Good morning, Bengaluru!
đ Todayâs weather: A sunny day with some gentle breeze.
đ§ Did you know? The Bangalore Public Sector Strike of 1980-81 is considered the longest and most expensive conflict in the history of Indiaâs public sector. It was probably the first time such a large-scale resistance was organised by leaders from diverse political leanings.
đĽ Dry day until E-day
A spell of dry days is in store in the pub capital and the rest of Karnataka.
Story so far: In Karnataka, it will be a series of dry days until May 10, after the Assembly elections are over, and then again on May 13, vote counting day. Yesterday, at 5 pm, all liquor shops and pubs pulled down their shutters.
- Pratap Reddy, the Commissioner of Police, issued an order prohibiting the sale, consumption, procurement, and storage of any type of intoxicant.
- There are over 12,000 such establishments in the state. Caterers, too, have to comply.
Why it matters? A liquor ban is typically introduced during election days to prevent violence and allow a smooth polling experience. Itâs enforced under the People’s Representation Act.
đľ Bike taxis under scrutiny
Experts demand more accountability from bike taxi aggregators, given recent crimes.
Story so far: Recent incidents of harassment involving bike taxi drivers have placed aggregators under the microscope. Itâs also stoked a debate about the threat of sexual assault in such taxis, especially for women, given the nature of recent crimes.
- In the absence of full-time employee contracts, itâs hard to hold the aggregators accountable. Rapido, for instance, states itâs not responsible for any of its captainsâ actions.
- Experts argue that the government is responsible for keeping aggregators in check.
Why it matters? The existing regulatory mechanism only allows victims of bike taxi harassment/abuse to complain against the aggregator under consumer laws.
đŽ Clearing roads of cows
BBMPâs cow clearers respond to 10 to 15 regular complaints a day from residents.
Story so far: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike is knuckling down over the Bengaluru streetsâ cow problem. The Palike is clearing more cows from the street than ever to decongest the busy roads. To make it happen, mini trucks and four catchers prowl the streets daily.
- The animal husbandry department bundles the ruminant animals into trucks and drops them at a department-run cattle pound.
- The department is asking cattle farmers not to let the animals onto roads and private property.
What next? Cattle are maintained at the pound until theyâre claimed. If left unclaimed, theyâre transferred to other cowsheds. The trouble is cattle farmers sometimes refuse to pay for the damages their cows might have caused.
đ Theatre groups perform election stories
Theatre groups are helping political parties weave their campaign pitches.
Story so far: In Karnatakaâs high-decibel election campaigns, political parties have found a unique way to tell their story. They are collaborating with theatre artists to produce street plays as part of their campaigns.
- Malur Vijee composed an hour-long street play for the Bharatiya Janata Party. His group has ten members who work in 24 constituencies.
- Rajguru Hoskote directed a street play for the Janata Dal (Secular), highlighting the partyâs grassroots work.
Tell me more? Theatre has carved a unique space for itself in the elections. Theatre groups unassociated with any political parties are joining forces to spread awareness about the right to vote.
đ Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you been to the Government Museum?
- Yes, Iâve been to the Government Museum.
- No, I havenât been to the Government Museum.
â Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Whatâs the quirkiest superstition youâve heard?
Reply to this email with your answers.
đď¸ In other newsâŚ
- NEET goes off smoothly with no clash against Modiâs Bengaluru rally.
- Read about issues that Bengaluru’s first-time voters consider.
- Deepika Padukoneâs low-key entry at an event with family impresses netizens.
- Pre-poll overdrive leaves security personnel stressed.
- Rahul Gandhi takes a BMTC bus and tells commuters about Congress’s promises to women.
đď¸ Local Lounge
Yesterdayâs Poll:
- I have been scammed: 36.4%
- I havenât been scammed: 63.6% đ
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
According to you, whatâs the best way to beat traffic?
Sriranga: âEither leave early to reach your destination or don’t leave at all đâ
Thatâs it for today. Have a great day!