Mangaluru airport director rubbishes media reports, says there was no vehicle on runway

coastaldigest.com news network

January 11, 2018

Mangaluru, Jan 11: V V Rao, the director of Mangaluru International Airport, has falsified the reports that there was a vehicle on the runway during the takeoff of a Jet Airways flight on Thursday.

“Wrong and vague information is being given by media. There was no tractor or any other baggage carrying trolley on the runway during the takeoff,” he stated in a release.

He said that prior to the departure of a Jet Airways flight (9W 434) to Mumbai, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) observed one tractor far away from the runway on the basic strip. Hence the take off was held back for few minutes as a safety measure.

“The ATC cleared the takeoff immediately after the tractor was moved away from the basic strip,” he said.

According to Rao, the aircraft was held back on the taxiway before entering the runway for a minute at about 11.25 a.m. The tractor was there in connection with cutting grass on the basic strip (far away from the runway). The grass is cut as a routine work to maintain clear visibility of the runway.

Also Read: Close shave for Jet Airways flight after ATC spots tractor on Mangaluru runway

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Siddaramaiah's camp on alert as Karnataka Congress leadership rift escalates

News Network

November 27,2025

Bengaluru, Nov 27: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp is reportedly on alert as the Congress leadership tussle in the state intensifies, particularly amid speculation over the potential promotion of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah is said to be in a “wait-and-watch” mode after admitting to “confusion” earlier this week and urging the party to “put a full stop” to it.

Sources say his supporters are ready to act if senior leaders — including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi — give any indication of backing Shivakumar. If the party insists on a leadership change, Siddaramaiah’s camp has a list of alternatives, underscoring the deep rift between the two leaders. One possible candidate is Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a Siddaramaiah loyalist and influential Dalit leader.

The strategy was reportedly finalized at a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another Siddaramaiah supporter, who stressed that Delhi leaders need to resolve the issue. Kharge and the Gandhis are expected to meet soon, after which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may be summoned to Delhi.

Shivakumar has largely stayed non-confrontational, publicly endorsing Siddaramaiah and downplaying speculation about his own ambitions. However, he has made pointed comments emphasizing the importance of honoring promises, directed at Siddaramaiah.

The feud traces back to the 2023 state election, when Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister while Shivakumar, who led the party’s campaign, was made Deputy CM and state party chief — a departure from the Congress’ usual “one post per person” rule.

There were also hints of a prior understanding that Siddaramaiah would step down midway through the term. As the halfway mark passed last week, Shivakumar-aligned lawmakers have ramped up pressure on the party for a leadership change, with Shivakumar himself hinting at stepping down as state party chief to pursue the top job.

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