Muslim MLA's bill for protection of cows defeated by ruling BJP!

July 14, 2014

Bhopal, Jul 14: Devout Hindus of Madhya Pradesh, who were eagerly waiting for Achche Din', witnessed literally Ulte-Din!

Amidst high political drama, the Hindutva stalwarts of ruling BJP government of Madhya Pradesh strongly opposed a Muslim legislator's bill aimed at protection of “sacred animal”.

Arif Aqueel, the lone Muslim legislator in Madhya Pradesh, came up with a private bill for ban on trade of bones and fat of cows with the intention of protecting cows.

Congress leader Aqueel said that while cow is worshipped as 'go mata' by Sangh Parivar, old cows are left to die. Those involved in trade of bones and fat of cow, kill the bovines. BJP is not taking any measure to prevent such slaughters, he lamented.

He said that the trade should be banned and there must be proper system in place to hold last rites of cows on government expense.

BJP leader and Minister for Animal Husbandry Kusum Mehdale indirectly mocked Aqueel by stating that the MLA deserves an award for his “concern”. But, she refused to take any action in this regard.

However, the five-time MLA Aqueel who represents Bhopal North said that BJP was playing with the sentiments of the people by not banning the trade.

Recalling BJP's poll agenda, he said that the saffron party had come to power promising to work for conservation of cow. Meanwhile, few BJP legislators created chaos in the assembly and shouted at Aqueel.

When the speaker decided to take voice vote, the bill was defeated by 55 to 31 votes in the BJP dominant House.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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