Chennai Airport Rank Slips Behind Kolkata; Demands Grow For Revamp And New Operator

The Bharatiya Janata Party has launched an attack on the Karnataka government over an alleged cash crunch in the state, claiming that project announcements are being made despite empty state coffers. The opposition party has alleged an unprecedented liquidity crunch and financial mismanagement, warning that salaries and state maintenance could be affected. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra has demanded a white paper on the state's financial situation and called for a special assembly session to address the issue. The party also claimed that legislators are not receiving necessary funds for development and drought management across Karnataka.

Investigations into the Veeramani sexual assault case have restarted following directions by the Chief Minister and intervention by the POCSO court. A special probe led by senior police officers is examining a suspected 70 crore rupees financial trail and property transaction to determine if funds were rerouted to hush up victims' families, delay proceedings, or facilitate a cover-up. Investigators are also scrutinising the role of police officers and a potential political nexus behind earlier delays and failed probes in the decades-long case involving underprivileged girls.

Commotion continued in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for the second consecutive day as Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs staged a walkout after the Speaker disallowed their request for a debate on corruption and unfulfilled commitments of the Omar Abdullah administration. Heated exchanges broke out between BJP and Congress legislators inside the House, prompting the deployment of assembly marshals. The opposition demanded discussions regarding issues concerning daily wagers, contractual workers, reservation, and power tariffs. In addition, disagreements emerged over the restoration of the official holiday commemorating Sheikh Abdullah's birth anniversary, which was opposed by the BJP as proceedings remained disrupted.

A proposal to fell over 1,100 trees for the construction of a 2.3-kilometre tunnel road at Hebbal in Bengaluru has sparked concern among environmentalists. Planned to ease traffic congestion on the airport road, the proposed three-lane bi-directional underground road connects Hebbal Junction with the University of Agricultural Sciences staff quarters. The Greater Bengaluru Authority has issued a public notice inviting objections and suggestions from citizens regarding the tree-felling plan. The underground tunnel project is also facing a legal challenge before the Karnataka High Court on multiple grounds.