National

BJP Challenges Congress on Quota for Muslim Contractors in Karnataka

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2025

On Friday, the BJP criticized the Congress government in Karnataka for extending a 4 percent reservation to Muslims in state government contracts, accusing the party of engaging in appeasement politics. During a press conference at the party headquarters, BJP national spokesperson and MP Dr. Sambit Patra stated that the Congress-led administration approved the minority quota by reducing the allocation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

“The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Bill (KTPP) was amended in the state assembly today, establishing that 4 percent of government contracts in Karnataka will now be reserved for Muslims. It is disheartening to report that this minority reservation comes at the expense of the OBC category 2B. The Siddaramaiah government has encroached upon the rights of OBC individuals to benefit Muslims,” Dr. Patra declared.

According to the revised KTPP Act, 4 percent of civil contracts valued at up to Rs 2 crore and contracts for goods and services worth up to Rs 1 crore will be allocated for minority contractors. Dr. Patra emphasized that the reservation falls under the 2B category of OBCs, asserting, “This action is perceived as a violation of the rights of OBC communities in the country.”

He further stated, “The Siddaramaiah government has usurped the rights of OBC members, transferring them to Muslims. This decision exemplifies the ultimate form of appeasement. The Congress party and its allies have a history of politics rooted in nepotism, appeasement, and casteism.”

Additionally, Dr. Patra criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha is unqualified to make significant political decisions and has resorted to appeasement following the approval of the 4 percent minority quota in contracts. “Rahul Gandhi is incapable of making sound political judgments, which drives him to rely on appeasement to advance his political objectives. As a leader within the Congress party, he understands that he cannot deliver politically; hence, he seeks to use the crutch of appeasement to fulfill his political aspirations,” he remarked.

He also accused Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of infringing upon OBC reservations by sanctioning the 4 percent minority quota for Muslims in contracts. “Under Rahul Gandhi’s guidance, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has undermined the reservation that rightfully belongs to OBCs. This action is not only unconstitutional but also a misguided approach. It epitomizes the height of appeasement,” Dr. Patra concluded.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

5 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

6 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.