Wayanad (Kerala): Another incident of suspected food poisoning was reported in Kerala, one of several in the past few days in the state, with 18 members of a tourist group suffering health problems after eating food from three separate restaurants here.

An officer from Kambalakkad police station, where one of the eateries in question is located, said the tourist group comprising 23 people had come from Thiruvananthapuram to Wayanad and taken food from three different places in the district on Monday.

Therefore, it cannot be said right now as to what food from which restaurant was the cause of the suspected food poisoning, he said.

It was after having dinner from an eatery at Kalpetta on Monday night that they started experiencing problems and discomfort, the officer said and added that teams of police and health officials have gone to inspect all three establishments.

Police also said the health of all 18 persons was stable.

The latest incident comes just a couple of days after a 16-year-old girl died and 18 others were hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning after they ate ‘shawarma’ from an eatery in Kasaragod.

Shawarma is thinly sliced pieces of marinated meat, like lamb, chicken or beef rolled into a flat bread.

Thereafter, incidents of suspected food poisoning were also reported from Malappuram and Kollam on Monday, though in both incidents none were seriously affected, according to police.

The suspected food poisoning incident in Kasaragod also prompted the health department to issue directions to ensure the Levantine dish was prepared in a manner that was safe for consumption.

State Health Minister Veena George on Monday had said directions have been issued to the Food Safety Commissioner to ensure neat and clean preparation of the dish for the customers.

She had also said the state government will provide free medical treatment for all those who were affected after eating the dish from the eatery in question, at government hospitals.

Devananda, the 16-year-old girl from Karivallor near Kasaragod, died at the Kanhangad district hospital on Sunday, while undergoing treatment for food poisoning.

Eighteen others, who were admitted to the district hospital after they fell sick, are undergoing treatment.

Bengaluru: Chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti on Tuesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah here, and said he would join the BJP soon.

He is likely to be the BJP’s candidate for the upcoming MLC polls from West Teachers’ constituency.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, former chief minister Jagadish Shettar, Minister Kota Shrinivas Poojari, who is also the leader of the House in the legislative council, were present during the meeting.

“I will be resigning soon as Chairman of the Legislative Council. After that, a date will be fixed (for joining BJP) and I will be contesting the upcoming polls from BJP. Shah expressed happiness about my decision to join the party and said with people like me joining, it will benefit the party,” Horatti said after meeting Shah.

Speaking to reporters, the senior politician said there are some technical issues for him to resign immediately as the Deputy Chairman post remains vacant, and after clearing them, he will resign as Chairman and join the BJP soon.

With this, Horatti, who was elected as MLC seven successive times from 1980, has ended his long association with the JD(S).

Asked about the reason for him to join the BJP by quitting JD(S), Horatti said, “It is nothing but politics…I still have the same affection and good opinion towards the JD(S), but as the voters’ preferences and system changes, we too have to take certain decisions suddenly and I have taken it. I had been in JD(S) for a long period…”

To a question on ideological differences in both parties, he said, “Please don’t ask about ideology in politics.”

Considered to be among the senior-most MLCs, 76-year-old Horatti was seen as a prominent Lingayat face of the JD(S) from north Karnataka.

He had been education minister in the state, and was elected as the Chairman of the Legislative Council in February 2021.

The MLC polls from graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies are expected in June or July this year.

New Delhi: Hindu and Muslim communities together celebrated Eid on Tuesday at Jahangirpuri’s Kushal Chowk by exchanging sweets and hugs, giving a message of peace and harmony in the area that witnessed communal violence last month.

The locals also treated the security personnel deployed there by distributing sweets.

“Last month was quite tough for the people of Jahangirpuri. Today, on the occasion of Eid, we gathered at Kushal Chowk. We exchanged sweets and hugged each other and sent a message of harmony and peace. This shows people in Jahangirpuri live in harmony and respect each other’s religions,” a representative from the Muslim community Tabrez Khan said.

Khan expressed hope that full normalcy will return in the area soon.

“The situation is improving. Normalcy has returned to a large extent and we are expecting complete normalcy in the coming days,” he said.

Police said they have ensured adequate security arrangements on the occasion of Eid.

Usha Rangnani, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) said, “We have adequate security and law arrangements put in place across the district. Aman Committee meetings have been conducted as always to maintain peace and tranquillity in all the areas.”

Meanwhile, shops in and around Kushal Chowk–except for the main lane in Block C where a mosque is located— have reopened.

Hawkers and customers have also returned for business.

Indramani Tiwari, the president of the Residents’ Welfare Association, who represented the Hindu community, said Eid is being celebrated in a peaceful manner.

“We are celebrating Eid together and expecting this harmony to remain among the people. There is peace in the area and we expect complete normalcy soon,” Tiwari said.

