Govt protecting 'traitors' among Muslims, alleges Eshwarappa

Bengaluru, Nov 19: Former Deputy CM and BJP MLC KS Eshwarappa has charged that the State government was giving protection to those Muslims who are “traitors.”

“There are good persons among Muslims too. We have a lot of respect for personalities such as former president Abdul Kalam. But in the Shivamogga programme, some Muslims had come to the event holding machetes. By the time the event concluded, one person was done to death. A similar incident happened in Madikeri too,” he said.

He was apparently referring to the PFI programme held in Shivamogga in February this year and the Tipu Jayanti held in Madikeri on November 10. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Eshwarappa said this in the Council while making a preliminary submission on an adjournment motion his party sought to move over ‘deteriorating law and order situation’ in the State in the recent times.

The BJP leader, who is known for whipping up controversies, said that “In the name of Tipu Jayanti, it was the State government which instigated communal tension. The problem was created by those who had come from Kerala. It is the State government which is instigating traitors to indulge in riots,” he charged.

He said the chief minister had stated that D Kuttappa, a VHP member, died as he fell down in Madikeri during the Tipu Jayanti celebrations. But later, the victim’s family was given Rs five lakh compensation by the chief minister. Two persons were arrested in connection with the incident. “If Kuttappa had a fatal fall, why pay the compensation? Why make the arrests,” he demanded.

He said that three rape cases had been reported in Bengaluru in a span of one month. A murder took place in the Mangaluru prison. A youth, who tried to stop the cattle transport, was hacked to death in Moodbidri. A sub-inspector was stabbed to death by thieves, he pointed out.

Continuing his tirade against the government, the BJP MLC said that illegal sand mining was continuing unabated in Mysuru district. A senior police officer has expressed his helplessness in stopping it on the grounds that members of influential family were involved, he added.

Referring to Prof M M Kalburgi murder, Eshwarappa said the Governor on November 7 had written to the chief minister seeking a report on the murder and also the twin murders in the Mangaluru jail. The report should have been submitted within three days. He wondered whether the government had replied to the governor.

Raising objection to Eshwarappa’s arguments, Home Minister G Parameshwara said, “What is the meaning of saying that the government is protecting traitors? His comments should be removed from the records.” He requested the Chair.

However, Chairman D H Shankaramurthy said,” I have not noticed his comments. I will look into them.” Eshwarappa continued to defend his stand, saying he was only mentioning about “traitor” Muslims.

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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.

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