BJP continuing efforts to poach Congress legislators in Karnataka: KPCC chief

News Network
August 8, 2018

Bengaluru, Aug 8: The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief Dinesh Gundu Rao has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of continuing its efforts to poach Congress legislators with an intention of toppling the coalition government in Karnataka.

Rao’s remarks come in the backdrop of various factions within the state Congress mounting pressure on the party to expand the Cabinet. “The BJP is desperate to bring the government down. They aren’t able to stay without power. They are contacting different people, offering them things to jump ship,” Rao told reporters.

Municipalities Minister Ramesh Jarakiholi, who belongs to the Belagavi faction and has a feud with his disgruntled brother Satish Jarakiholi, reportedly rushed to Delhi on Tuesday. Last month, Ramesh took off to Ajmer in Rajasthan with nearly a dozen MLAs, which was seen as a ‘show of strength’ to mount pressure on the party to accommodate his loyals in the Cabinet.

“Ramesh is not in touch with the BJP,” Rao said. “What’s wrong if some party legislators want to discuss internal matters with senior leaders?” he said, playing things down. 

There was widespread disgruntlement in the Congress when the party announced the list of 16 ministers who would join the H D Kumaraswamy-led Cabinet. Several leaders, including former ministers M B Patil and H K Patil, went public with their disgruntlement over missing out on joining the Cabinet.

Rao said the party would improve its campaign mechanism for the Lok Sabha elections and learn from mistakes that occurred in the recently polls. “We did have a good campaign, but it was in the last 15-20 days that we lost out. This time, we’ll prepare systematically and our leaders will tour the entire state.”

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address a Janadhwani rally in Bidar city on August 13. “We expect 2 lakh to 3 lakh people to attend the rally,” Rao said.

Rao has written to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asking her not to shift the Aero India out of Bengaluru. “She has been elected to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka and we expect her to protect the state’s interest. However, on the Rafale deal, banking exams, 15th Finance Commission and other issues, the Centre has failed to protect the state’s interest,” he said.

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News Network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: The Mangaluru City Police have issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of the inaugural ceremony of Karavali Utsava, which will be held at the Karavali Utsava Ground on Saturday.

The festival will be inaugurated at 6:00 pm by Dakshina Kannada District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Cultural and public programmes will be held at the venue every evening and will continue until January 2.

According to City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, parking of vehicles is strictly prohibited on both sides of the road from Lalbagh to Karavali Utsava Ground. Visitors are requested to park their vehicles only at designated parking areas.

To help the public, traffic signboards and parking guidance flex boards have been installed along the routes leading to the venue. The police have urged commuters and visitors to follow these instructions to ensure smooth traffic movement.

Designated Parking Locations

•    Urwa Market Ground – Cars
•    Gandhinagar Government School (near Press Club) – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Ladyhill Church parking area – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Canara School Ground, Mannagudda – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Thimmappa Hotel premises – Two-wheelers and cars
•    Scout and Guide Bhavana premises (behind Karavali Utsava Grounds) – Two-wheelers
•    Urwa Market Road – Two-wheelers
•    Hat Hill Road – Two-wheelers

The police have appealed to the public to cooperate by following traffic rules and parking guidelines to avoid inconvenience during the festival.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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