logo
BJP MP wants Gaya airport code changed over ‘cultural concerns'; Centre says IATA won't allow it

BJP MP wants Gaya airport code changed over ‘cultural concerns'; Centre says IATA won't allow it

NEW DELHI: The airport code, GAY, for Gaya International Airport in Bihar was making the public feel uncomfortable, opined BJP MP Bhim Singh. It offended their social and cultural sensibilities, he felt, while appealing for a change.
In an unstarred questionnaire in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, the Bihar representative sought to know whether the government planned to change it to a more respectful and culturally appropriate code. He also wanted to know if the government had received any complaints, suggestions or public sentiments in this regard and its response.
In a written response, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, said that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has ruled out any change in the three-letter code.
'Air India had earlier approached IATA seeking a change of the existing airport code. However, IATA has conveyed that under the provisions of IATA Resolution 763, assigned three-letter codes are considered permanent and are altered only under exceptional circumstances, usually involving air safety concerns.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

CPM Demands Parliamentary Law for 42% BC Reservations, Inclusion in Ninth Schedule
CPM Demands Parliamentary Law for 42% BC Reservations, Inclusion in Ninth Schedule

Hans India

time32 minutes ago

  • Hans India

CPM Demands Parliamentary Law for 42% BC Reservations, Inclusion in Ninth Schedule

Gadwal: The Central Government must enact and implement a law in Parliament ensuring 42% reservations for Backward Classes (BCs), demanded CPM District Secretary A. Venkataswamy. Responding to the call given by the State Committee, the CPM organized a dharna at the Old Bus Stand in the district headquarters on Saturday, demanding that a law for 42% BC reservations be enacted immediately and included in the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Speaking on the occasion, Venkataswamy said that the Telangana State Government had already passed a resolution in the Legislative Assembly and sent it to the Centre for approval of 42% BC reservations. However, the Centre is allegedly betraying BCs by failing to pass such a law in Parliament, and instead trying to communalize the issue. He criticized the BJP for sidelining the key constitutional purpose of reservations—ensuring economic, political, and social equality for backward classes—and for denying equality in education, employment, and livelihood opportunities. Venkataswamy alleged that the BJP wants to push BC reservations aside while it continues to implement similar reservations in BJP-ruled states without objections. He accused the BJP of attempting to divide people in Telangana along religious lines by limiting reservations to a religious narrative. He demanded a constitutional amendment to include BC reservations in the Ninth Schedule for legal protection. Condemning divisive and hate politics, he stated that the people of Telangana—the birthplace of armed peasant struggles—would never accept such politics. He also accused BJP leaders in the state of irresponsibly encouraging communal hatred and demanded that they immediately withdraw their statements. He criticized the Congress Party as well, stating that it appears to lack sincerity on the reservations issue. He said while the CPM is fighting to pressure the Centre for BC reservations, its leaders are being illegally arrested and detained across the state. He urged the Congress to wage uncompromising struggles against the Centre, uniting all parties for the cause. He reaffirmed that the fight for BC reservations would never be compromised. Other Leaders' Statements All-Party Committee President Nagar Doddi Venkataramulu and senior advocate Madhusudhan Babu also addressed the gathering, urging the Centre to abandon its stubborn stance and immediately pass the law for 42% BC reservations. They accused the Central Government of conspiring to weaken the limited support extended to the poor and marginalized through reservations, and called on people to oppose such moves unanimously. They also criticized the BJP for ignoring the nationwide demand for a caste census and adopting a delaying attitude, insisting that the party must be taught a lesson through public struggles. They expressed full support for the CPM's ongoing agitation in this regard. Participants & Supporters The protest saw participation from Awaaz State Vice President Atikur Rehman, District President Rahmatulla, social activist Raju, CPM district committee members Repalle Devadasu, VV Narasimha, Upper Narasimha, Eidanna, Narmada, CPM leaders Thimmappa, Nagarjuna Narasimhulu, Jana Natya Mandali District Secretary Ashanna, DYFI District Secretary MD Rafi, workers Ranganna, Kalyan, Naresh, Gajendra, Shiva, Veeresh, and others.

"Resign From Lok Sabha If You Don't Trust Poll Body": BJP To Rahul Gandhi
"Resign From Lok Sabha If You Don't Trust Poll Body": BJP To Rahul Gandhi

NDTV

time35 minutes ago

  • NDTV

"Resign From Lok Sabha If You Don't Trust Poll Body": BJP To Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: The BJP on Saturday said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi must resign on "moral grounds" from the membership of the Lok Sabha if he does not have faith in the Election Commission, and flayed him for not submitting a written declaration on his "vote theft" claim. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia also asked Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to resign as members of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha if they do not have any faith in the polls. "You (Rahul Gandhi) make baseless allegations before the media and then refuse to give proof and a written declaration when the constitutional body asks for it," Bhatia said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here. Reading out excerpts of a past Supreme Court judgement, the BJP spokesperson said the Supreme Court had observed that there was no doubt about the bona fides of the Election Commission and that it was a matter of record that the poll body had built a reputation as an impartial body over the years. "Rahul Gandhi, if you don't trust the election commission and the observations made by the Supreme Court, do one thing: first, you resign from the Lok Sabha membership. Priyanka Gandhi, you also resign. Sonia Gandhi, you also resign at least on moral grounds because you are raising questions on the same Election Commission," Bhatia said. "Then, you go to the Supreme Court, the high court and people," he said. Bhatia also demanded that the chief ministers of Congress-ruled Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh must also resign, for their top leaders had no faith in the EC. "Whatever suits you, you accept. Whatever is inconvenient, you reject and cast aspersions on the Election Commission. This will not work," Bhatia said. Gandhi on Friday asserted that he had taken the oath inside Parliament on the Constitution, as a response to the EC demanding from him an affidavit under oath over his "vote chori" claim. Addressing the Vote Adhikar Rally in Bengaluru, he also said the Karnataka government should probe the inclusion of fake voters in the state during the 2024 Lok Sabha election. "The EC asks me to file an affidavit and give information under oath. I have taken oath inside Parliament, in front of the Constitution, on the Constitution," he said. Bhatia termed Gandhi's "vote theft" claim a lie: "'Rahul aka 'arajak tatva' (anarchic element) has now become Rahul aka 'vidhwansak' (destroyer). He wants to destroy the Constitution of India and Indian democracy." He also accused the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha of being "immature" and starting a war against constitutional institutions by threatening EC officials.

Balan defends Govindan's visit to astrologer's house
Balan defends Govindan's visit to astrologer's house

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Balan defends Govindan's visit to astrologer's house

T'puram: CPM veteran A K Balan came out in support of party state secretary M V Govindan, who visited astrologer Madhavan Poduval's house in Kannur recently. He blamed the media for creating an unnecessary controversy over the issue. "We will continue to interact with all sorts of people. It is not at the cost of the dialectical materialism we believe in," said Balan. Balan stated that visiting the homes of astrologers and having associations with them was normal. He said Govindan had not gone to find out an auspicious time from the astrologer and no one from the party had such a habit. He added that they communicate and build relationships with everyone, and having friendships didn't imply agreement with their ideologies. Balan said that he had visited many astrologers' homes and asked for votes, which was quite usual. He questioned whether entering an astrologer's house was forbidden. Urges Church to understand BJP's anti-minority attitude Meanwhile, Balan urged the Catholic Church and allied organisations to acknowledge BJP's "anti-minority attitude" in light of recent alleged attacks on nuns and priests in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, saying the Church must understand the current situation in the country. He criticised Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany for thanking Prime Minister Modi and home minister Amit Shah after the two arrested nuns were granted bail in Chhattisgarh. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store