Eshwarappa's brigade holds massive convention amidst BJP boycott

[email protected] (CD Network)
October 2, 2016

Haveri, Oct 2: In spite of boycott by Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, the first formal convention of the Sangolli Rayanna Brigade held on Saturday in Haveri attracted thousands of dalits and backward class people.

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“It is just a beginning,” said K S Eshwarappa, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and the brain behind this so called apolitical brigade, while addressing the gathering at the Municipal High School Ground, K S Eshwarappa. “We will show the strength of the oppressed and exploited at the mega convention at Koodalasangama on January 26,” he added.

Following instructions from Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa, the Haveri district BJP chief Shivaraj Sajjan and former minister C?M?Udasi had asked party leaders not to attend the programme. Hence, other than Eshwarappa loyalist Somanna Bevinamarada and Brigade president K?Virupakshappa, no leader of significance attended the rally.

After speeches by leaders of different communities, the former Minister S.A. Ravindranath, HINDA leader K. Mukudappa, State president of the brigade K. Virupakshappa, Somanna Bevinamarad, MLC, and others, Mr. Eshwarappa clarified that the convention aimed at strengthening the BJP. He expressed the confidence that it would help the party get at least 30 to 40 seats alone with the support of the backward classes and Dalits.

Elaborating on the objective of the brigade, Mr. Eshwarappa said that it was meant to provide justice to the oppressed who were treated as a vote bank by the Congress.

“Congress leaders were under the impression that with the former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa opposing the convention, the BJP would be another divided house and the convention would not attract many people. However, the participation of people in the convention has disappointed the Congress,” he said.

Taking a dig at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for failing to initiate works of the Social Welfare Department, he said that the Chief Minister should apologise to the people of the State. “Even six months after presenting the budget, no action plan has been prepared. The Chief Minister still has time to rectify his mistakes.”

Mr. Eshwarappa said that the plan was to get Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the convention of the brigade in the run-up to the next Assembly elections in 2018.

Although religious heads attended the convention, Mr. Eshwarappa claimed that several seers of mutts of the oppressed classes had extended support to the brigade. The former police officer Sangram Singh, the former Minister Sogadu Shivanna, the former MLAs Jagadish Metagud, and Nemiraj Nayak, and former bureaucrat S. Puttaswamy were present.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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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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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 20,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 20: City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has issued a high-alert warning to vehicle owners regarding a surge in cyber fraud targeting those looking to pay traffic violation fines. Fraudsters are reportedly exploiting recent government discount schemes on traffic penalties to deceive citizens.

The Scam: How Fraudsters Strike

Criminals are using SMS, WhatsApp, and social media to circulate suspicious links and APK files (Android application packages). They claim these apps allow users to pay e-challans at a discount.

•    Device Hacking: Downloading these unauthorized apps gives hackers full access to the victim's smartphone.

•    Financial Theft: Once the phone is compromised, fraudsters intercept OTPs and personal data to drain bank accounts.

•    Phishing Sites: Fake websites mimicking official portals are also being used to harvest banking credentials.

Already, two residents within Mangaluru city limits have reported significant financial losses after falling victim to these fraudulent apps.

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