Clashes broke out between the two communities during a Hanuman Jayanti procession in Jahangirpuri, in which eight police personnel and a local resident were injured.

A week after the violence, Hindus and Muslims had together taken out a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Jahangirpuri’s C block – the epicentre of the April 16 clashes – giving a message of peace and harmony.

Washington: Around the world, Muslims are being targeted with violence, US President Joe Biden said on Monday asserting that Muslims make America stronger every single day even as they still face real challenges and threats in the society that they live in.

At a White House reception to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Biden said he has appointed the first Muslim to serve as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom.

“It’s especially important because today, around the world, we’re seeing so many Muslims being targeted with violence. No one, no one should discriminate against the oppressed or be oppressed for their religious beliefs,” he said to applause from the select gathering at the White House.

Arooj Aftab, a Pakistani vocalist and composer, was one of the speakers at the event along with First Lady Jill Biden and Dr. Talib M. Shareef, Imam of Masjid Muhammad, known as The Nation’s Mosque’ in Washington, DC.

“Today, we also remember all those who are not able to celebrate this holy day, including Uyghurs and Rohingyas and all those who are facing famine, violence, conflict, and disease,” Biden said.

“And honour the signs of hope and progress toward the world we want to see, including the ceasefire, which allowed the people in Yemen to honour Ramadan and celebrate Eid in peace for the first time in six years,” he added.

But at the same time, we have to acknowledge that an awful lot of work remains to be done abroad and here at home. Muslims make our nation stronger every single day, even as they still face real challenges and threats in our society, including targeted violence and Islamophobia that exists, he said.

Biden said, making the US more equitable, more inclusive for Muslim Americans is an essential part of the enduring work to form the more perfect union.

We’re the only nation in all the history of the world that’s been organised not based on a religion, race, ethnicity, geography, but on an idea. Think about that. An idea, he said.

In a tweet after the event, Biden said, Jill and I were honoured to host an Eid al-Fitr reception at the White House tonight, and we send our warmest greetings to everyone celebrating across the world. Eid Mubarak!

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris also wished people on the occasion.

Doug and I send our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating Eid al-Fitr. Muslims in the US and around the world celebrate after a month of deep reflection, helping those in need, and connecting with community. From our family to yours, Eid Mubarak! she said in a tweet.

New Delhi: Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said that if the US-based EV maker Tesla manufactures its electric vehicles in India then the company will also get benefits.

Addressing an event here, Gadkari said days are not very far when the prices of all electric vehicles will be less than the cost of petrol vehicles in the country.

“Agar Tesla India me electric car manufacture karega toh unka bhi fayda hoga (If Tesla manufactures its electric vehicles in India then they will also get benefits),” he said.

Earlier on April 26, Gadkari had said, if Tesla is ready to manufacture its EVs in India then there is ‘no problem’, but the company must not import cars from China.

“If Elon Musk (Tesla CEO) is ready to manufacture in India then there is no problem … Come to India, start manufacturing, India is a large market, they can export from India,” he had said at an interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue.

Last year, the heavy industries ministry had also asked Tesla to first start manufacturing its iconic electric vehicles in India before any tax concessions can be considered.

At present, cars imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs) attract customs duty ranging from 60-100 per cent, depending on engine size and Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value less or above USD 40,000.

Last year, in a letter to the road ministry, the US firm had stated that the effective import tariff of 110 per cent on vehicles with customs value above USD 40,000 is “prohibitive” to zero-emission vehicles.

It had requested the government to standardise the tariff on electric cars to 40 per cent, irrespective of the customs value, and withdraw the social welfare surcharge of 10 per cent on electric cars.

It had stated that these changes would boost the development of the Indian EV ecosystem and the company will make significant direct investments in sales, service, and charging infrastructure; and significantly increase procurement from India for its global operations.

The company had argued that these proposals would not have any negative impact on the Indian automotive market as no Indian original equipment manufacturer currently produces a car (EV or Internal Combustion Engine) with ex-factory price above USD 40,000 (around Rs 30.6 lakh), and only 1-2 per cent of cars sold in India (EV or ICE) have ex-factory/customs value above USD 40,000.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the people on Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday.

The festival will be celebrated in the country on Tuesday following the Islamic holy month of Ramzan.

“Best wishes on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this auspicious occasion enhance the spirit of togetherness and brotherhood in our society. May everyone be blessed with good health and prosperity,” the prime minister tweeted.

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said those who are in trouble due to the professional investigation into various issues are criticising the ‘impartial and fearless’ police.

The statement came a day after the Congress accused Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and Higher Education Minister Ashwath Narayan of allegedly shielding some accused in the police sub-inspector recruitment scam, which was unearthed recently. Narayan dismissed the allegation as baseless.

