Karnataka poll: trouble erupts in Congress over candidates

[email protected] (News Network)
April 2, 2013
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Bangalore, Apr 2: Yet to finalise its candidates for the May 5 assembly polls, the Congress in Karnataka is being threatened with dissidence with supporters and opponents of probables holding demonstrations at the party office here.

The demonstrations started Monday and continued Tuesday with indications that the situation in the party would worsen once the candidates for 224 constituencies are announced in the next few days. The 225-member assembly has one nominated member.

The party Sunday faced the embarrassment of several of its women leaders staging a sit-in outside Congress president Sonia Gandhi's residence in New Delhi, demanding that more women be fielded in the polls.

The party is likely to come out with the first list of candidates April 5, ending an exercise, on for weeks, to pick winnable nominees while balancing equations based on caste, religion, region and kinship.

"Our first list should be out April 5," said state Congress president G. Parameshwara, who returned to Bangalore late Sunday after a week of hectic parleys in New Delhi to draw up the list of names for final approval by Gandhi.

Nominations open April 10 and close April 17. Vote count is slated for May 8.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing a different kind of problem in selecting candidates as desertion from its ranks continues.

About 14 of its legislators have quit the assembly or legislative council and also the party to join the Karnataka Janata Party headed by former BJP leader B.S. Yeddyurappa.

On Monday, one more BJP legislative council member, Mohan Limbikai, quit the council and the party to join the KJP. Some more assembly and council members may quit the BJP in the next few days.

However, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar told reporters here Tuesday that the party would release the first list of candidates April 5 when the BJP parliamentary board is scheduled to meet in New Delhi to give its final approval.

The third major party, Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), claims it has finalised the names of its candidate but would release the list  next week, giving rise to speculation that the party is waiting for the Congress and the BJP to come out their lists first.

JD-S state president and former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, however, has denied this was the reason for not releasing the list. "It is a strategy," he has claimed.

Yeddyurappa, who has declared that his main goal is to wipe out the BJP in the state, has already released the names of KJP candidates for about 120 seats.

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December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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