I am not an atheist, but I am against superstitions: Siddaramiah

February 22, 2016

Mysuru, Feb 22: Declining to describe himself as an "atheist", Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said he has been "branded" as a non-believer due to his stand against superstitious practices.

"I am not an atheist, because, even before I joined school, I was made to practice Veera Makkala Kunita (a traditional folk dance), so I had to perform in front of temple on all festivities. How can I be atheist then?" Siddaramaiah asked.

"One thing that I have adapted in my life is to look at everything scientifically and thoughtfully," Siddaramaiah said in his address at the valedictory function of Kumbhmela at T Narasipura near here.

Claiming that he was not against beliefs, the Chief Minister said, "I am against superstition and superstitious practices."

"So, whenever I spoke against certain things, some people have branded me as an atheist, and said I was against religion and beliefs."

Reiterating that he was not an atheist, Siddaramaiah said he visits temples and believes that there is one god.

"I go to Tirupati, also to Mahadeshwara Betta (Shrine of Mahadeshwara Swamy in Chamarajanagara district), but I don't go in search of specific temples for salvation," he said.

"I believe that god is everywhere and he is one, but I don't believe that one can attain salvation by visiting god in remote areas of Himalayas," he added.

Earlier too Siddaramaiah had clarified on the issue while reacting to a legislator's comment in the Assembly last year.

"I never said I was an atheist. This doesn't mean I visit temples every day with camphor and coconut in hand," he had said.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

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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