Despite defeated by Sonia in Ballari, Sushma strengthened BJP in Karnataka

coastaldigest.com web desk

August 7, 2019

Newsroom, Aug 7: Bharatiya Janata Party stalwart and former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who passed away last night, had a strong Karnataka connection. She had played a key role in the rise of the saffron party in this south Indian state.

It all started in 1999, when Sonia Gandhi contested the Lok Sabha election. She filed her nomination from two constituencies—Ballari in Karnataka, and the Gandhi family seat of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP fielded Swaraj, the in-house orator and poster child for the “adarsh bharatiya nari"—an ideal Indian woman. The contest was a fiery one and soon became a battle between the ‘swadeshi beti’ and ‘videshi bahu’ thanks to the media.

Even though Swara miserably lost the battle, her rigorous campaign helped the saffron party to strengthen presence in Karnataka.

Sushma’s campaign laid the foundation for a tectonic shift as the BJP breached the Congress citadel in 2004. Her campaign was managed by the three Reddy brothers.

For nearly 15 years since 1999, Sushma had made it a point to celebrate Varamahalakshmi festival every year in Ballari. When BJP came to power in Karnataka, she became the political mother of Reddy brothers of Ballari. However, this relationship did not last long.

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

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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