“Today the police is doing a good job. It is functioning fearlessly and impartially. They are investigating every scam in a professional manner, due to which some people are in trouble. Those in problem are talking ill of the police. They are scared,” Bommai said at the inauguration of the Nrupathunga University and the groundbreaking of its new academic block.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi, Jnanendra, Ashwath Narayan and the Director General of the Police Praveen Sood were present on the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Bommai said, “We are not against any individual but we are only against crime. No one should give shelter to the criminals. Those who are in trouble speak in a different tone.”

Several officials were accused of being involved in the irregularities in the recruitment exam held in October last year for filling up 545 PSI posts.

The Bommai government annulled the examination following alleged large-scale irregularities to fill the posts.

So far more than 30 people have been arrested in connection with the case while 10 are absconding. It is alleged that the candidates paid Rs 75 lakh to Rs 80 lakh to get selected.

Hailing the new National Education Policy, which has been introduced by the Union government, Bommai said it will bring a revolutionary changes in the education sector.

He said the NEP addresses three core areas-Education, Employment and Empowerment.

The Chief Minister said the Nrupathunga University is the symbol of the change in the education system.

Seoni (MP): Two tribal men died after they were allegedly assaulted by a group of 15-20 people over suspicion of cow slaughter in Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni district, police said on Tuesday.

Another person was injured in the incident, they said. The complainant in the case and the opposition Congress in the BJP-ruled state have alleged the attackers belong to the Bajrang Dal.

Some 20 people have been booked in connection with the incident, which took place at Simaria under Kurai police station limits between 2:30 am and 3 am on Monday, including six on charges of murder, an official said.

After the incident, a group led by Congress legislator Arjun Singh Kakodia started a protest on the Jabalpur-Nagpur highway. The Seoni Superintendent of Police and other officials visited the protest site.

“Two tribal men have died. It was alleged a group of 15-20 people went to the victims’ house, accused them of killing a cow and assaulted them. The two men died while being taken to hospital and another sustained minor injuries. A postmortem is yet to be conducted,” Additional Superintendent of Police SK Maravi told PTI.

“A case of murder has been registered at the Kuarai police station and police teams are searching for the accused. Some of the accused are named (in the complaint) and others are unidentified. We have taken 2-3 suspects into custody. Some 12 kilograms of meat has been found in the victims’ house,” Maravi said.

The complainant Brajesh Batti, who was injured in the incident, said the mob was hitting Sampat Batti, a resident of Sagar, and Simaria resident Dhansa with sticks when he arrived at the spot, and he, too, was assaulted.

Congress MLA Kakodia, who has been sitting on a ‘dharna’ to protest the incident, claimed the attackers comprised Bajrang Dal members and called for a ban on the right-wing outfit.

He said the kin of the victims should be given Rs 1 crore each as well as government jobs. Meanwhile, the Congress has demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident and swift action against the culprits.

MP Congress president Kamal Nath tweeted, “I demand from the government that strict action be taken against the culprits by announcing a high-level inquiry into this incident. All possible help should be given to the families of the victims and arrangements for treatment of the injured man at government expense.”

Nath said the kin of the deceased and local residents have claimed the Bajrang Dal was involved in the incident.

The former CM said NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) data showed MP was number one among states in crimes against tribals.

Bengaluru: Denials poured in on change in the leadership in Karnataka, amid buzz over such a move by the BJP high command ahead of the Assembly polls next year, as Union Minister Amit Shah was on a day-long visit to take part in various events in the city on Tuesday.

This even as some party leaders expressed hopes about cabinet expansion or rejig soon, amid mounting pressure and simmering discontent within the ruling party over the delay.

It was widely expected that, during this visit, a month after he set a target of 150 seats for the Karnataka BJP for the 2023 Assembly polls, Shah was expected to assess the BJP’s preparations for the polls and may give a strong message to party’s leadership and office-bearers.

However, according to party sources his interaction was limited to select BJP leaders over lunch at Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s official residence.

With his visit coinciding with the birth anniversary of 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara, Shah began his day by paying floral tributes to the bust and statue of the Lingayat saint.

The move is seen as a reach out to Lingayats, a dominant community who have significant presence across the state and are considered as a strong vote-bank of the ruling BJP, ahead of Karnataka Assembly polls next year.

Amid buzz over possible change in the leadership, several top BJP leaders including BJP national general secretary Arun Singh, former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, party’s state unit President Nalin Kumar Kateel, ruled out Bommai’s exit.

Terming the speculation of leadership change as “hypothetical”, Singh said Bommai is a “common man” and people here like him.

