Muslim DC's name row: Rai slams Puttur MLA for succumbing to VHP pressure

[email protected] (CD Network)
March 16, 2016

Mangaluru, Mar 16: Senior Congress leader and Dakshina Kannada district-in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai has criticised his party colleague and Puttur MLA Shakuntala Shetty for considering removing the name of Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim as the host on an invitation card for annual festivities of a temple administered by the State government.

shakuntala

The development comes after media reports accused Ms Shetty of succumbing to the pressure from the local unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad which had raised objections to the invitation card of the annual car festival of Mahalingeshwara temple, Puttur, from April 10, bearing the name of a “Muslim” DC as the host.

“There is nothing wrong in the invitation that has been printed with A.B. Ibrahim's name. It is lack of judgement on the part of Shakuntala Shetty who has come under pressure from VHP,” Mr Rai said.

Earlier this week Ms Shetty, who was earlier with the BJP declared that she was considering bringing out a new invitation card that just indicates the designation — the Deputy Commissioner — to skirt any controversy.

“I do not want the festival to be disrupted on this issue in this communally-sensitive region,” she said.

Expressing displeasure over the controversy, Mr Ibrahim said the invitation was brought out in his capacity as the administrative head of Muzrai temples in the district.

“There is no procedural irregularity in bringing out the invitation in my name,” he said, adding that in a similar way, invitations were brought out recently for a religious event at Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, which is also under the department.

“A non-issue is being made an issue. It has really saddened me. Moreover, it has also cast a slur on the image of the region which is known for communal amity in celebrating festivals of different religions,” the DC added.

Till last year it did not become an issue as the temple had a managing committee. Owing to quashing of amendments to the Act, the Deputy Commissioner became the administrator of the temple.

Comments

IBRAHIM.HUSSAIN
 - 
Thursday, 17 Mar 2016

MLA Shakuntala Shetty was in RSS and was BJP MLA for a long time. Her blood is contaminated with RSS/BJP venom and still it survived with her. That's the reason she opposes AB Ibrahim name in the invitation letter, that was diktat of VHP/RSS of Puttur. As an Administrator for Mahabaleshwar Temple, DC name has come. No fault with AB Ibrahim.

I remember, some years back, there was rift in Jamiya Masjid, Udipi, that case was before the High Court of Karnataka. High court of Karnataka issued interim order, appointed Mr. Ashwat Narayan Gowda, ASST. Commissioner of Kundapur Revenue Department as an administrator for this institution. The Wakf Board, and two parties of Jamath did not objected for this appointment, adhered to the court order.

I think DC must stay away from this event, to avoid any un-precedent incident may take by the Saffron Goons. These people have no respect for law and order.

SAKEER
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

Al Hamdulliah, Mr. Ibrahim, Praise Allah, who protected & skipped you from doing a great sin(sHIRK). All Muslims themselves away such type shirk celebrations.

May Allah Guide us on right path.

SAKEER
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

Al Hamdulliah, Mr. Ibrahim, do not be sad, you praise Allah, who (Allah) saved you through rival group, away from commiting a biggest sin (Shirk). Muslims should not participate any shirk events. May Allah guied us on right path and protect from any shirk.

Suleman
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

It shows how people disrespect the guest.\Atiti Devo Bhava\" preaching religion did 'U' turn. Why did they invite him? I request DC not to attend such non sense festival and waste time. Instead spend more on the sensible works. God bless you."

Suleman
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

It shows how people disrespect the guest.\Atiti Devo Bhava\" preaching religion did 'U' turn. Why did they invite him? I request DC not to attend such non sense festival and waste time. Instead spend more on the sensible works. God bless you."

Mootharapathi
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

Mr.RAI

You are already Succumbed to VHP after Elected ....as you didnt arrest Kalladka Bhat

Rikaz
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

Inside chaddi and outside congress....not good...camouflaged.

Siraj
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

District Congress leaders started making drama now! I don't think that she need some pressure from VHP to do so! Why only Shakuntala Shetty? There are many in the party having such a dirty communal mindset! Who suffered loss in this game? Not DC Ibrahim. Congress party's true color exposed.

