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 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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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 19,2025

Mangaluru: In a decisive move to tackle the city’s deteriorating sanitation infrastructure, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has announced a massive ₹1,200 crore action plan to overhaul its underground drainage (UGD) network.

The initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV, aims to bridge "missing links" in the current system that have left residents grappling with overflowing sewage and environmental hazards.

The Breaking Point

The announcement follows a high-intensity phone-in session on Thursday, where the DC was flooded with grievances from frustrated citizens. Residents, including Savithri from Yekkur, described a harrowing reality: raw sewage from apartments leaking into stormwater drains, creating a "permanent stink" and turning residential zones into mosquito breeding grounds.

"We are facing immense difficulties due to the stench and the health risks. Local officials have remained silent until now," one resident reported during the session.

The Strategy: A Six-Year Vision

DC Darshan HV confirmed that the proposed plan is not a temporary patch but a comprehensive six-year roadmap designed to accommodate Mangaluru’s projected population growth. Key highlights of the plan include:

•    Infrastructure Expansion: Laying additional pipelines to connect older neighborhoods to the main grid.

•    STP Crackdown: Stricter enforcement of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) regulations. While new apartments are required to have functional STPs, many older buildings lack them entirely, and several newer units are reportedly non-functional.

•    Budgetary Push: The plan has already been discussed with the district in-charge minister and the Secretary of the Urban Development Department. It is slated for formal presentation in the upcoming state budget.

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