I have realized the truth, will support anti-UPCL stir'

March 17, 2011

Udupi, March 17: “Now I am convinced that people living around the UPCL power plant area are suffering from health and environmental hazards. I also realized that what the representatives of UPCL company told him till yesterday was false,” stated Pejawar Mutt pontiff Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji after visiting the villages of Padebettu and Mudarangadi near Padubidri, and hearing the grievances of the villagers there.

“The power plant shall shut down temporarily from immediate effect, till the company provides permanent solution to the grievances of the people affected by the fly ash, bottom ash and by the release of saline water to their fields. If they fail to provide a permanent solution, the power plant shall remain shut permanently,” Pejawar Swamiji told press persons, reiterating his commitment to go on - one meal a day fasting – from Saturday.

“I cannot come to streets protesting against the power plant. My protest is pious. I will surely join any peaceful protest by the people against the power plant,” Swamiji said.

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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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