Are you eyeing CM post? Ready to buy if it’s available in shop, replies D K Shivakumar

News Network

April 15, 2019

Mangaluru, Apr 16: Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed confidence that the Congress and JD(S) candidates will win a maximum number of seats in the Lok Sabha elections and the BJP will be reduced to single digit in Karnataka.

Speaking to media persons at the District Congress Committee office here, Mr. Shivakumar said the differences between the Congress and the JD(S) workers have been resolved by 99%. “The BJP will be reduced from 17 (in 2014) to a single digit in Karnataka,” he said.

On the absence of the Central party leaders in the campaign in the Parliamentary constituencies in the State, Mr. Shivakumar said the leaders were campaigning in their respective constituencies.

“We had planned for Rahul Gandhi’s programme in Mangaluru. But it got cancelled as the date clashed with the Prime Minister’s election rally in Mangaluru on April 13,” he said.

Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, he said, came to Dakshina Kannada and other regions in the State. “I and other State Congress leaders are moving around,” he added, while confiding that he has too many consituencies to campaign in. “I have been having sleepless nights in the last few days. I do not know whether to go to Ballari or Mandya. Tonight, I have to rush to Chamarajanagar.”

The Minister said he is yet to campaign in his home Kanakapura constituency and about six parliamentary constituencies in and around Bengaluru.

On whether he is eyeing the post of Chief Minister, Mr. Shivakumar said, “If it is available in the shop, I am ready to take it.”

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Stranded, hungry, and helpless: Last-minute cancellation of Dammam flight sparks chaos at Mangaluru Airport

News Network

November 24,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 24: The original departure time of 11.10 pm was a distant memory for scores of Dammam-bound passengers at Mangaluru International Airport last Friday night, as their Air India Express flight was abruptly cancelled at the eleventh hour, sparking hours of frustration and chaos.

The flight, IX 885, initially scheduled to depart at 11.10 pm on November 22, was subject to two back-to-back reschedules—first pushed to 11.45 pm and then significantly postponed to 1.40 am—before the final, crushing announcement of cancellation was made. For the travellers, many of whom are likely expatriate workers with tight schedules, the last-minute change marked the beginning of a distressing ordeal.

"There was no drinking water, no food, and absolutely no proper guidance. We were left stranded like refugees," complained a stranded passenger.

According to multiple passenger accounts, the airline's ground staff failed to provide adequate support or essential amenities following the cancellation. Complaints poured in about the total absence of drinking water, food provisions, and any reliable guidance from the carrier's representatives. Travellers alleged they were left stranded for a considerable period, with no immediate arrangements or clear communication offered regarding accommodation or alternative travel to send them back home.

The incident has highlighted serious concerns over the carrier's contingency planning and customer service protocols during flight disruptions at one of India's key international gateways. The airline is yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the alleged lapse in passenger care.

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