Mangaluru: Modi blames Cong for murders; promises new projects to transform coastal Karnataka

coastaldigest.com news network

May 5, 2018

Mangaluru, May 5: Like local leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held the Congress government responsible for the murders of “innocent BJP activists” in Karnataka. However, did not clarify whether the Congress responsible for murders of the BJP activists directly committed by the Sangh Parivar activists.

Addressing a massive crowd at Nerhru Maidan in the heart of the city, Mr. Modi went on to claim that the Congress government was looking at the religion of the accused to decide whether he/she should be in the prison or not.

He alleged that nearly 24 BJP party workers had been murdered in the State during the Congress rule as they followed a different ideology.

Mr. Modi said because of family politics of the Congress the State was being ruled by mafias.

Apart from education and liquor mafia, the mafia of cable, transfer and sand were getting stronger.

“It has come to a situation where it has become difficult for a common man to get sand necessary for construction of the house. He has to slog for days and forced to purchase sand at a higher rate from sand mafia operators,” he said and added that the people would vote out the Congress for its five years of misrule. Assuring people that the B.S. Yeddyurappa-led BJP government would work for the all-round development of the State, Mr. Modi said the Centre too was coming out with projects that will transform the Karnataka coastline.

Reaching out to Muslims in the communally sensitive coastal belt, Mr. Modi raised the triple talaq Bill issue. He said it was the Congress that had stalled the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in the Rajya Sabha as it had the numbers in the House.

The Prime Minister said the Congress was now left with no other “agenda” but to oppose his (Mr. Modi’s) every action and move within and outside the country.

PM coins new definition for EVMs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today gave a new definition for Electronic Voting Machines even as he flayed the Congress for its oft-repeated accusation that the Centre and BJP got EVMs manipulated for winning elections.

"True EVM is this. E- Energy of the people, V-people's electoral value addition, and M stands for people's motivation for progress. This is EVM, I can see this EVM," Modi said at an election rally here.

He said the writing on the wall is clear with regard to the Karnataka assembly polls.

"On May 15, BJP will form government with full majority...So they have already started saying that Modi has tampered with EVM. Modi did not defeat us EVM did it.

Wherever they win there EVM is good and where they lose there they start singing about EVMs," Modi said.

"On May 15, let Congress make any excuses they want. People will punish them for their sins of five years (in Karnataka)," he said.

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Skyward Bound: Mangaluru Eyes Permanent Wings for Coastal Tourism

News Network

January 16,2026

Following a record-breaking response to experimental joyrides during the Karavali Utsava, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has signaled a major shift toward high-end travel. Officials are now laying the groundwork to transform Mangaluru into a permanent heli-tourism hub, connecting the state’s most sacred pilgrim centers and untouched coastal gems via the skies.

The move comes as the Karnataka government readies a specialized tourism policy for the coast, aimed at drawing global investors. With Mangaluru already serving as a critical nexus for education, healthcare, and maritime trade, the introduction of a scheduled helicopter service is seen as the "missing link" in the region’s economic evolution.

By the Numbers: A Flying Success

The data from the recent 10-day trial (beginning December 26) paints a clear picture of high demand:

•   Total Passengers: 1,032
•   Ride Duration: 7 minutes
•   Ticket Price: ₹3,500 per person
•   Origin of Tourists: Significant turnout from Kerala, Udupi, and Karwar.

Bridging the Gap for Global Travelers

Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV emphasized that the vision extends far beyond festival joyrides. Currently, international tourists arriving via luxury cruises at the New Mangalore Port (peak season December–April) often find themselves "landlocked" by time.

"Foreign visitors staying for just 24 to 48 hours currently struggle to visit inland attractions like Chikkamagaluru or Kodagu due to road travel times," a senior official noted. "A permanent heli-link would make these Western Ghats destinations accessible in under 30 minutes."

Beyond Tourism: Medical and Logistics

The administration is also looking at the humanitarian and logistical benefits. As a medical powerhouse, Mangaluru’s private hospitals could utilize the proposed permanent helipads for:

1.   Cardiac Emergencies: Rapid transfer of critical patients.
2.   Organ Transplants: Vital "green corridors" through the air to save lives.
3.   Regional Connectivity: Linking remote areas like Puttur, Sullia, and Beltangady to the main city.

While the Karavali Utsava has traditionally focused on beach-side festivities, the DC confirmed that the district is now evaluating formal proposals from private operators. The goal is to establish a network of permanent helipads that will eventually offer regular sorties to Kudremukh National Park and the scenic heights of the Western Ghats.

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Badria Vision 2028: Phase I Project Launched at Campus Ceremony

coastaldigest.com news network

January 19,2026

Mangaluru: The Phase I project of Badria Vision 2028 was formally launched at a ceremony held at the Badria Campus on January 17, marking an important step in the institution’s long-term development roadmap.

The programme was attended by P.B. Abdul Hameed, Secretary of the MEA, and P.C. Hasir, Correspondent of the MEA, who presided over the event and underscored the institution’s commitment to growth and academic excellence.

Office-bearers of the Badria Alumni Association were present in large numbers, including A.K. Sajid (President), Shamsuddin and S.M. Farooq (Vice-Presidents), Shaheed (General Secretary), and Khaleel (Treasurer), reflecting strong alumni engagement in the initiative.

The gathering was blessed by Sayyid Shamsuddeen Basith Thangal Kukkaje, Qateeb of Zeenat Yatheem Bakshi, who led a special dua seeking divine guidance and success for the project.

The ceremony also witnessed the participation of prominent alumnus and local corporate professional Abdul Latheef, along with alumni members Naushad, Kalandar, Safwan, members of the core committee, and several other former students.

A key moment of the event was the formal handover of a cheque to Ameen Woodland Architect, signalling the immediate commencement of construction work under Phase I of the project.

Organisers said the launch of Phase I reflects a shared vision, institutional unity, and collective resolve to realise the objectives of Badria Vision 2028.

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