Former Mayor Ashraf files nomination from Mangaluru to take on U T Khader

Mangaluru, Apr 24: Former Mangaluru Mayor K Ashraf, who is known for playing Muslim card in politics, on Tuesday filed nomination papers for May 12 Karnataka assembly polls from Mangaluru (erstwhile Ullal) constituency.

Mr Ashraf, who recently quit Congress and formally joined the Janata Dal (Secular) a couple of months ago, had in fact sought ticket from Mangaluru City South constituency, which is currently represented by Congress leader J R Lobo.

However, JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy wanted to field a Muslim candidate in Mangaluru constituency to defeat U T Khader, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.

According to sources, Mr Kumaraswamy wanted to field Abdul Rauf Puthige, the state general secretary of JD(S) from Mangaluru. However, Mr Puthige’s reluctance to contest in Magnaluru, forced Mr Kumaraswamy to field Mr Ashraf, who is also a critic fo Mr Khader.

Political observers believe that Mr Ashraf’s candidature would help BJP candidate in the constituency as the former is likely to snatch at least a few hundred Muslim votes from Congress.

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Rasheed Bhai......... No individual is above the Nation. Personal attitudes will not damage the whole NATION and its CONSTITUTION. But a Political Party as a whole can make a difference to the NATION. Being a citizen of INDIA, just evaluate the Nation under BJP rule and CONGRESS rule you will get your ANSWER. Thank God.... your family is safe and secure, but think about those families who were the victims of BJP workers. The intolerance in last 4 years has gone from bad to worse. For God's sake, please keep your difference away especially for this State election and for upcoming General Election in Year 2019. All the best to all the Kannadigas and lets give another chance to CONGRESS to keep the injurious political party BJP much far away.

i think muslims should vote for Ashraf . attitudes of U.T is dangerous than bjp , he is selfish , his last five years attitudes shows he may sell entire community for his personel gains... such candidates should be defeated ....

improve ullal means..... he had not done anytihng to his own place then how we can trust him that he will develop karnataka/India........ i am not anti congress dear. but those who did not work for the welfare of the society should not win this election.... anyone maybe...... staying as loyal, honest, visiting funeral is not that he is good MLA or Minister.......

Abbu , what is your thinking brother, to improve ullal, you will vote against congress, really sad with your thinking , thing about India and people of Bharat , if you divide vote against the situation will be same , vote congress to get good results

use common sense please dont vote any muslims indipendent candidate, vote only congress

Some selfish and jealous people are trying to misguide the community. Instead of supporting and guiding the community to the unity, they try to divide just because of their selfish motives. Community should be very vigilant and aware of what is happening. While all secular forces trying hard to stop this Communal party, this kind of selfish people are trying to divide. They harm the community indirectly. Its better not to give an opportunity to our enemy rather than harming our own community. So be aware of this kind of selfish people. Its very easy for all political parties to be communal but secular parties are struggling. Instead of supporting secular parties, these selfish people trying to divide the votes. Very bad. Need to reject him outright.

Under the current state of affairs, we need to think about the whole KARNATAKA STATE and our great nation "INDIA". This JD(S) candidate is BJP's agent and they are not bother about our STATE & NATION. Even though if he win election this time, I can challenge he will never improve ULLAL. He will just fill his pocket and share few penny to BJP. Let all the Kannadigas be SMART and vote for CONGRESS - because the current situation in INDIA had forced all the MUSLIMS to vote only CONGRESS. We all should think that its CONGRESS V/S BJP only. No other parties should exists at this moment of time. Lets build a very strong and smart INDIA.

better vote all muslims for ashraf ... then how there will be vote divide..... UT khadar has not done anything to improve his place ullal

Good news for BJP

If you vote for Ashraf it is like voting for BJP. Do you want Modi and Amit Shah to win?

Be smart and don't vote for Ashraf

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Wings over Mangaluru: 12th Karnataka bird festival takes flight at Pilikula

News Network

January 8,2026

Mangaluru: The pristine landscapes of Pilikula Nisargadhama are set to become a haven for avian enthusiasts as the 12th edition of the Karnataka Bird Festival (popularly known as Hakki Habba) kicks off this Friday. Organized by the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board in collaboration with the Forest Department, the three-day event (January 9–11) aims to pivot the state’s tourism narrative from "tiger-centric" to a more inclusive appreciation of its diverse winged inhabitants.

A Majestic Mascot for Coastal Conservation

This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the White-bellied Sea Eagle, a formidable raptor of the coastal skies, which has been designated as the festival’s official mascot. Board Chairperson Shalet Pinto emphasized that the choice highlights the region's unique maritime biodiversity and the urgent need for environmental protection through sustainable eco-tourism.

Global Knowledge, Local Roots

The festival will be officially inaugurated by Eshwar B. Khandre, Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment. Beyond the spectacle, the event serves as a critical bridge between seasoned naturalists and the next generation.

Anthony Mariappa, DCF of the Mangaluru Division, noted that the festival is designed as an "outreach and knowledge-sharing powerhouse." More than 180 students from six prestigious colleges, including St. Aloysius and Mangalore University, will trade their classrooms for the field, gaining hands-on experience in bird spotting and documentation.

The "Big Twelve": Habitats Under the Lens

Ornithologists and participants will fan out across twelve strategically identified locations representing four distinct ecosystems:

•   Wetlands: Kenjar, Kavoor, Polali, and Jokatte.
•   Forest Patches: Pilikula and Mangalore University campus.
•   Shorelines: Mukka and Sasihitlu.
•   Estuaries: Bettampady.

With over 420 species recorded in the Dakshina Kannada district—including 40 migratory visitors—this edition of the Bird Festival promises to be a milestone in documenting India's western flyway.

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