Board posts: CM in trouble as ministers angry for ignoring supporters

[email protected] (CD Network)
November 26, 2014

Bengaluru, Nov 26: Even though the appointment of chairpersons to government boards and corporations in Karnataka has ended the wait for many, it has paved way for a fresh rebellion against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

According to reliable sources, as many as a dozen ministers are seething with anger and resentment against the CM for ignoring their supporters while making appointments to various state run boards and corporations.

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Going by the intensity of anger prevailing among legislators and ministers, the proposed cabinet reshuffle, which may happen any time between Thursday and December 2, may not take place at all, as the chief minister would be busy fire fighting the discontent before it engulfs the government.

It is learnt that Mr Siddaramaiah had called AICC general secretary, Mr Digvijay Singh on Tuesday and requested him to give permission to postpone the proposed cabinet reshuffle. ”Ïf you feel that the situation is not conducive for a cabinet reshuffle, so be it,” Mr Singh is believed to have told the chief minister.

What is significant is that at least two ministers belonging to the politically influential Vokkaliga community are upset with him. While Housing Minister M.H. Ambareesh openly expressed his ire against Mr Siddaramaiah for not consulting him before the appointments were made, energy minister D.K. Shivakumar, true to his nature of being a cool and silent strategician, seems to have decided to get the list changed using his influence.

Mr Shivakumar, succeeded in changing the list by getting one of his supporter nominated as deputy chairman of one of the corporations. The one earlier nominated was a strong supporter of Siddaramaiah and a vocal critic of Bengaluru Rural MP D.K. Suresh, brother of D.K. Shivakumar. The powerful minister ensured that his critic was removed and proved his clout to the CM.

Apart from the ministers, senior leaders including MPs, scores of legislators and hundreds of party workers have decided to take on what they describe as the “blatantly” partisan attitude exhibited by Siddaramaiah in appointment of chairmen of boards and corporations.

Former union minister K. H. Muniyappa, who was keen to get his daughter a post in one of the corporations, is understood to have called up party leaders in Delhi and expressed his anger. “If this is the insult we have to suffer after having served the party for several decades, then god save us,” Mr Muniyappa reportedly told an AICC secretary on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, following complaints, the appointment of A.M. Pathan (vice-chairman, Karnataka Small Scale Industries Development Corporation) and Shivakumara Gowda Shetty (vice-chairman, BMTC), have been kept in abeyance. Mr. Shetty's appointment has been withheld following a complaint by a group of Congress leaders that the former is not a “genuine” party worker. The reason to withhold Mr. Pathan's appointment is yet to be known. The Forest Department has issued notifications for heading four corporations: Narayanaswamy Chalavadi (Karnataka Forest Development Corporation); T. Eshwar (Karnataka Forest Industries Corporation); Rehena Banu (Karnataka Zoo Authority), and Shambu Gowda (Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation).

Also Read: CM appoints new heads for boards, corporations

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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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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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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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