J R Lobo attempts damage control after ‘communal’ remark

[email protected] (CD Network)
February 21, 2017

Mangaluru, Feb 21: Congress leader and Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo has attempted to convince the party leaders and Muslim groups in the coastal city that he had not intended to hurt any community in his recent Shivaji jayanti speech, which sparked a communal controversy.

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Speaking on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti in the city on February 19, Mr Lobo had quoted a controversial couplet of Shivaji’s court Kavi Bhushan, who apparently had a negative opinion about his contemporary Mughal rulers and Muslims.

Kavi Bhushan’s controversial Braj Bhasha (a Western Hindi dialect) couplet reads: Kashiji ki Kalaa Jaati, Mathura Masjid hoti/ Shiavaji na hote tho sunnat hoti sabki (Had not there been Shivaji, Kashi would have lost its culture, Mathura would have been turned into a mosque and all would have been circumcised).

Several Muslim activists in Mangaluru had strongly criticized Mr Lobo and accused him of trying to instigate animosity between communities in a communally sensitive city, by quoting such provocative couplets.

Brushing aside the allegation, Mr Lobo, who is also the chairman of state legislative backward class and minority welfare committee, said that for him people of all communities including Hindus and Muslims are equal and that he respects both mosques and temples.

“It was not my personal view. I had just quoted a poet. If anyone is hurt or annoyed by my speech, then I don’t hesitate to apologize. However, I did not hurt anyone intentionally,” he clarified.

Comments

sam
 - 
Wednesday, 22 Feb 2017

This man is acting as particular community's MLA, n not for all mangaloreans from the beginning, but ppl of Mangalore came to know his real face n will take necessary action in forthcoming election. He is good for his own community's few ppl.

Bopanna
 - 
Tuesday, 21 Feb 2017

Nothing wrong in what Mr.Lobo said

Mohammed
 - 
Tuesday, 21 Feb 2017

Myself a Congress follower but to be frank, I know JRB since he was a commissioner at MCC, he not in any favourable to Muslims,

Shaad
 - 
Tuesday, 21 Feb 2017

Tippu Sultan did the right thing. He may have killed some British supporters who was against India. Unfortunate that some escaped and as a result some hatemongers still living.

Shaad
 - 
Tuesday, 21 Feb 2017

He doesnt know that There was no Sringeri if Tippu not respond.
Shivaji was good ruler and Muslims leaders was holding all the position in his cabinet even his personal body gaurd was an Muslim.
Shivaji itself invaded many temples for wealth even Mughals doesnt and these RSS and Vatican thugs picturising Shivvaji as communal.

Shaad
 - 
Tuesday, 21 Feb 2017

Lucky Tippu Sultan was in Mysore, otherwise whole Mangalore would have gone to Firangis and their grand children.

His ancestors supported British against Tippu and still holding all properties in heart of Mangalore by l****ng british boots.
Even cemetary located in heart of city with acres.

Shaad
 - 
Tuesday, 21 Feb 2017

He showed his real face and trying to impress Sanghis. Does Congress need this kind of people? Day Congress and Night RSS.

He knows that doesn't need Muslim vote and eye on Sanghis and Hindus along with his Vatican tribes will reach winning margin.

manjunath
 - 
Tuesday, 21 Feb 2017

whats there to create ,its already created .

Shahul
 - 
Tuesday, 21 Feb 2017

Mr. Lobo you should apologize to the muslim community by hurting their feelings. In your speech you quoted the controversial couplet to appease certain community for vote bank politics.

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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 17,2025

melkar1.jpg

Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has issued a high-alert warning to vehicle owners regarding a surge in cyber fraud targeting those looking to pay traffic violation fines. Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting recent government discount schemes on traffic penalties to deceive citizens.

The Scam: How Fraudsters Strike

Criminals are using SMS, WhatsApp, and social media to circulate suspicious links and APK files (Android application packages). They claim these apps allow users to pay e-challans at a discount.

•    Device Hacking: Downloading these unauthorized apps gives hackers full access to the victim's smartphone.

•    Financial Theft: Once the phone is compromised, fraudsters intercept OTPs and personal data to drain bank accounts.

•    Phishing Sites: Fake websites mimicking official portals are also being used to harvest banking credentials.

Already, two residents within Mangaluru city limits have reported significant financial losses after falling victim to these fraudulent apps.

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