No question of leadership change: CM in Mangalore

December 25, 2011

Mangalore, December 25: Asserting himself on much discussed leadership issue, Chief Minister D V Sadanada Gowda on Sunday said that there is no question of leadership change for the next one-and-a-half years, when the BJP Government's term ends.

He was responding to the media persons after landing at NITK helipad at Suratkal on the outskirts of the city, before participating in the inaugural ceremony of Srinivas Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre.

“I will continue as Chief Minister as long as the party high command wants me to do so. I will quit the moment the high command asks me to resign. Till then the question of leadership change does not arise,” said the ever smiling politician of Tulunadu, who took over as CM four-and-a-half months ago.

Indirectly criticising his predecessor B S Yeddyurappa, who has opposed collective leadership and strongly demanded one-man leadership, Mr Gowda said an individual cannot decide whether the party should opt for collective leadership or one-man leadership. “This is an issue that has to be decided by the party high command,” he added.

He also clarified that it was the decision of the party central leadership that Karnataka should face the next polls under a collective leadership. “The party will go by the words of the leaders” he clarified.

Asked whether there was any possibility of independent MLA B Sriramulu camp's reentry into the saffron party, Mr Gowda said he is least bothered about them as it was the responsibility of the high command to take a final decision in this issue. “My responsibility is to look after the Government”, he said.

Minister for Higher Education V S Acharya, Mangalore MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and District-in-charge minister Krishna J Palemar were present among others to extend a warm welcome to the CM.

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Screen silence: Karnataka’s bold ‘switch-off’ strategy to boost SSLC scores

News Network

February 5,2026

In an era where digital distractions are the primary rival to academic excellence, the Karnataka Education Department is taking the fight directly to the living room. As the SSLC (Class 10) annual examinations loom, officials have launched a localized "digital strike" to ensure students aren't losing their competitive edge to scrolling or soap operas.

The 7-to-9 Lockdown

The department has issued a formal directive urging—and in some cases, enforcing via home visits—a total blackout of mobile phones and television sets between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This two-hour window is being designated as "sacred study time" across the state until the examinations conclude on April 2.

Key Pillars of the Initiative:

• Doorstep Advocacy: Teachers are transitioning from classrooms to living rooms, meeting parents to explain the psychological benefits of a distraction-free environment.

• Parental Accountability: The campaign shifts the burden of discipline from the student to the household, asking parents to lead by example and switch off their own devices.

• The Timeline: The focus remains sharp on the upcoming exam block, scheduled from March 18 to April 2.

"The objective is simple: uninterrupted focus. We are reclaiming the evening hours for the students, ensuring their environment is as prepared as their minds," stated a senior department official.

Student vs. Reality

While the student community has largely welcomed the "forced focus"—with many admitting they lack the willpower to ignore notifications—the move has sparked a debate on enforceability. Without a "TV Police," the success of this initiative rests entirely on the shoulders of parents and the persuasive power of visiting educators.

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