Karnataka BJP Chief Vows to Bring Stranded Kannadigas Home from UAE

Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra has assured a group of 61 Kannadigas stranded in Dubai that he will speak to the Central government to facilitate their safe return. The individuals, who had travelled for an award function, are facing flight cancellations due to the escalated tensions between Israel and Iran. Meanwhile, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has established a dedicated help desk to assist affected passengers. While some, including badminton star P.V. Sindhu, have already returned, others remain stranded as flights are fully booked.

Key Points: Karnataka BJP Chief to Centre: Bring Stranded Kannadigas from UAE

  • 61 Kannadigas stranded in Dubai after award event
  • BJP chief to take up issue with Central government
  • Flight cancellations due to Israel-Iran conflict
  • Help desk set up at Bengaluru airport
  • Some passengers, including a celebrity, have returned
3 min read

Will talk with Centre for safety of Kannadigas in UAE: Karnataka BJP chief

BJP's BY Vijayendra assures Kannadigas stranded in UAE due to flight cancellations, promises to engage Centre for their safe return amid Israel-Iran tensions.

"Do not panic. I will request that necessary action be taken to bring all of you back safely. - B.Y. Vijayendra"

Bengaluru, March 3

Amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Tuesday spoke to Kannadigas stranded in Dubai and reassured them.

He assured that he would speak to the Central government to ensure that those caught in the crisis are brought back to Karnataka at the earliest. A total of 61 people had travelled to Dubai to receive an award and are currently staying there, members of the team said.

Five persons from Arsikere are also part of the group and are staying at a hotel, they said while sharing their concerns. "It has now been seven days. Even the flight scheduled for tonight has been cancelled," they explained.

Vijayendra said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given priority attention to the issue. "Earlier, when a similar situation arose in Ukraine, the Central government resolved it and made arrangements to bring back those stranded there. This war has started suddenly. I will also speak to the concerned authorities in Delhi," he said, while offering reassurance.

He stated that he would urge the authorities to take steps to ensure the team returns safely. "Do not panic. I will request that necessary action be taken to bring all of you back safely," he added.

Indians, including several Kannadigas, who were stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following flight cancellations triggered by the Israel-Iran conflict, have begun returning home, bringing relief to families in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Tuesday has set up a dedicated Help Desk at the kerbside of Terminal 2 to assist passengers amid ongoing disruptions to flight operations.

A flight that departed from Dubai on Monday night landed safely at Kempegowda International Airport near Devanahalli in Bengaluru Rural district in the wee hours of Tuesday. Among those who arrived were Karnataka Legislative Council member S.L. Bhojegowda and badminton star P.V. Sindhu.

Amid the crisis, the Kannadigas Helpline team led by non-resident Kannadiga patron Ronald Colaco extended support to stranded individuals. The team collected details of those affected and appealed to the government for urgent assistance. It also expressed readiness to bear emergency expenses and urged those in need of medical services to contact the helpline. Kannadigas in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ajman were advised to reach out for help.

Several Kannadigas who had travelled to Abu Dhabi and Dubai for business, personal visits or work were stranded due to the escalating tensions. Many expressed relief after returning safely, while others remain stuck as flights continue to be fully booked.

Meanwhile, the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has set up a dedicated Help Desk at the kerbside of Terminal 2 to assist passengers amid ongoing disruptions to flight operations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the reassurance, this feels like a reactive measure. Our foreign policy and contingency plans for citizens abroad should be more robust to prevent such panic. The government needs to be proactive, not just promise action after people are stranded.
A
Arjun K
Shoutout to Ronald Colaco and the Kannadigas Helpline team! This is what community is about - stepping up when needed. NRIs supporting each other is heartwarming. Hope the airport help desk is well-staffed.
S
Sarah B
My husband is one of those stranded in Sharjah for a business meeting. The uncertainty is terrifying for families here. Grateful for any help from the government or community groups. Please bring them home.
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Vikram M
Operation Ganga during the Ukraine war was executed well. Trust that the Centre will handle this too. PM Modi's government has a good track record of evacuations. Jai Hind.
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Karthik V
The real issue is airlines cancelling flights and charging exorbitant prices for the few available seats. The government should also look into regulating this during crises. Common people suffer the most.

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