Activists like Jignesh should contest in 25 seats in Karnataka: Teesta Setalvad

coastaldigest.com news network
December 28, 2017

Chikkamagaluru, Dec 28: Journalist-turned-activist Teesta Setalvad has obliquely called upon the activists in Karnataka to take a political plunge in the upcoming elections.

Speaking after inaugurating a two-day event organised by Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the organisation on Thursday, she said that she was seeing a ray of hope after recent Gujarat assembly polls.

“The hegemonical tendencies of Hindutva are cracking in Gujarat. Victory of Jignesh Mevani is not an individual’s victory but a sign for the need for an alternative politics,” she said. 

She stressed the need for a replica of Jignesh Mevani model of victory in Karnataka in the coming elections. “In 20 to 25 seats in Karnataka such activists should contest and win,” she said. 

Taking serious objection to Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde’s recent statement on changing the Constitution, she said the people of the State will give a fitting reply to his statements in the coming days.

“The Constitution drafted under the leadership of B.R. Ambedkar is the representation of sacrifice and aspiration of workers, farmers, women, and minorities of the land,” she said. She further said that speaking about a Hindu Rashtra itself is anti-constitutional.

Remembering Gauri Lankesh, the martyred journalist who was associated with Komu Souharda Vedike, Ms Setalvad said her memory inspires all. “The best tribute to her life and the only way we can defy the forces that killed her is to carry on the fight,” she added.

In the inaugural session of the two-day event tributes were paid to intellectuals who participated in the activities of the organisation. They included K.Ramdas, Hassan Mansoor, Yuvaraj, Pastor Anand, Ananathamurthy, Ajeej, H.L. Keshavamurthy, Gauri Lankesh and Lakshman G. Office-bearers of Komu Souharda Vedike were present.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: Public transport in Mangaluru is set for a state-led transformation as the government moves to deploy 100 new electric govt buses to replace unreliable private services. The initiative aims to provide a dependable alternative to private operators who have been frequently "cutting trips," leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV during a public phone-in session. The move specifically targets routes where private bus service has become erratic, ensuring that citizens no longer have to rely on a fluctuating private sector for their daily commute.

Restoring the Govt Presence

The transport crisis was brought to the forefront by Ramayya, a resident of Bajal, who highlighted a growing trend of private buses skipping morning and night trips. With the previous KSRTC (govt) services discontinued, residents have been left without a fallback option.

To fix this, the DC confirmed that the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will bring 100 government-owned electric buses to the city:

•    Phased Deployment: The first 50 of the new 100 government buses are scheduled to arrive by March 2026.

•    State Infrastructure: Two new government depots, including one at Mudipu, are being prepared for operations.

•    Recruitment: The state has already begun training a new batch of government bus drivers to ensure the fleet is operational the moment it arrives.

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