Mahendra Kumar joins JD-S, apologizes to Christians

Mangalore, February 21: Close on the heels of sharing power with BJP in Mysore Zilla Panchayat, opposition JDS today admitted into its fold a sangh parivar leader, reportedly involved in church attacks in Karnataka to "weaken communal forces and strengthen secular forces".

Former convenor of Bajrang Dal Mahendra Kumar today joined JDS led by former Prime Minister H D Devegowda along with his supporters from coastal and Malnad districts of Karnataka in the presence of state unit JDS president H D Kumaraswamy.

Mahendra Kumar who was divested as the convenor of Bajdrang Dal after he owned responsibility for the 2008 church attack in parts of Mangalore and Chikmagalur and even jailed for some time, lashed out at BJP which he accused as a "party that is creating wedge between castes and communities for its survival".

"I am today shedding the shackles of communalism to strive for communal harmony, for which the JDS is working," Mahendra Kumar said defending his cross over to JDS.

He tendered his apologies to Christians for his role in attacks on churches and described Muslims as patriots.

Mahendra Kumar, training his guns on the BJP government in the state, said corruption had reached unprecedented heights.

Kumaraswamy dubbed the Congress as a "directionless party". He said he had chosen to admit Mahendra Kumar into the party fold despite reservations expressed by Muslims and Christian leaders.

Kumaraswamy said he was "keen on promoting the welfare of downtrodden sections of the society".

JDS Spokesman Y S V Datta launched a blistering attack on today's BJP rally remarking "it is not for celebrating 1000 days in office, but to celebrate 1000 scams that have surfaced in the BJP government".

The BJP has put on display its ugly wealth power in the rally, he alleged.

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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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