Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday strongly reprimanded party workers after a section of the audience raised slogans in support of DK Shivakumar during a party programme in Bengaluru. Kharge also warned that disciplinary action could be taken against those responsible for disrupting the event.

The incident took place during the ‘Sankalpa Samavesha’ programme, where party leaders had gathered for an organisational event. According to reports, some workers repeatedly chanted “DK-DK” slogans, prompting Kharge to intervene and ask them to maintain discipline.

Visibly upset by the sloganeering, Kharge reminded workers that the gathering was meant for the party and not for promoting individual leaders.

“This is not an individual’s programme, it is a party programme,” Kharge said while stressing that Congress functions as an organisation rather than around personalities.

The veteran leader also expressed displeasure over the disruption, questioning why a few people should dominate proceedings when many others had attended the programme. Referring to his long political career, Kharge said the party had contributed significantly to the rise of many leaders and emphasised the need to uphold organisational discipline.

Warning the workers against similar behaviour in the future, Kharge said footage from the event would be examined and action would be taken if necessary.

“Discipline is always necessary for the party. Whoever is shouting here, there will be footage. I will take disciplinary action after reviewing the footage,” he said.

The episode once again highlighted the importance the Congress leadership places on party discipline during organisational events in Karnataka.

A tragic accident at a prominent temple in Maharashtra’s Parbhani district claimed four lives on Saturday after a portion of an under-construction roof collapsed on devotees gathered at the site.

The incident took place at the Yashwadi temple in Yashwadi village, around 190 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Authorities launched a large-scale rescue operation after devotees were trapped beneath the debris following the collapse.

According to local officials, the roof section in front of the sanctum, part of an ongoing construction project, gave way during the afternoon. MLA Rajesh Vitekar said 27 people were trapped under the rubble. All those trapped were later rescued, but four people lost their lives in the incident.

Several injured devotees were shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Three people were admitted to the District General Hospital, while around 20 others received treatment at RP Medical College, according to officials.

Rescue teams rushed to the site

Police, district administration personnel and emergency responders reached the temple soon after the collapse was reported. Rescue efforts continued for several hours as teams worked to remove debris and locate those trapped underneath.

Officials said the structure that collapsed was the temple’s sabhamandap, or outer assembly hall, where construction work was nearing completion. Initial assessments suggest there may have been a structural issue linked to a pillar being erected at the site, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Popular pilgrimage site draws huge crowds

The Yashwadi temple is among the most visited religious sites in the Parbhani region and attracts thousands of devotees every Saturday. The accident occurred on a day when large numbers of worshippers had gathered at the shrine, increasing concerns about the scale of the tragedy.

Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the collapse and examine whether construction safety norms were followed during the expansion work.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended warm birthday greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, praising her dedication to public service and describing her life journey as a source of inspiration for people across the country.

In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister lauded President Murmu’s commitment to the nation and highlighted her efforts toward the welfare of the poor and marginalised sections of society. He said her leadership and service continue to motivate citizens.

Modi also wished the President a long and healthy life, noting that her rise to the highest constitutional office reflects the strength of India’s democratic values. He said her journey gives hope to millions and serves as an example of perseverance and public service.

President Murmu, who was born on June 20, 1958, assumed office as the 15th President of India in July 2022. She made history as the first person from a tribal community to become President and the second woman to hold the post.

Her political and public life has included service as a legislator in Odisha, a minister in the state government and Governor of Jharkhand before she was elected President.

The President’s journey from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district to Rashtrapati Bhavan is often cited as a symbol of social mobility and inclusive representation in Indian democracy.