period the previous year.
July recorded the highest monthly growth at 22.93 per cent, while all months showed consistent positive trends.
Financial performance has also remained strong, with fare revenue rising 12.64 per cent till January 2026, the statement said.
Non-fare revenue surged by 108 per cent, driven by effective monetisation of station spaces, advertisements and commercial activities, resulting in an operating surplus for Rapid Metro.
Further initiatives, including the auction of station naming rights and additional advertisement sites, are expected to strengthen HMRTC's financial position, the statement said.
Appreciating the performance, Rastogi stated that the consistent rise in ridership and revenue reflects the success of Haryana's integrated transport strategy, rising commuter confidence and a clear shift towards public transport.
HMRTC Managing Director Chander Shekhar Khare said that, alongside operational gains, the state is making steady progress on an ambitious pipeline of metro and regional transit projects.
Metro connectivity from Gurugram Sector 56 to Panchgaon is under active consideration, with Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited studying the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and layout plan, and finalising a depot location in Sector 36A near Sihi village, he said.
The Gurugram-Faridabad Namo Bharat corridor has achieved a key milestone, with alignment and station locations finalised and approved by the Haryana government. The National Capital Region Transport Corporation is preparing the DPR, he added.
Similarly, the Delhi-Kundli metro extension is proposed to be placed before the Haryana Cabinet for approval.
The 136.3-kilometre Delhi-Panipat-Karnal RRTS Corridor has also progressed, with the revised DPR submitted for financial concurrence ahead of Haryana Cabinet consideration.
Within Gurugram, DPR preparation has been approved for key intra-city corridors, including the 17.09-kilometre Bhondsi-Subhash Chowk-Rajeev Chowk-Sohna Chowk Railway Station corridor, enhancing connectivity along Sohna Road, Khare said.
