HDK alleges BJP-Cong collusion to 'finish off' Dalit IPS officer

News Network
May 11, 2022

Bengaluru, May 11: In yet another setback to the ruling BJP, the resignation by senior IPS officer P Ravindranath protesting his transfer, has taken a political turn.

Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday alleged that the ruling BJP and Opposition Congress have come together to finish off an upright Dalit IPS officer.

The senior IPS officer had been transferred within 10 days of issuance of notice to a retired IPS officer, who is facing an allegation of submission of a fake caste certificate. "This episode clearly shows that the ruling BJP is working under whose instructions," he charged without taking the name of Opposition leader Siddaramaiah.

Ravindranath had issued a notice to retired IPS officer Kempaiah, regarding allegations of submission of false caste certificate at the time of joining UPSC services. Kempaiah, worked as the advisor of the Home Department to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his tenure as the CM.

P. Ravindranath, known as an upright officer, working as the DGP of Karnataka Police Training Academy had submitted his resignation recently.

The move by the ruling BJP government to transfer him from the post at a crucial juncture of inquiry of Kempaiah led to suspicions.

Kumaraswamy further stated that there was an internal understanding between the ruling BJP and the Congress. This is a conspiracy to finish off an honest Dalit IPS officer, he charged.

Kumaraswamy while stressing that his resignation should not be accepted, stated that he had submitted resignation in the backdrop of the state government obstructing his duty and then transferring him.

"Ravindranath was trying to catch those who had submitted fake caste certificates and gotten into public service, committing a fraud to the government and society.

"What is the necessity for the BJP to support a retired IPS officer close to Opposition leader. Is it a sort of paying back for helping the BJP to attain power?" Kumaraswamy asked.

Kumaraswamy underlined that the development is a great threat to honest officers in the state.

The JD(S) has all along been making the allegation that Siddaramaiah helped the BJP to attain power by ensuring the collapse of JD(S) and the Congress coalition government in Karnataka. However, Siddaramaiah has vehemently denied this.

Ravindranath resigned Tuesday alleging harassment and caste vendetta. In his resignation letter, he wrote, "I am pained to observe the opacity shown by Karnataka Chief Secretary P. Ravikumar when I requested him to issue government order to set up protection cell as per rules of SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules 1995.

"I am prematurely transferred without any public interest just to harass me since I have taken legal action against people involved in the fake caste certificate issue." 
 

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News Network
November 22,2025

The Karnataka government has announced a 50% rebate on pending traffic and transport fines. The discount is available from November 21 to December 12.

The rebate applies to all traffic e-challans and violation cases booked by the RTO between 1991–92 and 2019–20. Officials clarified that the offer is not applicable to pending tax dues and is restricted only to traffic-violation fines.

Across Karnataka, more than 4 lakh RTO cases remain pending, including those involving transport vehicles. While thousands of vehicle owners have already cleared their dues, the department expects to generate substantial revenue through this limited-period rebate.

How to Pay and Avail the Discount

There are three ways to check and pay your pending fines:

1. Through Mobile Apps
Available on both Play Store and App Store:
•    Karnataka State Police (KSP) app
•    KarnatakaOne app
•    ASTraM app

Steps:
•    Enter your vehicle number in any of the above apps
•    Verify the photo/details of your vehicle
•    Pay the fine with the 50% discount applied

2. Visit a Traffic Police Station

You can pay your pending fine at any nearby traffic police station.

3. Visit the Traffic Management Centre (TMC)

•    Location: First Floor, Infantry Road, near Indian Express, Bengaluru

Transport Commissioner Yogeesh A M said, “We don't issue e-challans, so there's no online payment system.”

The department estimates ₹52 crore in pending RTO fines up to March 2020. “With the 50% rebate, we expect to collect around ₹25 crore if all dues are cleared,” he added.

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News Network
November 27,2025

siddDKS.jpg

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday announced that he will convene a high-level meeting in New Delhi with senior leaders — including Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar — to resolve the escalating leadership turmoil in Karnataka and “put an end to the confusion.”

Kharge said the discussions would focus on the way forward for the ruling party, as rumours of a possible leadership change continue to swirl. The speculation has intensified after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, reviving talk of an alleged 2023 “power-sharing agreement” between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

“After reaching Delhi, I will call three or four important leaders and hold discussions. Once we talk, we will decide how to move ahead and end this confusion,” Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru, according to PTI.

When asked specifically about calling Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to Delhi, he responded: “Certainly, we should call them. We will discuss with them and settle the issue.”

He confirmed that Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and other senior members would be part of the deliberations. “After discussing with everyone, a decision will be made,” he said.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah held a separate strategy meeting at his Bengaluru residence with ministers and leaders seen as his close confidants, including G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H.C. Mahadevappa, K. Venkatesh and K.N. Rajanna.
Signalling calm, the Chief Minister told reporters, “Will go to Delhi if the high command calls.”

Shivakumar echoed a similar stance, saying he too would head to the national capital if summoned by the party leadership.

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News Network
December 3,2025

arrival.jpg

Mangaluru, Dec 3: A group of Congress workers gathered at the Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday to welcome AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, but the reception quickly turned into a display of support for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Venugopal arrived in the city to participate in the centenary commemoration of the historic dialogue between Mahatma Gandhi and Narayana Guru. The event, organised by the Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, in association with the Mangalore University Sri Narayana Guru Study Chair, is being held on the university’s Konaje campus.

KPCC general secretary Mithun Rai and several party workers had assembled at the airport to receive Venugopal. However, the moment he stepped out, workers began raising slogans backing Shivakumar.

The university programme will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

This show of support comes just a day after Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar would lead the government “when the high command decides.” The chief minister made the comment after a breakfast meeting at Shivakumar’s residence—another public display of camaraderie between the two leaders amid ongoing attempts by the party high command to downplay their leadership rivalry.

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