Karnataka governor is anti-Dalit, say activists; protest planned

May 15, 2016

Bengaluru, May 15: In yet another instance of tug-of-war between Governor Vajubhai R. Vala and the State government, the former has declined to give assent to the Ordinance on reserving a percentage of construction works for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) in various government departments.

While this is part of a series of decisions of the government that have failed to get the Governor's assent, the latest one has been described as “anti-Dalit” by a section of Dalit activists, who are planning a protest on the issue.

Karnataka State SC, ST Contractors' Association members met Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya and Public Works Department Minister H.C. Mahadevappa on Saturday and they have promised to meet the Governor on Monday to convince him on the need for the Ordinance, said N. Mahadeva Swamy, general secretary of the association.

The association is meeting on Sunday to decide on the next course of action. “Other Dalit organisations are also joining us,” Mr. Swamy said. “We also want to know what the position of the Bharatiya Janata Party is on the issue,” he added.

The State Cabinet on April 20, , had decided to reserve a certain percentage of construction works valued up to Rs. 50 lakh for the SCs and STs. It was decided to set aside works without inviting tenders based on the population of SCs and STs.

Instead of bringing amendments to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 1999, the State Government had proposed to promulgate an Ordinance.

However, Mr. Vala rejected the ordinance and reportedly told the government to introduce the necessary clause in the Bill to amend the KTPP Act by holding discussions in the legislature.

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Post-Sabarimala pilgrimage drinking party turns fatal in Udupi; youth killed in midnight brawl

News Network

December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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