Decks cleared for scam-tainted Yeddyurappa's return to BJP

Bangalore, Jan 2: Decks were today cleared for the merger of B S Yeddyurappa-led Karnataka Janata Paksha with BJP as the two parties took steps to formalise their union.

After the Karnataka BJP core committee met, state party chief Prahlad Joshi said, "There is absolute consensus (about the entry of Yeddyurappa). There is no problem.

Unanimously the state unit has decided that we have to fight (Lok Sabha) election together."

The merger moves had gathered steam in recent weeks, with Yeddyurappa giving clear indications that it was only a matter of time before his return to BJP whose state leaders also got the green signal from the party top brass.

"KJP should merge with BJP, so that unitedly we can fight, because of the division of anti-Congress vote in last Assembly elections both of us have suffered, we don't want to repeat it again," Joshi added.

KJP had garnered six seats and 10 per cent vote share in the May 8 Assembly polls playing spoiler to the then ruling BJP, which lost its first ever government in the South. KJP had failed to make a big impact as an independent force.

Noting that state unit was unanimous on induction of Yeddyurappa, Joshi said, "He has already declared that he is ready to join BJP, which state unit has whole heartedly welcomed."

To a question whether Yeddyurappa will be given any formal invitation, he said, "He has already declared that he is joining BJP, we are formally meeting (him) that's all."

On criticism by Congress and other opponents on re-induction of Yeddyurappa, Joshi said "... when allegations were made against him (Yeddyurappa) through some agency, then president of BJP and our central unit took a decision that when there are serious charges, he should not remain in position."

But, he said, the party never took a stand that he should not remain in the BJP.

To a question on delay despite unanimity on Yeddyurappa's induction, Joshi said, "Our central unit was supposed to clear all these things; yesterday it told us to formally meet and discuss his (Yeddyurappa's) re-entry into the party and merger of KJP and BJP.

"As soon as we got the clearance from the central unit, we are moving ahead."

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

Major facelift for Mangaluru's sporting heart: Mangala Stadium set for 2-month closure to upgrade synthetic track

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

Comments