LS polls: M R Vasudeva is AAP candidate from Dakshina Kannada!

[email protected] (CD Network)
March 10, 2014

Mangalore, Mar 10: The Aam Aadmi Party of Dakshina Kannada unit announced that Marpalli Ramayya Vasudeva, popularly known as M RVasudeva as its Lok Sabha Candidate for the Dakshina Kannada constituency.

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Mr Vasudeva is a former Director of Airport Authority of India at Mangalore International Airport.

In a press release, Rohan Shiri, a founding member of AAP DK said “Vasudeva as our MP Candidate, has been greeted enthusiastically by our team. He is local, he has impeccable credentials and he will initiate much needed accelerated improvement of DK, which past MPs have not been able to accomplish.”

“Since our inception we have participated and supported a number of initiatives such as the Nidodi andolan. AAP has and continues to vehemently oppose the Netravathi project.

“With the backing of likeminded parties who have no faith in options provided in the past, we will win,” said Mr. Rashid Bolar, an active volunteer of AAP who participated in the India Against Corruption movement for the Lokpal Bill, along with Vidya Dinker,. T R Bhat, V U George and many others.

“We are a 21st Century party that appeals to people who are fed up with parties that practice the politics of the last century. Our country is sinking under corruption and until AAP came along, corruption was not even on their agenda” said Prithvi Reddy, AAP National Executive.

Mr Vasudev added that “Dakshina Kannada is a jewel of the Konkan Coast that has been neglected by the State Government and the Centre. I had to overcome innumerable obstacles in developing the Airport as a bureaucrat, with support coming from the State and Center in bits and pieces, and that too given after repeated requests. The airport was completed by the sheer grit and determination of my team,” he said.

The condition of DK is dismal. The Mangalore Port has been neglected. If improved it would increase the economy of our region significantly. The National Highway and critical arterial roads are in shambles. Improving the Tokur railway station and adding a feeder road from the Airport to the station, will be a major convenience for air travelers and generate business for bus, taxi and rickshaw operators, he added.

He said, “We have been nice for too long and given so much more and received very little. Now they want to take our water by diverting the Netravathi. We understand the neighbouring regions have a water problem, but it cannot be solved by tampering with a resource given to us by Mother Nature. We must have an independent water committee to solve water usage and distribution issues. We need to rejuvenate neglected water bodies and build ecologically sound check dams. I wish to work with the Center, the State and Local governments to improve the sorry condition of DK. Furthermore I believe the time has come to start demanding a separate Tulunadu State or along with UK, a separate Karavali State due to the attitude of the State and Center who have and are dumping unhelpful projects on us. The peaceful nature of our people has been mistaken as acceptance. AAP will fight for our rights and seeks the people 's support to realize their aspirations.”

Mr Vasudeva has an MSc in Statistics from the Mysore University, he also holds an MBA from IGNOU, besides other diplomas. He is an ISO Lead Auditor and has widely traveled overseas to give seminars.

As the Director of Airport Authority, M.R.Vasudeva was responsible for the up-gradation of Mangalore Airport to International Airport status, from “Concept to Operation”. He completed the project in record time despite heavy and difficult odds.

An articulate speaker in Kannada, Hindi and English, he has been in the local circuit of resource persons in Management, Engineering, as well as Socio-economic issues. He is a visiting faculty member at Srinivas College of Engineering in Mukka on NH 66, near NITK, Surathkal.

A recipient of multiple awards, he is well read, well informed and is endowed with convincing presentation and debating skills.

AAP of Dakshina Kannada District was launched on February 15, 2013, by Yogendra Yadav, AAP National Executive. It was the first AAP unit to be formed in Karnataka.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Educational institutions in Mangaluru that rely on the popular Mangala Stadium for their annual sports events are bracing for an inconvenience as the city's key sporting venue is set to close its gates for a significant upgrade. The stadium is expected to be unavailable for approximately two months starting from January 15, 2026.

The closure is necessitated by a proposed overhaul of the stadium's facilities, with a special focus on upgrading the synthetic track. Pradeep Dsouza, Assistant Director of the District of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES), Dakshina Kannada, confirmed the development.

"Experts have visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and have given the go-ahead for a complete makeover," Dsouza stated. "Funds have been allocated for the project, and we are currently awaiting the final green signal from state officials to commence the work. We anticipate that the work will likely begin in the second week of January. Consequently, we have stopped renting out the stadium to colleges and other organizations in preparation for the upgrade."

The timing presents a logistical challenge for colleges, as many schools have already concluded their sports meets.

"Colleges will now be organizing their events and will need to find alternative locations to host their sports meets," Dsouza added. He suggested a few potential venues, including the Dakshina Kannada police ground, University College grounds, Panambur grounds, Swaraj Maidan in Moodbidri, and the Mangalore University sports grounds in Konaje.

However, many institutions note that finding a comparable venue will be difficult. While the DK police ground and University College grounds are closer to the city center, they do not possess the extensive facilities and infrastructure offered by Mangala Stadium.

Dr. P Dayananda Pai - P Satisha Govt First Grade College, Carstreet, is one such institution dependent on the stadium. Principal Jayakar Bhandary expressed hope for a swift completion of the work. "We expect the work to be completed at the earliest. If not, we will be forced to look for other venues to host the sports day for our students," Bhandary said, highlighting the pressing need for the city's main sporting facility.

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News Network
December 16,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 16: The Mangaluru City police have significantly escalated their campaign against drug trafficking, arresting 25 individuals and booking 12 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between November 30 and December 13. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of illicit substances, including 685.6 grams of MDMA and 1.5 kg of ganja.

The success of this recent drive has been significantly boosted by the city’s innovative, QR code-based anonymous reporting system.

"The anonymous reporting system has received an encouraging response. Several recent arrests were made based on inputs received through this system, helping police tighten the noose around drug peddlers," said the City Police Commissioner.

The latest arrests contribute to a robust year-to-date record, underscoring the police's relentless commitment to combating the drug menace.

Up to December 14 this year, the police have registered a total of 107 cases of drug peddling, leading to the arrest of 219 peddlers. Furthermore, they have booked 562 cases of drug consumption, resulting in the arrest of 671 individuals.

The scale of the seizure for the year reflects the magnitude of the problem being tackled: police have seized 320.6 kg of ganja worth ₹88.7 lakh and 1.4 kg of MDMA valued at ₹1.2 crore. Other significant seizures include hydro-weed ganja worth ₹94.7 lakh and cocaine worth ₹1.9 lakh, among others.

The Commissioner emphasized a policy of rigorous enforcement: "We ensure that peddlers are caught red-handed so that they cannot later dispute the case or claim innocence."

To counter the rising trend of substance abuse among youth, the Mangaluru City police have rolled out uniform guidelines for random drug testing across educational institutions.

As part of the drive, tests were conducted in approximately 100 institutions, screening an estimated 5,500 to 6,000 students in the first phase. 20 students tested positive for drug consumption during the initial screening.

Students who tested positive have been provided counselling and are scheduled for re-testing in the second quarter. The testing will also be expanded to students not covered in the first phase. In a move to ensure strict implementation, police personnel were deployed in mufti in some institutions. Reiterating a zero-tolerance stance, the Commissioner confirmed that random testing will continue, and colleges have also been instructed to conduct drug tests at the time of admission to deter substance abuse from an early stage.

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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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