No money to fight by-polls, says Deve Gowda

Bangalore, Jul 31: Former Prime Minister and JDS chief H D Devegowda today said he has suggested to the party state leadership not to field any candidates for the August 21 by-elections to three assembly seats in the state, saying his party was not in a sound financial position.

He however clarified that his party would neither support BJP nor Congress in the elections.

By-elections to three seats are being held after sitting MLAs B S Yeddyurappa (Shikaripur), Prakash Hukkeri (Chikkodi-Sadalga) and B Sriramulu (Bellary) vacated them, consequent to their election to Lok Sabha.

Stating that the party is not in a financially sound position to fight polls against Congress and BJP who are in power in the state and the Centre respectively, Gowda told reporters, "I have suggested not to field candidates in this by-election."

He said his suggestion of not fielding candidates does not mean the party will support any other political party.

Stating that emphasis will be given towards strengthening the party from the base level, he said a meeting of loyal party workers will be held here in August.

However, Gowda's son and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who was present, said the party leadership has expressed its opinion but there is pressure from party workers to field candidates. A decision will be taken in this regard after discussing with local leaders of the party.

BJP has fielded B Y Raghavendra (Shikaripur), Mahantesh Kavatagimath (Chikkodi-Sadalga) and Oblesh (Bellary) as its candidates, while Congress is yet to finalise its list.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

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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