Appeasement politics more important to INC than Hindu sentiment: BJP after opposition protests anti-cow slaughter bill

News Network

December 11, 2020

Bengaluru, Dec 11: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday said that by opposing the recently passed Karnataka's anti-cow slaughter bill, the Indian National Congress was proving that 'Appeasement politics' was more important than the sentiment of the Hindu community.

"By opposing #CowSlaughterBan, communal @INCKarnataka is proving that "Appeasement Politics" is more important to it than sentiments of Hindus. Should one's parents be sent to retirement homes after they become old? Is this what @siddaramaiah & @DKShivakumar propose?" the official Twitter handle of the BJP in Karnataka tweeted with the hashtag 'gaumata'.

The Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2020 was passed by voice vote in the house on Wednesday amid protests by the Opposition Congress and JD(S).

The bill provides between three and seven years jail and (or) a fine up to Rs 5 lakh. Subsequent offenses can invite fines up to Rs 10 lakh and a jail term of up to seven years.

Opposition parties alleged that the bill was not discussed for tabling in the Business Advisory Committee meeting.

Siddaramaiah took to Twitter to state that the anti-cow slaughter bill was "quickly passed without any discussion". He said that chief minister BS Yediyurappa had "told in the advisory committee that no new bill will be presented in the assembly. The anti-Cow slaughter bill was not there in today's agenda also. But, all of a sudden, the bill was introduced and passed without any discussion. This is the murder of democracy."

The Bill, however, was not tabled in the Legislative Council as the Upper House was adjourned sine die.

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Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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