Wayanad landslides: K'taka providing all necessary cooperation for rescue and relief: Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru, Jul 30: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that all necessary cooperation is being provided by the state government for rescue and relief operations in neighbouring Kerala's Wayanad, which has been devastated by landslides.
The chief minister has deputed two senior IAS officers to coordinate with Kerala state authorities in these operations.
The trail of destruction and despair left behind by the landslides in Wayanad has killed at least 93 people and injured 128.
The chief minister, currently on a tour in New Delhi, issued a press statement saying that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team in Bengaluru and teams of the Madras Engineer Group (MEG) of the Army have been sent to assist in the rescue and relief efforts in Wayanad.
One officer from MEG, along with two Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and 70 personnel of various ranks, have already departed for Wayanad in 15 vehicles carrying rescue and relief supplies, he said, additionally, two more officers, four JCOs, and 100 army personnel equipped with necessary equipment will depart in 40 vehicles.
ALSO READ: CM Siddaramaiah orders precautions for floods, landslides amid heavy rains
To facilitate swift movement of these teams and relief material transport vehicles to Wayanad, instructions have been issued to allow unrestricted passage through the Green Corridor at the Bandipur Check Post, he added.
Further stating that the Government of Karnataka is in constant touch with the disaster management authorities of the Government of Kerala and is providing necessary assistance, the CM said, "Moreover, Deputy Commissioners of border districts Mysuru and Chamarajanagar are also extending appropriate support."
Medical aid, hospital facilities, and buses to transport the injured are ready and positioned in H D Kote, he said. The Chamarajanagar district administration has initiated a helpline to assist citizens who frequently travel to Wayanad from the district border.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives in landslides in Wayanad, Siddaramaiah earlier in the day said Karnataka is committed to providing all possible help to the neighbouring state.
"Deeply saddened by the catastrophic floods in Wayanad. My heart goes out to the affected families. Karnataka is committed to providing all possible help to Kerala in this challenging time. Let's stand united and strong," Siddaramaiah said in a post on 'X'.
The chief minister himself is closely monitoring the situation and has directed officials to provide all possible support to the rescue and relief operations in Wayanad, the statement from his office said.
Further, for the coordination of rescue and relief efforts in Wayanad, senior IAS officers P C Jaffer and Dilish Sasi have been deputed, it said.
The chief minister also said that preliminary reports of Kannadigas being stranded in Wayanad have been received, and assured that every effort will be made to rescue them.
He also shared the Chamarajanagar DC office helpline numbers: 08226-223163, 08226-223161, 08226-223160, and WhatsApp number: 97409 42901.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Opposition demands debate on Constitution in both Houses of Parliament
New Delhi (PTI): Opposition leaders on Tuesday demanded a debate on the Constitution in both Houses of Parliament, stressing it was needed in the light of the recent developments in the country.
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said he and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi have written to the Chair in the two Houses requesting that a discussion should be held on the Constitution for two days in both Houses.
"Time should be allotted for that so that the good things about the Constitution can be discussed, and the wrong things that are happening today can also be discussed. Rahul Gandhi ji and I have written letters, we are waiting for the government's response," Kharge told PTI as the country celebrated the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.
Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh questioned if the Preamble of the Constitution is being implemented in letter and spirit.
"Are people getting justice, liberty? Is there freedom of expression? Where is fraternity? Only bowing to the Constitution will not lead to it being followed," he said.
Referring to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwaas, Sabka Prayaas', Singh said, "It will happen when confidence is instilled in every citizen from every community. Mr Prime Minister, follow what you are saying. Practice before you preach".
"Incidents like Sambhal are repeatedly occurring. I am surprised that even Supreme Court judges and our retired Justice Chandrachud overlook the laws of this country and state that surveys are permitted as it is a matter of faith... Every individual in this country has equal rights to practice their religion and faith. The growing disharmony is a threat to the nation," Singh told PTI.
Violence broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on Sunday during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, which a petition had claimed was the site of an ancient Hindu temple.
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said there is precedence of debates being held in Parliament on occasions like the 125th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, and the 75th anniversary of Bharat Chhodo Andolan (Quit India Movement).
"We want both Houses to have a debate on the Constitution for two days so that all MPs get an opportunity to show their dedication to the Constitution and the country can see it," Gogoi told PTI.
"So both Leader of Opposition in both Houses have written to the Chair on this... It will send a good message to the country. We have discussed with all opposition leaders," he said.
According to sources, Congress Lok Sabha MPs K Suresh, Gaurav Gogoi and Manickam Tagore also met Speaker Om Birla over the demand for two-day discussions to celebrate 75 years of the Constitution.
