High probability of first SDPI legislator entering Karnataka Assembly

coastaldigest.com news network
February 7, 2018

The Social Democratic Party of India, which had only succeeded in contributing to the vote split in a few constancies in 2013 legislative assembly polls in Karnataka, is now making all possible efforts to make a greater impact in the state and register victory at least in one of the minority strongholds.

The Muslim dominant party, which portrays itself as the voice of Ahinda communities, is yet to formally announce its poll plans and list of candidates for the looming assembly polls. However, the party has confirmed the candidacy of its state general secretary Abdul Majeed K H, who had finished second in 2013 polls at Narasimharaja constituency of Mysuru district. Sources say that the Abdul Majeed, who hails from Kodagu’s Kodlipete, had begun preparations for the 2018 polls, the very next day of his defeat five years ago.

Earlier known as Mysore North, the Narasimharaja constituency is comprised of ward number 44 to 60, 64 and 65 of Mysuru City Corporation. In fact the constituency is a bastion of Ahinda communities (minorities, backward classes and Dalits). The Muslim votes always played a decisive role here since the first election in 1952. 

Tanveer Sait, the Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, has been representing the constituency in the assembly for 16 years following the demise of his father Azeez Sait in December 2001. Senior Sait’s death had led to a feud in his family as his grandson (Tanveer Sait’s nephew) Tariq Sait campaigned for the Janata Dal (Secular) candidate E Maruthi Rao Pawar in the 2002 by-election. However, Tanveer Sait managed to defeat Pawar by a margin of over 10,000 votes. In 2004 state election Sait defeated same candidate by a margin of 20,000 votes. In the 2008 Sait beat S Nagaraju alias Sandesh of JD(S) by about 6,000 votes. 

Sait retained the seat again in the 2013 with a victory margin of 8,370 votes in a constituency with 2.11 lakh voters, which recorded a polling of 54.7% and a total of 1,15,764 valid votes. Interestingly, his nearest rival was political novice SDPI’s Abdul Majeed who secured 29,667 votes. JD(S) candidate Sandesh Swamy aka Sathish bagged 29,180 votes while BJP’s B P Manjunath got only 12,443 votes. There were a total 16 candidates in the fray including nine Muslims, some of who were allegedly fielded by JD(S) and BJP for vote split.

Prior to Tanveer Sait, his father had registered six victories in the constituency between 1967 and 1999. In 1985 Mukthar-unisa Begum was elected from Narasimharaja as the senior Sait was elected to the Lok Sabha from Dharwad South the previous year. In 1994 Sait tasted a defeat at the hands of E Maruthi Rao Pawar, who was then a BJP candidate. 

Rumours are doing the rounds that Tanveer Sait, who is riding on a severe anti-incumbency wave, may refrain from contesting this time. If sources are to be believed, the Congress may also field a Dalit candidate who can attract both Dalit and moderate Muslim votes. Political pundits believe that if the voters’ turnout crosses 85% the strategy of Congress may yield a positive result and if the turnout dips below 60% SDPI may spring a surprise.

The SDPI cadres have in fact been engaged in poll campaign in the constituency since June 2017. The party has set up ‘contact centres’ across the constituency to reach-out to the people. Everyday, separate teams of SDPI activists begin their campaign after Fajr prayers. They visit various wards, interact with the people and seek their support. Already three wards in this constituency are represented by SDPI corporators. Abdul Majeed says that he is confident of victory.

On the other hand, the JD(S) and BJP have not yet finalised their candidates. While, Sandesh Swamy, who had finished third in 2013, is hopeful of getting JD(S) ticket again, a former Congress leader who recently changed the party is also reportedly lobbying for the ticket. The saffron has nearly a dozen ticket aspirants in the constituency including Maruthi Rao Pawar, returned from JD(S) after a couple of years ago, B M Nataraj, R Raveendra Kumar, Premkumar and HG Giridhar.

Comments

Mohammed
 - 
Friday, 27 Apr 2018

Vote either to SDPI or congress. They both have formed coalition.But think twice before giving ur vote to JDS, it may form coalition with BJP as it did in the previous time

abdul
 - 
Monday, 19 Feb 2018

Maa shaa Allah,

 

It's already confirmed in NR that Next MLA is Abdul Majeed Mysore form SDPI.

sajid Bolar
 - 
Sunday, 18 Feb 2018

BJP is winning - Congress - SDPI - JDS for 2,3,4th places

 

Just save this 

 

 

Ahmed
 - 
Thursday, 8 Feb 2018

Yes SDPI has good chances of Winning NR as I have seen around here SDPI members are working more than any other party's, And as traditional Supporter of Congress I Have not voted for SDPI last time Surely even I was thinking SDPI will hardly get 10 to 15K votes but the result surprised me and this time  in My friend circle what I can say is we are going to Vote for SDPI. Not Bcz we are Congress Haters but we think someone else also should get a chance Bcz Sait Saab has done very little we are still last in many thinks.Just google NR development works you can see Chamudeshwari has grown lot then US in a few years of time.anthore Important think i want to mention is all Anti Tanveer sait votes which last time JDS did take will go to SDPI, So I strongly belive that SDPI has a good chance of winning.

