Modi govt undid Cong’s good work, says Sonia

Agencies
May 9, 2018

Vijayapura, May 9: In her first election rally in two years, former AICC chief Sonia Gandhi charged the NDA government with derailing all the good work done by the previous two UPA regimes even as she launched a personal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Choosing Vijayapura to end her “election convention” hibernation, Sonia said, “During the last four years, the only task that the Modi government indulged in was derailing the good work done by the Congress.”

Sonia, draped in a grey saree, told the well attended rally that it was the Siddaramaiah government which made Karnataka the No. 1 state in the country, started Indira Canteens and waived crop loans availed by 22 lakh farmers.

“But the BJP has been opposing the pro-people policies of our government. It is not that the BJP wants to make India Congress-free. It is that they cannot tolerate anyone,” she said.

Training her guns on Modi, Sonia said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had gone to New Delhi to seek relief for farmers who had been reeling under severe drought for the last four years. “But Modi did not give audience. By doing so, he has not just insulted the chief minister but the entire farmer fraternity in the state,” she added.

Further, while the NDA government was providing aid to states, Karnataka had been denied the same, she said. “Is this your sab ka saath sab is vikas?” she asked.

The Congress leader said Modi was a great orator. “He speaks well, but if it feeds the stomach of the poor, let him speak more,” she mocked. Sonia said while Modi does a lot of talking he remains silent on burning issues. Besides, Modi speaks about ideology but shares the dais with those who have gone to jail.

She ended her speech touching on the Lingayat issue. “Modi is going against the Basava principles and people will defeat him,” she said.

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coastaldigest.com news network
January 19,2026

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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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News Network
January 8,2026

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Mangaluru: The pristine landscapes of Pilikula Nisargadhama are set to become a haven for avian enthusiasts as the 12th edition of the Karnataka Bird Festival (popularly known as Hakki Habba) kicks off this Friday. Organized by the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board in collaboration with the Forest Department, the three-day event (January 9–11) aims to pivot the state’s tourism narrative from "tiger-centric" to a more inclusive appreciation of its diverse winged inhabitants.

A Majestic Mascot for Coastal Conservation

This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the White-bellied Sea Eagle, a formidable raptor of the coastal skies, which has been designated as the festival’s official mascot. Board Chairperson Shalet Pinto emphasized that the choice highlights the region's unique maritime biodiversity and the urgent need for environmental protection through sustainable eco-tourism.

Global Knowledge, Local Roots

The festival will be officially inaugurated by Eshwar B. Khandre, Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment. Beyond the spectacle, the event serves as a critical bridge between seasoned naturalists and the next generation.

Anthony Mariappa, DCF of the Mangaluru Division, noted that the festival is designed as an "outreach and knowledge-sharing powerhouse." More than 180 students from six prestigious colleges, including St. Aloysius and Mangalore University, will trade their classrooms for the field, gaining hands-on experience in bird spotting and documentation.

The "Big Twelve": Habitats Under the Lens

Ornithologists and participants will fan out across twelve strategically identified locations representing four distinct ecosystems:

•    Wetlands: Kenjar, Kavoor, Polali, and Jokatte.
•    Forest Patches: Pilikula and Mangalore University campus.
•    Shorelines: Mukka and Sasihitlu.
•    Estuaries: Bettampady.

With over 420 species recorded in the Dakshina Kannada district—including 40 migratory visitors—this edition of the Bird Festival promises to be a milestone in documenting India's western flyway. 

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