Conflict between Dalit leaders delays Karnataka cabinet expansion

News Network
August 24, 2017

Bengaluru, Aug 24: Intense lobbying from two groups of Dalit community has forced Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to delay the Karnataka cabinet expansion. The ruling Congress is said to be in a dilemma on whether to provide ministerial berth to left or right wing of the Dalit community.

Though the high command had approved a list of names for filling up the vacancies in the council of ministers last week, it was later forced to hold it back following pressure from Dalit leaders belonging to both the groups. Leaders belonging to the two groups are said to be lobbying hard to get a ministerial berth. The chief minister was planning to expand the ministry early this week. But, it is likely to happen only next week, sources in the state Congress said.

Currently, there are three vacancies in the council of ministers. The vacancies have been created due to the death of H S Mahadeva Prasad and resignation of H Y Meti and G Parameshwara. The late Mahadeva Prasad was a Linagayat; Meti a Kuruba; and Parameshwara, a Dalit. While names of K Shadakshari, MLA for Tiptur and H M Revanna (MLC) have been finalised under the Lingayat and the Kuruba quotas respectively, candidate under the Dalit quota is yet to be finalised, the sources said.

The sources said Siddaramaiah had proposed MLC R B Thimmapur’s name under the Dalit quota to the high command. Thimmapur belongs to Dalit left wing.

A section of Dalit (right) leaders is of the view that Parameshwara belongs to Dalit right wing and hence, the vacancy created by his resignation should be filled up with a leader from the same wing. Even Parameshwara, who is also the KPCC president, is said to be in favour of this argument. He is said to be backing former minister Motamma (who belongs to Dalit right wing) for a Cabinet berth. Malavalli MLA and former minister P M Narendraswamy is also said to be in the race, the sources added.

Leaders belonging to Dalit left wing are arguing that both the left and the right wings should be given equal representation in the council of ministers: There are two ministers who are Dalit (right), H C Mahadevappa and Priyank Kharge, while H Anjaneya is the lone minister from the Dalit left wing. Former Union minister and Kolar MP K H Muniyappa has taken up the cause of Dalit left wing, the sources said.

When contacted, Motamma said it is not proper to differentiate between the right and the left. Opportunity should be given to those who are loyal to the party and have good experience.

On seeking his reaction on the issue, AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal said there is no confusion between the two groups. The chief minister has submitted a list to the party top brass and they will take a decision soon, he added.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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News Network
December 5,2025

Mangaluru: In a significant step to curb online hate and intimidation, Mangaluru City Police have registered a suo motu case against multiple Instagram accounts accused of circulating alleged provocative and threatening content.

While monitoring social media activity on Tuesday, Kankanady Town PSI Anitha Nikkam identified the Instagram handle ‘team_targetttt_900’ for posting a hate message alongside images of lethal weapons. Another account, ‘team_nagara_900’, allegedly shared a threatening post targeting activist Bharath Kumdelu, tagging additional pages such as KARAVALI-OFFICIAL.

Several other accounts — including ‘immu_bhai.fan’, ‘target_boy_900’, ‘kings_of_manglore’, ‘team_target_boys.900’, ‘arshad_mangalore’, ‘target_ka19_ullal’, ‘team_target__’, ‘troll_tigersz_900’, ‘tr_group_900’, and ‘team_target_900’ — are also under scrutiny for spreading similar inflammatory material, police said.

Authorities have urged citizens, especially young social media users, to report suspicious pages and avoid engaging with groups that glorify violence or threaten individuals. Online hate can quickly escalate into real-world harm, and police stress that sharing or promoting such content can attract legal consequences.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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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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