 

 

Abu Muhammad
 - 
Thursday, 8 Feb 2018

Dear Shaji, it is NOT the responsibility of ONLY Sdpi, MIM and Muslims to stop ANTI-NATIONALS & Communals taking power. Let the SECULAR parties and Congress, secular Hindus join with us too to defeat Fascists. SDPI is sure of winning atleast 4 seats in Karnataka, let JDS, Congress help the nation by NOT fielding their candidates here. This is true participative democracy.

shaji
 - 
Thursday, 8 Feb 2018

My sincere request to SDPI to contest only if they have 100 percent sure to win.   If not, it will split the votes and anti national +_ communalist party will gain.   Our votes should not be divided + wasted.   SDPI should coordinate with other parties except bjp to fight and keep away communal party.   We should have common opponent.   Please dont help the hate mongers and trouble makers.   My same sincere request with Owaisi also.   You should coordinate with other parties and come to a agreement.   dont contest without agreement thereby giving benefit to anti national + communal party.  

Abu Muhammad
 - 
Thursday, 8 Feb 2018

 

SDPI - Pls take MYSOREAN comment in 100% POSITIVE way and as a WARNING. God forbid, if the scenario is as he said, what should be our plan from the scratch, let us concentrate here. Our political opponents use all gimmicks to stop us reaching our goal. Untill the last hour of voting we neither stop nor relax from our work. Above all, it is God who grants victory!!

S. M. Nawaz Ku…
 - 
Thursday, 8 Feb 2018

This time amam al going to Mysore for SDPI election campaign

 

SDPI only hope for social changes for all communities

 

Learn politics and comment, better dont think congress will be leading muslims anyware. They just, use us as a vote bank. This time, in kar minorities have gained enough political knowledge and they know what is the need of karnataka

Abu afhaam
 - 
Wednesday, 7 Feb 2018

Nicely analysed, comments by mysorean shows us that he dont even have basic knwldg. How come 90% ??? So, better understand what is poll turnout. SDPI politics is for cause and not for career. This election you will understand what is sdpi's future. Mysorean for SDPI

Mysorean
 - 
Wednesday, 7 Feb 2018

Meaningless analysis. Am 200% sure that SDPI will not win. In 2013 Majeed kodipete got second place just because voters turnout was very less. This time voters turnout will cross 90% and for sure Tanveer Sait will win with a huge margin of 40 thousand votes. SDPI will lose deposit.

Indian
 - 
Wednesday, 7 Feb 2018

Political awareness is need of the hour for all communities. When common people become politically aware communal outfits will not will polls. In a country like India we need parties and leaders that represent all sections of people and care for all – minorities and majorities – without any differentiation. But, will it happen in India?

Putukosi
 - 
Wednesday, 7 Feb 2018

Hahaha. If BJP falls short of one candidate to form government after election then SDPI will definitely get home minister’s post.

Sinan Jubail
 - 
Wednesday, 7 Feb 2018

Good analysis by CD. Finally media has recognized the growth of SDPI.

Indrajit P
 - 
Wednesday, 7 Feb 2018

Yes. SDPI may enter Karnataka Assembly this time from Narasimharaja. Communal outfits naturally grow rapidly in turbulent times. The example of BJP, which hardly had a handful of seats three decades ago in India, is before us. Yes. Communalism has future in India. But there is no future for India if it fails to defeat communalism.

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News Network
January 20,2026

DGP.jpg

Karnataka DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement) K Ramachandra Rao was suspended with immediate effect, as per a state government order issued on Monday, 19 January. The order cited conduct unbecoming of a government servant and causing embarrassment to the state administration.

The Karnataka government suspended Rao after a purported video showed him in a compromising position with a woman inside his official chamber. The video went viral on social media. Rao rejected the videos outright, terming them "fabricated and false".

Who is K Ramachandra Rao?

Rao is a DGP-rank officer who was heading the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement until his suspension. He was promoted to DGP in September 2023 and assumed office in October 2023, the Sunday Guardian reported.

He also served as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.

His stint as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Southern Range was also marred by controversy. In 2014, during a cash seizure near Mysuru’s Yelwal, officials claimed the seized amount was ₹20 lakh, while the accused (Kerala-based merchants) claimed it was around ₹2.27 crore.

Rao, who was present during the seizure, denied all allegations. However, he was transferred soon after.

Allegations of collusion with a businessman surfaced, and a senior police officer was quoted by The Sunday Guardian as saying, “In Rao’s case, the CID has clearly mentioned that there was a great degree of lapse on the part of Rao and a deputy superintendent of police after it was brought to their notice that a few policemen, including a gunman attached to the IGP, were involved in the robbery.”

Rao had denied all wrongdoing in that incident. Despite past controversies, he rose to the state’s top police position, the Sunday Guardian reported.

Ranya Rao’s stepfather

Rao is the stepfather of Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya alias Ranya Rao, accused of orchestrating the illegal import of gold worth over ₹12.56 crore from Dubai to India along with two others — businessman Tarun Raju, and jewellery dealer Sahil Jain.