Kalndar
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

If Congress Party does not take any action about Saku akka, next election we will remove her and choose One of the Great Puttur Secular Congress Leader Hemnatha Shetty kavo, also we r all congress member under to go Hemantha Shetty leadership....

zahid
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

for not only he s muslim, it may be other reason also.

Sahil
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

Mr. Rai..let sukka shetty remove his name for god sake. Leave that gentle man alone he is doing some good work for D.K. Nowdays human being of smart city just needs a reason to stage a protest. nowdays no news so they got DC in news.. All knows she is under sanghy mind so she will do wat her sangas teach her.. ITs better to remove his name and be happy.

Shaan
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

Kalandar why remove Shakuntala sheety? Rai is also hindu, he also know temple law... Congress is only playing in this issue, you people are also blindly this congress, wait and you will see what happened is.

Ahmed Yanbu
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

Please invite Mr.Mujahid Balusheri so that he can teach what Islaam is ?What will be their fate life after death? why idol worship is not allowed etc.. to the Innocent people of Puttur. Rather inviting D.C. Mainly we support the Ms.Shetty for her proposal of removing D.C Name bec of her D.C is saved from SIN. Alhumdulillah.

Kalndar
 - 
Wednesday, 16 Mar 2016

Mr Rai please remove her from Congress party, she is not secular MLA,

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 2,2025

karkala.jpg

Udupi, Dec 2: A wave of regional pride is sweeping through Udupi district as Shagun S Verma Hegde, a talented Class 9 student from Christ King English Medium High School, Karkala, has been named the captain of the Indian National Team for the Under-15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship.

Shagun holds the unique distinction of being the sole player from Karnataka selected to represent the country in the prestigious international tournament. The championship, organized by the School Games Federation, is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, China, from December 3 to 13, where Shagun will lead the national squad.

A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Shagun’s selection is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill on the court. Her journey included several rigorous rounds of selection:

•    She was the only player from Udupi district to qualify for the state-level selection camp.

•    Out of eight players from Karnataka who advanced to the national selection camp in Pune, Maharashtra, Shagun was the only one to secure a place in the final national squad.

•    The national camp saw participation from approximately 200 players, which was shortlisted to 23. Shagun not only made the final cut but was also ranked as the second-best player overall, solidifying her leadership role.

Shagun, who is the daughter of Sandesh Verma and Shruthiraj of Kallotte, Karkala, has trained under experienced coaches Santosh D’Souza, Jeevan D’Silva, Jairaj Poojary, and Ramesh. Her selection as the team captain has brought profound honour to her family, school, the Udupi district, and the entire state of Karnataka.

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News Network
December 2,2025

Puttur: The long-cherished dream of a government medical college in Puttur has moved a decisive step closer to reality, with the Karnataka State Finance Department granting its official approval for the construction of a new 300-bed hospital.

Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai announced the crucial development to reporters on Monday, confirming that the official communication from the finance department was issued on November 27. This 300-bed facility is intended to be the cornerstone for the establishment of the government medical college, a project announced in the state budget.

Fast-Track Implementation

The MLA outlined an aggressive timeline for the project:

•    A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the hospital is expected to be ready within 45 days.

•    The tender process for the construction will be completed within two months.

Following the completion of the tender process, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the project.

"Setting up a medical college in Puttur is a historical decision by the Congress government in Karnataka," Rai stated. The project has an estimated budget allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for the medical college.

Focus on Medical Education Department

The MLA highlighted a key strategic move: requesting the government to implement the hospital construction through the Medical Education Department instead of the Health and Family Welfare Department. This is intended to streamline the entire process of establishing the full medical college, ensuring the facilities—including labs, operation theatres, and other necessary infrastructure—adhere to the strict guidelines set by the Medical Council of India (MCI). The proposed site for the project is in Bannur.

Rai also took the opportunity to address political criticism, stating that the government has fulfilled its promise despite "apprehensions" and "mocking and criticising" from opposition parties who had failed to take similar initiatives when they were in power. "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has kept his word," he added.

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