Yediyurappa, who was replaced by Bommai in July last year, too said there are no such talks about leadership change and what is going on are mere “speculations”.

Kateel said there is no confusion in the party on the leadership issue, and BJP will go to the polls together as a team, under the leadership of Bommai and Yediyurappa’s guidance.

However, Bijapur City BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said the high command is thinking of big changes to make government more effective, speed up development, and to tackle corruption allegations. “It may happen before May 10.”

It may be noted that Yatnal, a known Yediyurappa critic was among the first to predict the state BJP strongman’s exit from the CM post.

The fresh round of speculation about leadership change in the state, was following BJP national general secretary B L Santhosh’s statement on Sunday that the party’s strength lies in the induction of new faces.

Amid murmurs in the party circles that a top-to-bottom overhaul of the cabinet cannot be ruled out, state BJP functionaries are hopeful that a decision is likely soon regarding cabinet expansion or reshuffle, amid talks that several incumbents could make way for fresh faces.

Bommai, who is under pressure to expand or reshuffle his cabinet at the earliest, had earlier indicated that he would try to discuss it with Shah during this visit.

There are currently five positions vacant in the state cabinet, which has 29 ministers, including the chief minister, against the sanctioned strength of 34.

Some legislators have even been advocating a Gujarat-like overhaul of the Karnataka cabinet soon, to make way for new faces, ahead of the assembly elections.

Yediyurappa, expressing hopes about cabinet expansion taking place in a couple of days, told reporters that Shah may announce a decision or do it after discussing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders in Delhi.

Though Shah as per his itinerary, was expected to meet party office-bearers, state core committee and presidents of party’s various wings, according to BJP sources they were cancelled citing a packed schedule.

However, a select few senior leaders of the party were closeted with Shah, during lunch at Bommai’s residence.

According to sources, several party leaders, legislators and Ministers who had expected some kind of interaction with Shah, amid speculations about leadership, cabinet and elections, seemed disappointed that it could not happen.

BJP MLC A H Vishwanath, who attended the lunch at the CM’s residence said, “nothing…there was good food, Amit Shah gave a handshake asking how do you do? That’s all. No issues came up for discussion.”

Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said, Shah had come to attend official programmes and in the meantime he was to have discussions with party state leaders, he met few of them over lunch.

Asked about meetings with party office-bearers and leaders being cancelled, he said, “…I think maybe as other programmes got delayed the meeting might have been cancelled. He (Shah) had addressed the core committee during his last visit itself.”

Shah had last visited the state on April 1 and attended the state BJP core committee meeting, during which the 150 seats target was set and discussions were held on induction of leaders from other political parties ahead of the elections, and strengthening the organisation.

The visit of Shah comes amid series of allegations against the state government including 40 per cent commission charge, resignation of senior minister K S Eshwarappa following the alleged suicide of a contractor naming him, and the alleged scam in the recruitment of police sub-inspectors, among others.

It also came after the state witnessed a series of incidents of communal flare ups in the recent past.

New Delhi: After clashes between two communities in Rajasthan, the Congress on Tuesday accused the BJP of spreading hatred in poll-bound states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has “unleashed a sinister and hateful agenda” in Rajasthan as also in the other election going states of Gujarat, Himachal, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh.

He alleged that there will be no communal riots now in Uttar Pradesh or in Uttarakhand as elections are over there and the saffron party has served its agenda.

“Their agenda is to befool people. Their agenda is to divide people. Their agenda is always to do politics of Hindu-Musalman, Shamshan-Kabristan. Their agenda is to put religious and communal divide in the forefront so that the issues of inflation, unemployment, progress and development get relegated to the dustbin,” Surjewala told reporters.

“They want that Hindus and Muslims should fight so that nobody asks Modi Ji ‘where are the 15 lakh in every account that you promised’. They want Hindus and Muslims to fight in election going states so that people do not question them on their promise of 2 crore jobs a year and the 16 crore jobs to be created over eight years of the Modi government,” he said.

The Congress leader further said the BJP wants Hindu-Muslims to fight so that no questions are asked on the price of pulses, food items, atta, vegetables, milk and edible oil so that all these issues get relegated to the background.

He appealed to all fellow countrymen, particularly in the state of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, to not fall prey to the agenda of communal divide, hate and polarisation of the BJP government.

Surjewala also drew the attention of the public to the remarks of a BJP MLA, who said that if there are ditches in the road and people cannot walk, they should say “don’t pay attention to the ditches or lack of development and say – we are a Hindu Rashtra”.

“Hinduism is humanity. Hinduism is compassion. Hinduism is respect for all religions. Hinduism is not a tool for division. Only children of Godse or the successors of Godse can give you such a perverted explanation by disrespecting and dishonouring the tenets of Hinduism,” he added.