Bengaluru : Karnataka Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan has sought exemption from hoisting the national flag at the Independence Day celebrations in Vijayanagara district on August 15, citing his inability to attend the programme, triggering criticism from the Opposition BJP on Friday. The BJP has urged the Chief Minister to dismiss him from the cabinet for ignoring a sacred duty such as hoisting the Tricolour.

Zameer, in a letter to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, said he had been assigned the responsibility of hoisting the national flag in Vijayanagara district in North Karnataka on the occasion of Independence Day. However, he said the upcoming Bengaluru civic polls, other local body elections, Assembly bypolls and party organisational responsibilities had left him with limited time.

He also requested the Chief Minister not to assign him the responsibility of District In-charge Minister for Vijayanagara or any other district.

“In the state, in the coming days, including Bengaluru civic polls, various local body elections, bypolls of Assembly segments and also in view of organisation of the party, there is shortage of time to take on the responsibility of district in-charge minister of Vijayanagara district,” Zameer said in the letter.

He further said that he had been assigned the responsibility of hoisting the national flag on August 15 but was unable to attend the programme and therefore sought exemption from the duty.

Zameer also referred to the drought situation in Vijayanagara district, stating that he had already submitted the report assigned to him in this regard.

The request comes just two days after portfolios were allocated to ministers in the Karnataka government following the recent Cabinet expansion.

Reacting sharply to the development, senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka accused the Congress government of putting party politics ahead of national interests.

“Congress shamelessly puts party politics above the nation,” Ashoka said in a statement on Friday.

He alleged that Zameer’s decision to seek exemption from hoisting the Tricolour showed “total disrespect” for the country and criticised the minister for citing election-related and party organisational responsibilities as the reason for being unable to attend the Independence Day programme.

Ashoka said hoisting the national flag on Independence Day was a “sacred duty” and accused Zameer and the Congress government of giving greater importance to electoral calculations and party activities.

He also demanded that CM Shivakumar dismiss Zameer from the Cabinet, alleging that the minister’s decision had brought “shame” upon the state and disrespected the national flag.

The BJP leader further targeted the Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, and demanded an apology over the issue.

The controversy comes as Karnataka gears up for Independence Day celebrations across the state on August 15.

Mumbai: The Education Department of Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started an English medium school named ‘Mumbai Public School, Shivaji Nagar English School No. 01’ in a newly constructed building at Mumbai Public School, Shivaji Nagar School Complex No. 4, Baji Prabhu Deshpande Marg, Near Shivaji Nagar Market, Mumbai (04W), Govind 04, Mumbai Public School, Shivaji Nagar School Complex No. 4, Mumbai (04W).

The school follows the Maharashtra State Board curriculum and will conduct classes from Junior KG to Grade 4. It is worth noting that priority admission will be given to students currently studying in unauthorized schools in Govind and surrounding areas. Due to the limited number of seats, the BMC Education Department appeals to as many parents as possible to avail this facility.

Interested parents should contact the following address for admission: Address: 1st Floor, Mumbai Public School, Shivaji Nagar School Complex No. 4, Baji Prabhu Deshpande Marg, Near Shivaji Nagar Market, Govind (West), Mumbai – 400 043.

Mumbai: Municipal Corporation is taking strict action as part of its ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign, which aims to remove obstructions from footpaths and make them walkable for pedestrians. Under this initiative, 15 unauthorised shops and 15 unauthorised hawkers obstructing footpaths in Dadar area (from ‘F-South’ ward) and Santacruz area (from ‘H-East’ ward) were removed today (August 13, 2026).

As per the directions of the High Court, under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. Led by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Prajakta Vermalawangire, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation is implementing the ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign to immediately remove unauthorised hawkers and encroachments, thus ensuring obstacle-free footpaths.

Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone-2) Prashant Sapkale and led by Assistant Commissioner (F-South Ward), the drive was carried out in Dadar (East) area by the ‘F-South’ ward. During this drive, 04 unauthorized shops, 12 temporary tarpaulin sheds, 06 unauthorized platforms (cut*) and 15 hawkers obstructing the footpath along Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road in Dadar (East) were removed.
Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone-3) Vishwas Mote and led by Assistant Commissioner (H-East), Mrudula Ende, ‘H-East’ ward today conducted an encroachment removal drive in Santa Cruz (East) area. The drive included demolition of six unauthorized shops located along roads 6, 7 and 11 in TPS-3 area as well as five unauthorized shops located on the footpath along Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Marg. The operation also included a food van. The drive has cleared about 500 meters of sidewalk space, making it easier for pedestrians to walk. Meanwhile, the municipal corporation is taking various steps to ensure clean and accessible sidewalks for pedestrians. As a result, the administration has warned against unauthorized construction or placing any material on the sidewalks that obstruct them. Strict action will be taken if such violations are observed.