Karnataka: All three Cong candidates win Rajya Sabha polls, BJP wins one

coastaldigest.com news network
March 23, 2018

All three Congress candidates - Nasir Husain, L Hanumanathaiah, G C Chandrashekar - and BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday emerged victorious in the Rajya Sabha elections from the state amid a boycott by JD(S) legislators, who cited violation of electoral rules.

A candidate required around 38 votes to win the elections. Members of the Legislative Assembly form the electoral college for the Rajya Sabha polls. Of the 217 eligible voters, as many as 188 members voted and four votes were found invalid.

While Congress candidates secured the required number of votes for victory - Chandrashekar (46 ), L Hanumanathaiah(44) and Husain (42 ) - B M Farook of the JD(S) lost the polls as he secured only two votes. This is the second time that Farook is tasting defeat in the Rajya Sabha elections. Rajeev Chandrasekhar secured the highest number votes (50) to bag his third consecutive term to the Rajya Sabha.

The day witnessed high drama. The process of counting was delayed by nearly two-and-a-half hours as Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjeev Kumar referred a memorandum submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI) submitted to him by the JD(S) seeking countermanding of the polls. Kumar was discharing his duties as observer of the ECI.

The JD(S), in its complaint, cited gross violation of electoral rules by Legislative Assembly Secretary S Murthy, who is the Returning Officer (RO). The party had objected to two Congress legislators - Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa and Gurmitkal MLA Baburao Chinchansur - being allowed a second chance to cast their votes.

Both Thimmappa and Chinchansur had sought replacement of ballot papers as they wrongly marked their preference. The election officers obliged, much to the chagrin of the JD(S). Counting of votes which was scheduled to start at 5 pm, commenced only at 7.30 pm after the ECI gave its go-ahead for the process.

ECI's direction
The ECI subsequently directed that the votes of Thimmappa and Chinchansur should be rejected and the counting process should commence after due segregation of ballot papers. The ECI, in its response, stated that the RO's decision to issue fresh ballot papers was in total violation of voting procedure provided under the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. The ECI replaced Murthy with Assembly Joint Secretary M S Kumaraswamy.

The JD(S) had requested the Congress not to field its third candidate and extend its support to the party candidate. However, the Congress not only fielded its third candidate - G C Chandrashekar - but also ensured his victory. Friday's development is bound to further widen the gap between the Congress and the JD(S) in the run-up to the crucial Assembly polls. For its part, the Congress has bagged the support of at least five of the eight independents, including Kudligi MLA B Nagendra, who is likely to join the party.

An analysis of the voting pattern shows that all the seven JD(S) rebels voted for Congress candidates. The BJP, which has 43 votes of its own, secured 50. The party seems to have not only secured the support of not only two BSR legislators and two KJP MLAs but three others.

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News Network
December 4,2025

Udupi: A 40-year-old NRI from Udupi has reportedly lost more than Rs 12.25 lakh in an online investment scam operated through Telegram.

According to a complaint filed at the CEN police station, Leo Jerome Mendonsa, who has been working in Dubai for the past 15 years in computer accessories sales, maintains NRI accounts in Karkala and Nitte.

On November 12, 2025, Mendonsa was added to a Telegram group called Instaflow Earnings by unknown individuals. Users identified as Priya and Dipannita persuaded him to invest in “Revenue Tasks.” Initially, Mendonsa transferred Rs 1,100 multiple times and received the promised returns, encouraging him to continue.

On November 14, another user, Nishmitha Shetty, directed him to register on a website, digitvisionuoce.cc, and invest Rs 4 lakh in various shares. Over the next few days, he made multiple transfers totaling Rs 12,25,000, including Rs 50,000 via Google Pay, believing the scheme was legitimate.

After receiving the money, the alleged handlers stopped responding, and neither the invested amount nor the promised profits were returned.

The CEN police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and investigations are ongoing.

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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 2,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 2: Mangaluru International Airport responded to a medical emergency late on Monday night. Air India Express flight IX 522, travelling from Riyadh to Thiruvananthapuram, was diverted to Mangaluru Airport after a passenger in his late 30s experienced a medical emergency on board.

The Airport’s Operations Control Centre received an alert regarding the passenger’s health condition. The airport activated its emergency response protocol, mobilising the airport medical team and coordinating with stakeholders including CISF, immigration, and customs. 

Upon landing, airport medical personnel attended to the passenger, assessed his condition, and arranged to shift him to a local tertiary-care hospital for further treatment. The passenger’s relatives accompanied the passenger, who incidentally received necessary medical care on board, which helped stabilise the situation.

Following the handling of the emergency, the flight departed for Thiruvananthapuram at 2:05 am on Tuesday.

"We appreciate the cooperation of all parties involved, and this incident reaffirms our ongoing commitment to prioritising passenger safety and readiness to respond to unforeseen emergencies with professionalism and care," the Airport spokesperson said. 

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