N A Haris confident of making a hat-trick, says his constituency is mini-India

News Network

April 25, 2018

Bengaluru, Apr 25: Congress this time had delayed in issuing B Form to Shantinagar MLA N A Haris apparently due to his son’s recent pub brawl in Bengaluru. However, the billionaire Congress leader is confident of registering third consecutive victory in the prestigious constituency.

"I am confident of winning May 12 Karnataka assembly polls from Shantinagar and making a hat-trick," Mr Haris, who filed his nomination papers yesterday told media persons. Haris was accompanied by around 5,000 people when he went to the office of the Returning Officer to file nominations, after visiting temples, a church and a madarsa.

Haris’ 25-year-old son Mohammed Nalapad and associates had allegedly assaulted a youth in a city pub and are in judicial custody. Fearing that the incident may have an impact on the party during the elections, the Congress had withheld his name for some time. His name was announced in the second list that was released on Sunday evening.

"Shantinagar is like mini-India. I will work to develop the constituency as one of the most important business hubs in Bengaluru. In the last five years, we have got grants worth several crores. Many projects have been completed in Shantinagar and many more have been taken up," he said.

"I am thankful to the Congress leaders, who stood by me during difficult times," Haris said without mentioning the incident involving his son. After his son was held for assaulting a youth, some intellectuals had urged the party not to give a ticket to him. However, considering winnability as a factor, Congress is said to have decided to give him the party ticket.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

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.

Comments