I'll complete my term as CM'

Mangalore, February 24: Chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Thursday expressed confidence of remaining in power till the term of the current state assembly ends. "I'm a disciplined person of the party and have become chief minister with the blessings of my party (high command)," the CM said, adding that he would remain in power (with the blessings of the high command).

"I'm also the leader of the legislature party and will remain so," he added.In a brief interaction with mediapersons on his arrival to participate in the 30th convocation of Mangalore University here on Thursday, the CM said one need not attach any special importance to the luncheon meeting that his predecessor B S Yeddyurappa had with fellow legislators and MPs. "We have had such lunches in the past, and will continue to do so in the future," he said, adding that he had met Yeddyurappa before heli-hopping to the coastal city.

Dismissing certain claims that there was groupism in BJP's state unit or that it had affected his functioning, the CM said: "I'm not perturbed by these developments, nor has it cast any shadow on the manner in which I have functioned in the last six months, nor will it do so in the future." Referring to his video-conference with deputy commissioners on drinking water situation in the state on Wednesday, the CM said, "This is ample proof that administration is on track." Gowda added: "I interacted with the DCs of four districts where the Right to Services Act will be implemented on a pilot basis from March 1." There were also meetings with principal secretaries of commercial taxes and other important departments in connection with preparation of the state budget, he said, adding that political developments had not fazed him one bit.

"I will present the state budget as scheduled," he added.On his visit to the city amidst fast-changing political developments in Bangalore, the CM said: "I have to attend the event as I hold the additional portfolio of higher education (after the demise of V S Acharya) and am the Pro-Chancellor of the university. The governor, who is the chancellor, too is busy with his gubernatorial duties in Kerala and this warranted my presence here."

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NRI from Udupi wins Rs 50 crore in Abu Dhabi’s big ticket draw

News Network

February 4,2026

An Indian resident who won the Dh20 million (approximately Rs 50 crore) jackpot in Abu Dhabi's Big Ticket draw has told of his joy at sharing his life-changing fortune with a friend.

Shanthanu Shettigar, a shop manager in Muscat, regularly buys tickets for the monthly grand prize draw with one of his closest friends – and the pair won on February 3.

Mr Shettigar, 33, who is from Udyavar in Udupi district of the southern state of Karnataka and has lived in the Omani capital for eight years, said he was left speechless after learning of his success.

“When I first moved to Muscat, many of my colleagues were purchasing Big Ticket, which encouraged me to give it a try,” he said.

“I started buying tickets on my own, and later began sharing tickets with a close friend. The ticket that brought me this win was one we purchased together.”

“Like most people, I receive a lot of spam calls, and I was fully absorbed in my work as well. I knew the live draw was taking place tonight, but I never imagined my name would be announced,” he said.

“When I realised it was real and that I had won, I was honestly speechless. It still hasn’t fully sunk in, but I’m extremely happy.”

Mr Shettigar is not sure how he will spend his share of the money, but encouraged others to take part.

“This win was completely unexpected, so I want to take some time to think things through before deciding what to do next,” he said.

“I would definitely encourage others to participate with Big Ticket, whether with family or friends – you never know when your moment might come.”

The Big Ticket was established in 1992 with an initial first prize of Dh1 million. It is one of the most popular monthly raffles in the UAE.

It has transformed the lives of many people across the Emirates and beyond.

Entry to the Big Ticket Millionaire is Dh500. Tickets can be bought online or at counters at Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Airport.

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