Karnataka BJP Begins 10-Day Padayatra Against Congress Over Corruption & Valmiki Board Scam

Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra announced a 10-day padayatra from Lingasur to Bellary against the ruling Congress government in the state. Vijayendra stated that the demonstration is aimed at exposing government failures, corruption, and the alleged misuse of funds allocated for the Scheduled Tribe community. Highlighting the Estate Development Corporation issue, he noted that the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra was secured after BJP took up the matter, asserting that the primary issue is corruption and seeking justice for Dalits. He questioned why former minister Rajanna was forced to resign earlier and dismissed counter-protest threats from D.K. Shivakumar. Vijayendra raised questions regarding unfulfilled government promises, including two point five lakh job vacancies and unaddressed issues of distressed farmers. He asserted that the administration feels threatened by the padayatra, maintaining that the movement is not political drama but a serious effort to hold the government accountable.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is stepping up regulatory oversight and enforcement against fraudulent packaging, mislabelling, and misleading health claims made by food manufacturers. Amid rising concerns over ultra-processed foods, diabetes, and obesity, the regulatory body has proposed front-of-package red warning labels to alert consumers about items high in fat, sugar, and salt based on scientific standards. State food safety departments are increasingly active in enforcing compliance across millions of food business operators. Authorities are also prosecuting brands that make unverified claims about ingredients, such as health beverages, energy drinks, and packaged snacks that exaggerate the presence of healthy components like dry fruits. Additionally, regulatory notices have been served to entities utilizing deceptive trademarks and absolute claims of purity or health benefits. The regulator is also engaging with celebrities and influencers to halt endorsements of unhealthy packaged foods and beverage products.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust is holding a crucial meeting to finalise the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer from a shortlisted panel of three candidates. The extensive selection process began on 6 July with the formation of a selection committee, which reviewed 5,585 applications and held detailed discussions with 16 candidates before submitting the final three names. Prominent figures in consideration include former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, former Bihar IPS officer Paresh Saxena, and former IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra. The meeting will also address filling three vacant trust positions, the role of temporary general secretary Krishna Mohan, and the appointment of a Public Relations Officer to coordinate with the media and manage verified information across social media platforms.

A political debate has erupted in Tamil Nadu following calls within the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam to project Chief Minister Vijay as the prime ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. While TVK leaders, ministers, and MLAs have publicly supported the pitch, key alliance partner Congress has firmly rejected the proposal, insisting that Rahul Gandhi remains the sole prime ministerial face for the INDIA bloc. Tamil Nadu Congress ministers Rajesh Kumar and Viswanathan warned that they would resign if the alliance does not back Rahul Gandhi. MDMK chief Vaiko also dismissed the pitch for Vijay, reiterating support for Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami mocked the ambition, remarking that Vijay could even aspire to become the US President. The developments follow the India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey, which placed Vijay third in the national prime ministerial preference ratings behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi.