LS poll alliance: JD(S) wants to contest 12 seats in Karnataka including 1 in coastal belt

News Network
February 26, 2019

Bengaluru, Feb 26: The Janata Dal (Secular), which is holding talks with coalition partner Congress on sharing of seats for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka, has made its intent clear that it was willing to contest a dozen seats including one in coastal Karnataka.

According to sources, the JD(S) leaders said they were keen on contesting from Mandya, Hassan, Bangalore North, Mysuru, Chikkaballapur, Tumkur, Chitradurga, Raichur, Bidar, Bijapur, Shimoga and Uttara Kannada. 

JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda confirmed that his party had sought 12 seats. A final call will be taken during the Coalition Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting that will be held in the coming days, Gowda said. “I will not intervene at this juncture. However, if need be, I will hold discussions with the Congress’ national leaders in Delhi,” he said.

On its part, Congress continued to insist on ‘winnability’ as the sole criterion for sharing of seats.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Dinesh Gundu Rao held seat-sharing talks with Public Works Minister H D Revanna, JD(S) state president A H Vishwanath and JD(S) MP Kupendra Reddy.

It is learnt that Parameshwara and Rao tried to impress upon the JD(S) that sharing of seats should not become an issue of prestige and that it has to be based on candidates, not numbers. Accordingly, the Congress camp is learnt to have advised the regional party to draw up a list of its candidates who have the potential to win.

Some seats sought by the JD(S) include those currently represented by the Congress - Chikkaballapur, Tumkur, Chitradurga and Raichur. The grand old party is under pressure from its incumbents not to cede their seats to the JD(S). Leaders from both camps are said to have agreed that Congress president Rahul Gandhi and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda should take a call on this.

“We have discussed all 28 Lok Sabha seats. It has been decided that seats will be decided based on the winnability of the candidates,” Rao told reporters after the meeting.

Revanna said there was no controversy surrounding seat-sharing talks. “Our main aim is to keep away the communal forces. It’s not about how many seats which party will contest. We’re determined to win all 28 seats together. Senior leaders will finalise the seats,” he said.

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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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