In Karnataka, BJP commences groundwork to topple JD(S)-Congress government

TNN
May 27, 2019

Bengaluru, May 27: Buoyed by a stupendous performance in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the BS Yeddyurappa-led BJP in Karnataka appears to have begun the spade work to topple the year-old JD(S)-Congress government in the state.

This was evident on Sunday when disgruntled Congress legislators Ramesh Jarkiholi and K Sudhakar accompanied by BJP leader and former deputy CM R Ashoka met BJP leader SM Krishna at his residence in Bengaluru.

The meeting took place at the same time that Mandya MP-elect Sumalatha Ambareesh, with BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa, visited the senior Vokkaliga leader to thank him for supporting her in Mandya.

This has come at a time just when the coalition government is struggling to keep afloat following a dismal performance in the elections.

It also set off speculation that a dozen disgruntled Congress and JD(S) MLAs may resign this week to reduce the strength of ruling coalition partners in the assembly and enable the BJP to seek a floor test. However, both Congress MLAs clarified that the meeting was just a courtesy call.

"It was not a political meeting. We wanted to wish Krishnaji on BJP's stupendous performance in the Lok Sabha polls. I was an MLA even when Krishna was CM from 1999 to 2004 and we share good rapport. So only I visited to inquire about his health. That is why we met him," Jarkiholi said.

"We had nothing to discuss, we just wanted to wish him," Sudhakar said. "He is a senior leader and he was a former Congress leader that's why we felt that we must wish him on his party's success."

While Yeddyurappa deemed it a coincidence, Ashoka said he visited Krishna at the latter's residence to discuss party-related matters. "I have no friendship with Congress leaders Ramesh and Sudhakar," he said.

Miffed over being dropped from the coalition cabinet, Jarkiholi has been at the forefront of a growing group of disgruntled Congress MLAs. Sudhakar, who was denied chairmanship of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board after being appointed, has time and again dropped hints that he will quit the Congress.

BJP is the single largest party with 105 members in the 225 member assembly, while the ruling coalition has 117 members with 79 legislators from Congress, 37 from JD(S) and 1 from BSP. The Congress-JD(S) coalition is placed precariously now after BJP won the assembly seat of Chincholi in the recently concluded bypoll, taking its tally to 105 in the House.

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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 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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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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