From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 27: Even as the State Government is under pressure from the business community, especially pubs, restaurants, hotels as well as clubs over the decision to impose strict night curfew of 10 pm till 5 am throughout Karnataka from Tuesday 10 pm till January 7, 5 am, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday clarified that the decision was taken in the interest of public health and there was no question of reconsidering.

The business community is distressed and deeply hurt that the night curfew and the ban on social events, public gatherings and other functions from in connection with New Year celebrations from December 30 to January 2 as well as the night curfew restrictions would seriously affect their business, which is already hit due to the various restrictions on account of Covid pandemic.

The Chief Minister was speaking to media representatives after distributing solatium of Rs 1 lakh is being paid to BPL families of those who lost their lives due to Covid in all districts and taluks. A programme in this regard is being held in Bengaluru as well, he said.

Reacting to displeasure among the business community against the night curfew he said the measure has been taken in the interest of public health. People would have to strictly follow Covid norms at tourist spots.

High Command to decide on Cabinet Expansion

The Chief Minister said the BJP State Executive Committee meeting to be held in Hubballi would discuss issues related to party organisation and other developments.

The meeting, which is held once every two months, would take important decisions, Bommai said.

Replying to a question about much expected cabinet expansion, Bommai said it is an internal matter of the party and the party high command would take a call on that.

There is good coordination between the party and the administration. The government will come up with more good programmes in the days ahead and seek public mandate in 2023 on the basis of its good work for the people, he said.

CM dedicates 40 e-buses, 150 BS6 diesel buses

The Chief Minister dedicated 40 electricity charged buses and 150 BS6 diesel buses purchased by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) under the Smartcity project in front of Vidhana Soudha on Monday.

Transport Minister B Sriramulu, Cooperation Minister S T Somashekar, P C Mohan, MP, BMTC Chairman Nandish Reddy and others were present at the function.

The Chief Minister later inaugurated the Karnataka Pradesh Krishik Samaj constructed Krishi Bhavan in the presence of Agriculture Minister B C Patil and others.