‘Obscene video’ controversy

A viral video showed Rao behaving inappropriately with a woman inside his office while in uniform.

The Karnataka government said in its Monday order that “vide videos and news reports widely broadcast on public news channels and media platforms, it is observed that Dr K Ramachandra Rao has acted in an obscene manner which is unbecoming of a Government Servant and also causing embarrassment to the Government.”

The order said the matter was examined by the state government, which found that the officer's conduct amounted to a violation of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

The government said it is prima facie satisfied that "it is necessary to place Rao under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry".

During the suspension period, Rao will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per Rule 4 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.

The order also places restrictions on his movement, stating that during the period of suspension, the officer must not leave headquarters under any circumstances without the written permission of the state government.

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coastaldigest.com news network
January 19,2026

rizwanzameer.jpg

Bengaluru: As the dust settles on the recent legislative session, the corridors of Vidhana Soudha are buzzing with more than just policy talk. A high-stakes game of political musical chairs has begun, exposing a deepening rift within the Congress party’s Muslim leadership as a major Cabinet reshuffle looms.

With the party hierarchy signaling a "50% refresh" to gear up for the 2028 Assembly elections, the race to fill three projected Muslim ministerial berths has transformed from a strategic discussion into an all-out turf war.

The "Star Son" Spark

The internal friction turned public this week following provocative remarks by Zaid Khan, actor and son of Wakf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan. Zaid’s claim—that his father "helped" secure a ticket for Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad in 2023—has acted as a lightning rod for resentment.

Rizwan’s camp was quick to fire back, dismissing the comment as a desperate attempt by Zameer to manufacture seniority. "Rizwan’s political pedigree was forged in the NSUI and Youth Congress long before Zameer even stepped into the party," a supporter noted, highlighting Rizwan’s tenure as an AICC secretary and his two-term presidency of the State Youth Congress.

A Tale of Two Loyalists

While both Zameer Ahmed Khan and Rizwan Arshad are staunch allies of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and represent Bengaluru strongholds, their political DNA could not be more different:

•    Zameer Ahmed Khan: A four-time MLA who crossed over from JD(S) in 2018. Known for his "overzealous" and often polarizing outreach during communal flashpoints—from the DJ Halli riots to the recent Wakf land notice controversy—his style has frequently left the Congress high command in a state of "discomfort."

•    Rizwan Arshad: A homegrown organizational man. Seen as a "quiet performer," Arshad represents the sophisticated, moderate face of the party, preferred by those who find Zameer’s brand of politics too volatile.

The Outsiders Looking In

The bickering isn't limited to a duo. The "Beary" community, represented by leaders like N A Haris and Saleem Ahmed, is demanding its pound of flesh. Saleem Ahmed, the Chief Whip in the Legislative Council, has dropped the veil of diplomacy, openly declaring his ministerial aspirations.

"I was the only working president not included in the Cabinet last time," Saleem noted pointedly, signaling that the "loyalty quota" is no longer enough to keep the peace.

As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah prepares to finalize the list, he faces a delicate balancing act: rewarding the aggressive grassroots mobilization of Zameer’s camp without alienating the organizational stalwarts and minority sub-sects who feel increasingly sidelined by the "Chamarajpet-Shivajinagar" binary.

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News Network
January 20,2026

Mangaluru: In a major step towards strengthening rural innovation, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India is supporting the establishment of RuTAGe Smart Village Centres (RSVCs) across the country through collaborations with academic institutions, civil society organisations and philanthropic partners.

As part of this national initiative, Nitte (Deemed to be University) will set up the first RSVCs in the region at Nitte GP in Udupi district and at the Nitte Health Centre, Sevanjali Trust, Farangipete, in Dakshina Kannada district. The centres will be inaugurated on January 21. In South India, the programme is being implemented by the Section Infin-8 Foundation (SI-8).

Speaking to reporters on Monday, SI-8 founder-director Vishwas US said experts from Nitte University and SI-8 would work closely with farmers, students, youth and local entrepreneurs to adapt and deploy technologies tailored to local needs.

Project head Prof Iddya Karunasagar, representing Nitte DU, said the RSVCs at Nitte and Farangipete would serve as demonstration hubs for a wide range of agriculture, energy, skill-development and assistive technologies. These include solar dryers for fruits, vegetables and crops; soil-testing solutions; power weeders and women-friendly farm tools; wind-powered devices for rural artisans; grain storage systems; grass-cutting and tree-climbing equipment; and liquid fertiliser production using cowshed waste.

SI-8 CEO Aravind C Kumar said the centres would also provide access to digital and knowledge-based platforms such as ISRO applications, government scheme portals, market linkage tools and gamified learning resources, along with assistive technologies for persons with visual impairments.

Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, Principal Scientific Adviser Prof Ajay Kumar Sood said it demonstrated how applied research could bridge the rural–urban divide and help create self-reliant, technology-enabled villages.

The initiative has been made possible through philanthropic support from Dr NC Murthy of ACM Business Solutions, LLC, USA. Dr Sapna Poti, Director (Strategic Alliances) at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, said the long-term objective is to build self-sufficient, technology-driven communities capable of generating sustainable livelihoods on their own.

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